Seasonal Habitat Maintenance Technician

The Trustees of Reservations • Williamsburg, MA

7d • $19 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Seasonal Habitat Maintenance Technician will support the Ecology and Climate team to maintain priority natural habitats across Trustees properties with a focus on invasive plant control. Other activities may include installation of restoration plantings, vegetation assessments, and mapping.
The Seasonal Habitat Maintenance Technician performs a suite of duties including herbicide application directly related to managing habitats and ecological resources including grasslands, early successional habitat (shrublands), fire-adapted habitats, exemplary natural community types and rare species habitat. The position requires daily travel throughout the eastern half of the state. While the position is based on 40 hours per week, due to the demands of seasonal fieldwork, unpredictable weather, and occasional overnight stays near field sites, a flexible schedule is required. The Habitat Maintenance Seasonal Technician primarily works with and under the direction of the Habitat Steward to support the Program’s priority management goals statewide.

Requirements

• Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator (CORE) License or willingness to obtain.
• Experience with habitat management, natural resources management, horticulture or similar experience.
• A valid driver's license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
• The ability to work outdoors daily, and at times, under rigorous conditions and perform physically strenuous duties including traversing steep slopes with a backpack sprayer.
• The ability to lift /carry 50 pounds.
• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to identify common invasive plants.
• Personal interest in botany and plant identification.
• Knowledge of invasive plant control methods including herbicide applications.
• The desire to take initiative and solve problems.
• Strong communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite of applications

Responsibilities

• Control invasive plant species within priority habitats primarily with the use of herbicide but also by mechanical means (cutting, pulling, etc).
• Conduct other habitat management activities such as vegetation assessment, planting, watering, and project maintenance.
• Support the Habitat Steward in maintaining priority habitats that require routine maintenance or restoration including but not limited to grasslands and early successional habitats.
• Maintain current Pesticide Applicator CORE License
• Use and maintain tools and herbicide equipment to achieve the above functions (e.g., mix, clean, etc.), following safety standards and BMPs.
• Use GPS to document habitat management.
• Assess success of management actions through vegetation surveys, photo-documentation, and other methods.
• Communicate effectively with Trustees staff and visitors on management actions.

Benefits

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees