Natural Areas Specialist Portage Park District

Portage County Ohio • Ravenna, OH

8d • $12 - $20

About The Position

This is a skilled position within the Park District which performs in all areas of the Natural Areas stewardship program, including but not limited to: natural resource management, monitoring, protection, and inventory, as well as invasive plant control, mapping, equipment maintenance, cleaning and other duties necessary for the stewardship of natural areas.

Requirements

• Current or past enrollment in environmental/conservation/biological sciences studies or completion of such course work is required.
• Applicants must possess a demonstrated knowledge of local flora, fauna and natural history, and have the ability to use equipment, tools, computers, and technologies necessary to complete tasks for the stewardship, protection, and maintenance of natural areas.
• Completion of the Trained Service Persons manual is required, minimally.
• Interest in and support of the Portage Park District mission
• Sufficient familiarity with or knowledge of invasive species identification and control, pesticide application, prescribed burning, trail maintenance and public-use monitoring.
• Sufficient ability to read maps and use field guides and related digital applications to identify and map local flora, fauna and habitats.
• Adequate to advanced abilities with personal computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Sufficient ability to use or learn the of use global positioning systems (GPS) or mobile applications to collect data and navigate terrain.
• Sufficient to advanced skills in oral and written communication, organization and problem solving; ability to interact with the public and represent Portage Park District in a positive and professional manner
• Ability to guide and work with volunteers and temporary employees cooperatively and productively.
• Knowledge of or experience in the proper and safe use of vehicles, tools and equipment related to stewardship, including: 4x4 pickup truck and trailer, tractor with front-end loader, chainsaws, mowers, pesticide sprayers, hand tools and power tools.
• A pre-employment Background Check and Drug Test are required

Nice To Haves

• Possession of Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator License is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assists with all aspects and duties related to natural resource management and stewardship; duties mainly focused on but not limited to monitoring, restoring, and maintaining forest, meadow, and other natural plant communities, including monitoring and controlling invasive plants.
• Assist Natural Areas Stewards with natural resource inventories, management tasks and projects.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain equipment and supplies related to natural areas stewardship tasks.
• Assist and accommodate staff, researchers and students from partner agencies and academia in the completion of ecological projects and research.
• Assist other park staff and departments as directed to complete other tasks, projects and events necessary for the operation of Portage Park District.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed