Title: Conservation Technician I
Supervisor: Senior Ecological Services Manager
Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt, Regular
Schedule: Typically, M-Th (9hr days) Fri half-day (4hr)
Occasional evenings or weekends, as needed
Compensation: $13-14/hour, dependent on experience
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Simple IRA with 3% match, Employee Assistance Program, and more
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
Job Summary:
Conservation Technicians are responsible for carrying out ecological stewardship work at KNC and off-site with clients of the Ecological Services Program. Field work may include woody shrub and tree management, herbaceous invasive species control, use of hand tools and mechanical equipment (chainsaws, brush cutters, augers, etc.), occasional use of heavier equipment (tractor, skid steer, brush hog, etc.), biological surveys, responsible use of herbicides, prescribed fire, native plug/seed planting, tree planting, trail maintenance, and similar activities.
This is primarily a field-based position performing field labor in often arduous conditions in all weather for up to 10 hours a day. During the off-season and/or at other times as needed, technicians will assist in a variety of tasks and activities to support the functioning of the KNC Conservation Stewardship Department. These activities may include assisting with equipment inventories and maintenance, supporting research activities, data entry, project planning, volunteer management, or other relevant support tasks, as necessary.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Follow and enforce all safety measures.
- Maintain excellent communication with supervisor and other staff.
- Work in the field with other technicians, seasonal crew members, staff, and field volunteers.
- Maintain and keep records on field activities, vehicles, equipment, and supplies.
- Assist with other duties to advance the mission and stewardship goals of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, including all-staff workdays and events.
- Comply with all KNC staff policies.
Required skills and abilities:
- Ability to work successfully and dependably as team member and in a self-directed capacity.
- Willing to work with herbicides and obtain a State of Michigan Pesticide Applicator’s License.
- Willing to advance KNC’s equity, inclusion, and diversity goals.
- Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule with occasional odd hours and time out of town.
- A valid driver’s license and willingness to drive trucks, trailers, and other equipment.
- A reliable vehicle for driving to project work sites if needed. (Mileage will be reimbursed.)
- Must pass pre-employment background check
- Ability to meet U.S. Drug-Free Workplace standards, as required for grant-based activities.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to function well in an energetic, fast-paced, and at times stressful environment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Prior experience with natural areas management including plant/plant community identification, invasive species management, and experience with power equipment, tools, and herbicides.
- Ability to drive and operate trucks with trailers and load/unload trailers or able to learn.
- Ability to operate 4WD vehicles on off-road terrain safely or able to learn.
- Prior experience with heavy machinery, chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide equipment, etc.
- Able to key out and identify unknown plant species.
- National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Wildland Firefighter Type 2 training (S130, S190).
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in difficult outdoor terrain year-round, under adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to safely remain committed and motivated for up to 10 hours of physical work.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.