Ashtabula River Strike Team Specialist

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus  to learn more.                                                   

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
 

The Nature Conservancy together with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft - Scenic Rivers Program and the Ashtabula County Soil and Water Conservation District will implement a project funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to prevent, reduce, and eliminate non-native invasive plants in the Ashtabula River watershed through an integrated approach focused on the Ashtabula River main stem, the east and west branches of the river and priority tributaries and wetlands. Strategies will include early detection and rapid response; targeting threats at their source; and aid to on-going partner management projects within the watershed. The Ashtabula River Strike Team Specialist is a full time, short-term position (approximately 2 months from starting date) that, along with other team members, will implement all aspects of the project’s field work and strategies under the supervision of the Ashtabula River Project Manager. The Ashtabula River Strike Team Specialist does not supervise other staff or volunteers, but will work cooperatively with other team members and project partners.
 

The Ashtabula River Strike Team Specialist is a 2-month position of the ‘Invasive Plant Control, Ashtabula River Watershed’ grant project funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The Strike Team Specialist will be employed by The Nature Conservancy and work closely with project partners to survey and manage invasive species throughout priority areas of the Ashtabula River watershed including the main stem, the east and west branches and high quality tributaries and wetlands. Strike team members will be working almost exclusively in the field to carry out all on-the-ground activities specified in the grant project. These activities include controlling invasive, non-native plant species through herbicide and mechanical applications, use of GPS and related devices, record keeping, and canoeing. He/she will be responsible for equipment preparation, use, and maintenance, accurate record keeping, and other responsibilities as assigned. This may include one or more of the following functions:

• Use chemical and manual methods to control invasive, non-native plant species.
• Use GPS to identify and record non-native, invasive species’ presence and locations in rivers, streams and wetlands.
• Use and maintain GPS, herbicide-related equipment and canoes.
• Navigate through preserves, rivers and natural areas with map and compass.
• Use of Argo amphibious vehicle in water and on land.

• High school diploma and 1 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Experience performing physical work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and 1-2 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Work with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize plant species as required to perform invasive species management activities.
• Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; Argo amphibious vehicle, herbicide sprayers, hand tools, loppers, brush cutters, two-way radio, etc.)
• Ability to follow instructions from supervisor and colleagues
• Ability to perform physical work, often under adverse conditions or in inclement weather 
• Valid driver’s license
• Use of computers with Microsoft software applications and accessing the internet.
• Use of hand-held GPS devices to record data and use of database systems for maintaining field records.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Ashtabula River Strike Team Specialist may often work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• require use of herbicide chemicals on daily basis
• require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present frequent possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings
• require working directly in water on daily basis
• require working in areas where biting and stinging insects may occur
• require working in areas where poison ivy and poison sumac may occur, sometimes densely

This is a short-term, full-time position with employment duration through September 30, 2014.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program.  Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."  Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers. 

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
 

To apply to position number 42304, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 23, 2014.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.