POSITION SUMMARY
The Mid-Michigan CISMA Survey Technician works with the Coordinator to implement the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program survey and treatment objective for Michigan Watch List invasive species, which funds the position. Primary responsibilities include working as a team to survey natural areas, roadsides, and waterways in 4 counties for invasive plants. Other duties include creating maps, planning survey routes, data collection, working with private and public land owners, and engaging volunteers in the community.
COMPENSATION
The Mid-Michigan CISMA Survey Technician is a seasonal position, working up to 200 hours over a four month period between June 1st and September 30th. This position pays an hourly wage of $16-18/hour depending on experience. Seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits except those required by law.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Education or Equivalent
● High school diploma or General Education Development certificate required.
● College graduate or enrolled student with good performance in science coursework.
o Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, Botany or related coursework preferred.
● At least one season of field experience is preferred.
Related Work Experience
● Experience in southern mesic forest plant identification.
● Background in conservation biology, natural resources, fisheries & wildlife, environmental science, etc.
Skills
● Must be able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrain.
o Able to deal with insect pests and inclement weather.
● Must be able to navigate off trail or in the backcountry, doing transects, using a compass & map and/or GPS unit.
● Must be comfortable kayaking in urban and remote wilderness areas.
● Has interest and knowledge of plant identification and regional invasive species.
● Strong skills in organization and pattern recognition.
● Proven team-player AND self-motivated worker.
● Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
● Proficient in use of Google Workspace applications such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Meet, and Chat.
● Proficient knowledge of ArcGIS and GPS unit manipulation preferred.
Other
● Able to work flexible hours.
● Must maintain a valid driver’s license and possess a (registered, insured) vehicle for use during work hours (approved mileage will be reimbursed).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Woldumar Nature Association’s office is located in Lansing, MI. The Survey Technician will frequently be in the field surveying for terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant species throughout Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Ionia counties. Field work may involve traversing uneven, boggy, and submerged terrain in wide ranges of temperatures and weather, in areas with insect pests, and may require lifting equipment and materials of up to 40 pounds. Must have a willingness to travel within a four-county service area. The employer will provide necessary field gear such as rubber muck boots, full length waders, a kayak and kayak safety gear and personal protective equipment.
PREFERRED START DATE
ASAP – A mutually agreeable start date will be determined during the interview process, however, as this is a time-limited position, the sooner the better!
TO APPLY
Pleaseemail a resume and cover letter stating your suitability for the position based on required knowledge and skills to the Executive Director of Woldumar, Kevin Wernet, at [email protected]. The application can be found on the Woldumar Nature Association website, Woldumar.org/employment-opportunities.php. Preapplication inquiries are welcome and encouraged.
The Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (MMCISMA) is a collaboration of over 30 highly motivated and respected organizations in the region, with Woldumar Nature Association as its fiduciary. MMCISMA’s mission is to protect, enhance, and promote mid-Michigan's natural communities through terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant management, education and outreach. Its service area includes Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Ionia counties. More information about MMCISMA can be found at Woldumar.org/mmcisma. More information about Woldumar Nature Association can be found at Woldumar.org.
This project is funded in part by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program which is a collaborative effort of the Michigan Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Environment, Great Lakes & Energy. (Michigan.gov/Invasives).
The Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area and its fiduciary Woldumar Nature Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
The Woldumar Nature Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission “to educate people about the natural environment.” Since 1963, Woldumar has been a resource for area schools, families, and the entire Greater Lansing Community, offering seasonal day camps, field study, and educational community events. We serve over 6000 students each year. Woldumar protects and restores over 180 acres of ecologically significant green space in southwest Lansing. A working farm before it was generously donated by Gladys Olds Anderson, the property now boasts prairie, pine forest, wetlands, and hardwood forest, bounded by over 1.5 miles of Grand River shoreline. Five miles of hiking trails are open daily to the public. A community of association members, volunteers, and individual and corporate program sponsors help keep this tremendous local resource available. The nature center is a popular venue for weddings, meetings and conferences, birthday parties, and other social events which help raise funds to support our nonprofit mission. Woldumar is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership, and operated by a small year-round staff currently consisting of an Executive Director, Program Director, Hospitality Manager and Groundskeeper. During an exciting time of growth for the organization, we strive to continue engaging more people in our existing programs while diversifying our offerings to reach new communities.
Our Values:
● We deeply care for Woldumar and our community.
● We act with compassion, respect, and integrity.
● We are passionate about the conservation of nature and committed to the fulfillment of our mission.
● We effectively collaborate with each other and our community.
Our Guiding Principles:
● Woldumar is nature for all.
● Woldumar is a cause and a community that inspires, empowers, and promotes well-being. ● Woldumar is dedicated to the stewardship and preservation of our resources.
Our Goals:
● EDUCATION: To grow exceptional educational programs.
● STEWARDSHIP: To enhance the long-term sustainability of Woldumar’s land and facilities.
● COMMUNITY: To expand opportunities for people to feel connected to Woldumar and nature.
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
