Invasive Plant Technician I

Cleveland Metroparks • Parma, OH

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Works on invasive plant control team as part of intensive habitat restoration program at Cleveland Metroparks. Reports to Invasive Plant Coordinator at West Creek Management Center. Positions will work in reservations across entire Park District. In addition to the general job requirements, the invasive plant management technicians must be able to use hand tools such as loppers, pruning shears, and forestry brushcutters, and carry 40-pound packs for up to 8 hours per day. Candidates will typically have some relevant coursework, little to modest field experience but must have an aptitude and interest in learning the job.

Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• One or more years of college-level coursework in natural sciences (biology, ecology geology, etc.), forestry, wildlife management, environmental science or related field.  Energy and enthusiasm for field work, prior field/outdoor work experience (including personal recreation or volunteer work) is encouraged.
• Genuine interest in learning about plants.
• 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).
• Energy and enthusiasm for field work.
• Responsible attitude and work ethic.
• Positive disposition and ability to communicate and work well with a diverse team.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.

Nice To Haves

• GIS experience, data entry, report writing, and data quality control skills preferred.

Responsibilities

• Controlling invasive species via mechanical removal or selective chemical control.
• Electronic recordkeeping, GPS mapping, and GIS data entry (using QGIS software).
• Cleaning, maintenance, and repair of hand tools, backpack sprayers, and other equipment.
• Participation in training sessions regarding invasive plant removal techniques; hand tool safety; pesticide safety; pesticide handling and equipment usage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees