Invasive Species Technician

Camp Shelby, Mississipi (MS)

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 Invasive Species Technician  works closely with conservation and science staff to research and gather data relating to the creation of conservation planning in order to identify priorities and direct the implementation of conservation actions.  This may include some or all of the following:

• Gathers and synthesizes data relating to conservation implementation and/or activities.
• Creates conservation plans to identify priorities and direct the implementation of conservation actions

POSITION SPECFIC FUNCTIONS

The Invasive Species Technician  applies management techniques for the control of invasive species, evaluates the effects of management techniques and monitors invasive species occurrences on the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center (CSJFTC).  In addition, s/he assists with botanical surveys and vegetation/habitat monitoring projects associated with rare and endangered species on the CSJFTC and TNC lands.

POSITION SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

• Evaluates management techniques for the control of invasive species and prioritizes treatment areas for upcoming seasons on Camp Shelby.
• Coordinates with contract labor for the control of cogongrass on Camp Shelby.
• Applies herbicides and other land management techniques as requested by the Mississippi Military Department (MMD).
• Complies with federal and state regulations and environmental assessments for the control of invasive species.  Ensures contract labor follow the requirements.
• Monitors invasive species occurrences on Camp Shelby using GPS equipment.
• Uses ArcGIS to create maps relevant to specific projects and reports.
• Manages the invasive species geodatabase following MMD standards.
• Performs data entry, analysis and interpretation of projects.
• Writes the appropriate section of the annual report.  Writes other reports related to projects.
• Assists with monitoring and research projects associated with Louisiana quillwort populations on Camp Shelby. Assists with other botanical surveys and habitat monitoring. Including, but not limited to invasive species and rare plants.
• May occasionally assist with gopher tortoise, black pine snake and other rare herpetological projects.
• Assists with prescribed burns on Department of Defense (DoD) and TNC lands.
• Maintains all equipment to ensure they are in proper working order and are compliant with laws and regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience utilizing GIS software and data to create maps.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software. 
• Experience managing databases and producing reports.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and managing timeframes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in science-related field and 1-2 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Bachelor of Science degree in botany/plant sciences, ecology, biology or natural sciences, prior field experience, strong botanical and plant community knowledge preferred.
• Knowledge of herbicide application and invasive species management techniques.  Knowledge of cogongrass management preferred.
• Knowledge of southeastern flora preferred.
• Familiarity with GIS, including ability to utilize data to create appropriate maps.  Knowledge of ArcGIS and Trimble GPS units preferred.
• Database management skills including report production.
• Analyzing, manipulating, and interpreting data, including statistics.
• Ability to pass and maintain federal and state pest management certification requirements.
• Ability to meet minimum TNC annual training and health requirements for prescribed burning at the arduous training level (3 miles, carrying 45 lbs. in 45 minutes or less) within 6 months of hire.   Current certification as Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) and prior experience with prescribed burning preferred, but not required.  NWCG Basic Firefighter (S-130/190, I-100, L-180 and arduous pack test) will be required in the case of no current certification as FFT2.
• Ability to safely operate and haul equipment such as UTVs and ATVs.  Familiarity with a variety of electrical and fuel powered tools and must be able to operate these tools safely.  Must follow safety guidelines and precautions specified for work and vehicle operation.
• Willingness to work in a military environment.
• Mandatory coordination with Range Control in an environment with poisonous plants and snakes, ticks, unexploded ordinance and restricted access areas.
• A valid driver’s license and safe driving record for operating a TNC owned or leased vehicle.  In addition, current insurance and registration of a personal vehicle available for reporting to work at Camp Shelby.
• Coordinating information from multiple sources into databases including data entry and report production.
• Completing tasks independently within assigned timeframes.
• Managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
• Performing administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Invasive Species Technician  may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.  These conditions may:

• require physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings

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 42204, 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 June 17, 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.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.