Natural Resources Conservation Assistant

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Natural Resources Conservation Assistant

.

POSITION GOAL:To promote conservation of natural resources by assisting with removal of invasive species through mechanical and chemical treatments, assisting with prescribed fire operations, and native seed production. Natural Resources crew members will assist with implementing restoration management within Metroparks and on Metroparks properties.

CLASSIFICATION: Hourly, Seasonal, Non-exempt

COMPENSATION: $9.25 per hour. 25 cents per hour increase after 30 days. Employer and employee contribute to Public Employees Retirement System.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Alternates to the following position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Education:High School Diploma or equivalent; some training or coursework in environmental sciences or natural resources management preferred.

Experience:Some outdoor work experience with natural systems, forestry or horticulture preferred.

Behavioral Characteristics

  • Commitment to fulfilling work responsibilities in a reliable and timely manner.
  • Willingness to learn and put to use new skills and knowledge.
  • Dependable with a high degree of integrity.
  • Able to work effectively with minimal supervision.
  • Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
  • Always treats people with respect and consideration without regard to race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion, social or economic status, etc.
  • Ability to be flexible in daily operations, adjusting to changing conditions and solving problems.
  • Appreciation for nature and environmental preservation.
  • Demonstrates appropriate level of responsibility for safe use of equipment; avoids damage or loss of resources through negligence or recklessness

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
  • Some knowledge of the operating procedures for power equipment such as chain saws, mowers, wood chippers, and blowers; ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete management activities.
  • Some knowledge of natural systems and conservation practices.
  • Ability to communicate well with others.
  • Able to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions from supervisor and colleagues.
  • Able to use logical and creative thought processes to solve problems.
  • Willingness to support Metroparks mission, operating principles, goals and objectives.
  • Ability to get along well with others and work as a part of a team.
  • Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with speed and accuracy under the pressure of deadlines.
  • Ability to successfully complete chainsaw training and obtain Qualified Sawyer Certification provided by Metroparks.
  • Basic computer operation with knowledge of common computer software programs and ability to perform data entry.
  • Able to read maps and learn to operate GPS equipment.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

  • Work schedule: Up to 40 hours per week; will require one weekend day per week.
  • Length of employment varies from March through December based on need.
  • Extensive outdoor physical labor exposed to climate extremes, inclement weather, forest fires and/or herbicides;
  • May require constant lifting up to 50 lb., frequent lifting up to 75 lb. and occasional lifting over 75 lb. with assistance. Must be able to move about off trail over uneven ground and in wooded areas while carrying equipment.
  • Work locations: May be assigned to Oak Openings, Blue Creek, Pearson or Secor Metropark. May be required to travel to any park in LucasCounty.

REPORTS TO: Natural Resources Manager, Natural Resources Supervisor, Seed Nursery Crew Leader or Land Management/Natural Resources Crew Leader

DIRECT REPORTS: None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include any of the following:

  • Perform natural resources restoration work including removal/control of invasive plants and dead and dying trees, brush removal, wood chipping and environmental clean up.
  • Perform basic tree felling activities (less than 12” diameter); cut trees and brush using chain saws.
  • Perform routine maintenance on power equipment, wood chipper and vehicles.
  • Work as a burn crew member on ecological prescribed burns, assisting in prescribed fire operations.
  • Purchase materials with supervisor approval.
  • Safely drive park vehicles between work assignments and on park trails and roadways.
  • Operate equipment such as ATV’s, tractors, and dump trucks.
  • Control invasive species by applying pesticides and herbicides to specific identified plant species under the supervision of a licensed applicator.
  • Field maintenance and seed production including weeding, irrigation, seed collection, seed processing, harvesting and storage.
  • Plant propagation.
  • Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment used in management activities.
  • Collect workday data and enter in restoration activity database through Trimble data logger and/or computerized database.
  • Comply with all safety rules and regulations.
  • Guide new employees in similar types of positions on the performance of certain tasks by demonstration and providing information.
  • Keep supervisor or designee fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, present and potential work problems.
  • Attend trainings, meetings, and workshops to learn new skills and keep up to date on Metropark communication.
  • Respond to customer questions, comments and suggestion in a courteous and timely manner.
  • Maintain proper work appearance.
  • Use computer with common software applications to send and receive email communication and enter data into database.
  • Other Park District duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED: Service and utility vehicles, mowers, power and hand tools, safety equipment, tractors, tillers, trailers, chainsaws, wood chippers and herbicide application equipment, computers, GPS equipment.

The Metropark District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All inquiries should be addressed to: Human Resources

Metroparks of the Toledo Area

5100 West Central Avenue

Toledo, Ohio43615-2100

TS/cm

10/8/2014

Clerical/natural resources conser. Asst. 14

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