Invasive Plant Management Lead

Cleveland Metroparks • Parma, OH

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Invasive Plant Management Lead works on invasive plant control team as part of intensive habitat restoration programs at Cleveland Metroparks. The Invasive Plant Management Lead reports to the Invasive Plant Coordinator at West Creek Management Center. This position works in reservations across entire Park District. Housing may be available. The Invasive Plant Management Lead must be able to utilize hand tools such as loppers, pruning shears, and forestry brush cutters, and carry 40-pound packs for up to 8 hours per day. Preference will be given to those with previous experience with pesticide application, mixing chemicals, and pesticide certification. Comfort working individually and independently is a must.

Requirements

• Significant progress, usually three years or more, towards a related college undergraduate degree, or progress toward a graduate degree, in natural resources, natural sciences, i.e., biology, geology, hydrology, etc., forestry, wildlife management, environmental science or related field, or equivalent. Or more than one year natural resource management or research experience required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Prior relevant work experience such as invasive plant management or one or more field seasons of small crew work.
• Effective at leading and motivating small groups.
• Excellent observation and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated knowledge of plant identification and invasive plant management.
• Detail-oriented and focused on accuracy and quality control.
• Crew Leader must obtain and/or maintain an herbicide applicator’s license.
• Knowledge and practical outdoor work experience including plant, insect, mammal, or bird identification skills, farming, forestry, hydrology, aquatic ecology or a strong desire and aptitude to develop these skills. For research related positions, knowledge and experience in research methods is desirable.
• Ability to read maps, follow written directions, and navigate through forest or wetland areas.
• Experience in computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and/or GIS and GPS and associated hardware is desirable.
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles daily through challenging terrain including heavy vegetation, wetlands, and steep slopes.
• Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to work outdoors and tolerate the climate and conditions of natural areas typical of northeast Ohio (including heat, humidity, poison ivy, and biting/stinging insects).
• Demonstrated field experience and knowledge of natural resource conservation practices and procedures preferred.
• Demonstrated responsible attitude and work ethic.
• Positive disposition and ability to work well with a diverse team.
• Communicates well and continually updates co-workers and supervisor of progress and problems.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Ability to perform with independence and initiative as well as to supervise field staff.
• Willing to work a varying schedule including occasional weekends and evenings.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Invasive Plant Coordinator to plan the weekly field and maintenance schedule
• Leads field treatment with or without direct supervision of Invasive Plant Coordinator
• Supports crew members through training and demonstration of proper management methods
• Ensures areas are fully assessed and treated, and crew is working safely and effectively
• Assigns and shares daily and weekly crew chores, ensures that work logs are completed
• Verifies accuracy and completeness of treatment records and maps
• Inputs and edits GIS shapefiles using QGIS Software
• With IP Coordinator, ensures that equipment is maintained, and repair parts are ordered
• Verifies that all electronic files are downloaded and correctly labeled

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees