Conservation Technician jobs in South Bend, IN

Program Dates: 05/13/2024 – 09/27/2024

About us:
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces across the country.

Program Description:
Davey Resource Group, South Bend, IN office is seeking 3 motivated SCA members to assist management of natural resources for government, utility, commercial and not-for-profit clients.
Overall duties of members encompass inspecting, managing, and maintaining a wide range of habitats, both natural and disturbed. Daily tasks include invasive species control, native seed installation, native plug planting, tree/shrub installation, urban forestry & field data collection or other tasks related to habitat restoration. Crew members will work under the direction of Davey Site Managers to provide government, utility, commercial, and not-for-profit clients with the services and solutions needed to manage natural resources efficiently and effectively, comply with policies, and obtain regulatory permits. Members will receive on the ground training in how to use a variety of tools, specialized equipment, how to safety apply herbicide, and gain exposure to a variety of careers within Davey. Members will also have the opportunity to participate in environmental education and professional development workshops/trainings, and the opportunity to travel for special tree planting projects in Michigan.

Life in the field in rugged. Members should expect to pack lunches and suffiecent water with them daily. Members can expect to work in a range of weather conditions and should plan accordingly for each day. members will be expected to advocate for any consideration they may need and should expect to work in a varity fo terrain ranging from flat and dry to hilly and wet.

Project Work Summary: Plant ID, Various IVC techniques, including backpack spraying; Safety Tailgates/Topics, small equipment operation, monitoring & reporting techniques

OVERNIGHT TRAVEL - Novi, MI - 4 nights away
This team will have the opportunity to assist DRG Novi, Michigan team in forestry project for MDOT. The crew will assist the Michigan DRG in office with summer maintenance of newly planted trees. Lodging, meals, and other relevant expenses for the hitch will be provided by Davey Resource Group. This project is a continuation of MDOT tree planting project. Overnight hitch will tentatively be for one week in June and possibly another week in July or August. Hitches will never exceed one week. Members will be expected to stay four nights Monday – Thursday and return Friday.

This position is ideal for someone with a can-do handle field work, who can solve problems and function independently and working in team settings. We're looking for someone who is willing to work hard, and who can get the job done safely. Experienced candidates are highly encouraged to apply to this position. This position is a good match for someone interested in pursuing a career in land management or other conservation related field.

Program Dates:

May 13th - September 27th, 2024
10 hrs/day, 40 hrs/week: Monday-Thursday, 7 AM to 5 PM for 20 weeks. There may be the option to work overtime, up to 5 hours per week.
Training Dates:May 13th - 17th, 2023 8 AM - 3 PM (mandatory paid training with SCA and DRG)

Location:

Members are expected to be able to meet at the Davey Resource Group South Bend office every morning (unless planned otherwise) at: 3605 Gagnon Street, South Bend, Indiana 46628

Member Qualifications:

• Reliable transportation to and from meeting location.
• Ability to perform field related work.
  • Ability to withstand the weather and being active on your feet while carrying a 20lbs backpack.
  • General knowledge of plant ID and Midwesterner ecology are preferred.
• Experience highly recommended.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Current ability to meet SCA's criminal background check standards.

Additional:

Current students are encouraged to apply, as well as those looking to get into the field of conservation. Reach out to lsawyers@thesca.org or clay.kushbach@davey.com

SCA is an EOE dedicated to workforce diversity.