The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
This is an ideal opportunity for college students interested in botany and/or ecological restoration to get field experience and learn about Michigan’s rarest plants and animals. This position will work closely with Nature Conservancy staff on natural areas restoration and management projects throughout Southeastern Michigan. Duties will include: native plant species collection, propagation and planting (60%), invasive species removal (30%), and miscellaneous other duties (10%). In addition to working with stewardship staff, the prairie/savanna restoration assistant may work with other volunteers. There are several Conservancy preserves in Southeast Michigan as well as privately owned properties on which the restoration assistant will work. There may also be opportunities for paid travel to work on restoration activities around the state. Travel to and from Tecumseh, Michigan will be required on a daily basis. Training on plant identification, equipment safety, hand tools, and herbicide application will be provided. On site housing may be provided if appropriate as part of the internship.
Upon acceptance the intern will be expected to set personal internship objectives related to the duties described above. These objectives will be approved by the Land Steward and will be monitored by Assistant Land Steward. Although the majority of duties will be carried out near Tecumseh, Michigan (45 minutes south of Ann Arbor), the applicant should expect to spend some time on other sites in southeast Michigan.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma and 6 months of related experience • Experience operating various types of equipment. • Experience performing physical work.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
JOB DUTIES: - Native seed collection, propagation and planting. - Removal of invasive plant species. - Participation in prescribed fire operations. - Repair and maintenance of Conservancy property including equipment, vehicles and preserves. - Assisting with biological inventory and monitoring. - Work in close cooperation with Land Steward and other project staff during this project.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: - Willingness to perform a minimum of 100 hours (12 days) of field work. - Ability to set a regular but flexible work schedule and show up on time. - Background in plant identification preferred. - Demonstrated experience in related fieldwork. - Willingness to apply herbicides under close supervision of certified personnel. - Ability to provide own transportation to and from the home base (Tecumseh, MI). - Desire to continue learning about biological diversity and ecological restoration.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: - Prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions. - Resolve day-to-day challenges within specific guidelines and parameters of position. - Complete multiple and varied assignments in a timely manner or under deadlines. - Track progress on tasks and perform follow-up as needed. - Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution. - Resolve routine problems independently. - Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: - Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines. - Prioritize work independently, working with supervisor as needed. - Make day-to-day decisions within scope of work assignments. - Consult with supervisor in event of any unusual circumstance, problem or question that affects the work of others or may have impact on the program as a whole.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY: - Supervises no staff but may help plan and direct the work of volunteers. - Limited financial responsibilities.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: - Work with and communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including other Conservancy staff, private landowners, and some partners, in order to complete project work and goals in a timely manner. - Communicate with internal and external contacts to seek or convey information and coordinate arrangements. - Formulate and clearly communicate ideas to others. Applicant may be asked to make presentations in a small group setting.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: - Work performed in a field setting sometimes in inclement (winter/summer) weather and harsh conditions. - Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. - Work requires physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Work may involve several disagreeable elements and/or exposure to job hazards where there is some possibility of injury. - Must be able to pass physical fitness test (test will be either “run” 1.5 miles under 11.5 minutes, or “pack” (walk) 3 miles under 45 minutes carrying a 45-lbs pack)
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit resume and cover letter to: Steve Woods at swoods@tnc.org
