POSITION TITLE: PRIMARY SERVICE LOCATION: RESPONSIBLE TO: Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy Huron Pines AmeriCorps Position Description Stewardship Technician Traverse City, Michigan Jon Throop, Preserve Steward The goal of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) is to protect significant natural, scenic and farm lands, and to advance stewardship, now and for all future generations. In support of this goal, the Stewardship Technician will play an integral role on the GTRLC s stewardship team implementing aspects of numerous restoration projects, controlling invasive species across our five county service area, and improving nature preserve infrastructure including trail construction, maintenance and design. AmeriCorps members may also create and manage a variety of new conservation projects including photo point monitoring, GIS data management and others. As such, the ability to work well in a team, and independently is crucial. We will ensure the Huron Pines AmeriCorps member receives a well-rounded term of service gaining experience in nearly all aspects of nature preserve management, and an extensive introduction to non-profit land trust organizations. SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF SERVICE: The Stewardship Technician will improve the ecology and sustainability of the GTRLC s nature preserves and their partner organization s natural lands through on the ground work, and volunteer management. From planning invasive species removal work days, to implementing various control techniques, the Stewardship Technician will spend the majority of their time improving the ecological health of the GTRLC s nature preserves. Another large component of this position is the improvement of the GTRLC s infrastructure including sustainable trails, signs, boardwalks, parking lots and more. Using International Mountain Biking Association s (IMBA) standards for sustainable hiking and biking trails, the Stewardship technician will build, maintain and assist in the design of multi-use trails. Any given work day may be extremely physically challenging. POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Habitat Restoration Scout various habitats for target invasive species including coastal dunes, marshes, upland forests and more Implement control methods for target invasive species including mechanical and various chemical methods (cut stump, basal bark, foliar etc.) Work with other staff and volunteers to remove invasive vegetation during scheduled volunteer work days on nature preserves Track restoration progress throughout the field season using aerial/topographic maps, GPS, GIS, flagging and digital photography Volunteer cultivation, outreach and engagement related to invasive species removal and habitat monitoring Complete vegetation monitoring plots for several habitat restoration projects Coordinate volunteer based bird surveys Complete the pesticide applicator license certification Create a photo monitoring program 4241 Old US 27 South, Suite 2, Gaylord, Michigan 49735 (989) 448-2293 www.huronpines.org Huron Pines AmeriCorps is a program of Huron Pines and is supported in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Michigan Community Service Commission, Huron Pines and contributions from host sites. Huron Pines is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an equal opportunity provider.
Lead the vernal pool monitoring program Connect private land owners to available restoration resources Infrastructure Improvement Complete chainsaw safety certification Participate in trail building work days which may require chainsaw operation Install preserve infrastructure including signs, gates, boardwalks and kiosks Build hiking, biking, or multi-use trail using IMBA standards for sustainable trails Maintain trails for encroaching vegetation, overhanging trees, ruts, erosion or other trail issues Cultivate, engage and maintain volunteer trail stewards Engage with trail users to determine use patterns, and impact of various trail systems PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: Prepare and submit 2-week schedules, timesheets and mileage reimbursement forms Conduct at least 2 presentations to community groups about Huron Pines AmeriCorps Engage at least 30 volunteers in conservation activities Submit 4 Great Stories Provide regular project updates and photos for the website Represent yourself as a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member at all times Attend required trainings provided by the AmeriCorps Coordinator QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor s Degree in natural resources, or related field Computer efficiency (typing, email, word processing, excel) Ability to pass a background check* U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien Commitment to conserving the forests, lakes and streams of Northeast Michigan Has, or willingness to attain a commercial pesticide applicator license Physical ability to perform tasks including frequent strenuous manual labor Preferred Qualifications Experience with GIS Experience with handheld GPS devices Experience working with volunteers Field experience and familiarity with Michigan flora and fauna Excellent verbal and written communication On occasion, service will be required at an off-site location. Use of a personal vehicle may be required to perform duties (mileage will be reimbursed). This is a 40 hour per week position and runs from January 7- November 4, 2016. Benefits include $12,530 living stipend, health insurance, $5,730 education award and student loan deferment. Applications and directions are available at www.huronpines.org/joinamericorps.asp and will be accepted until October 26, 2015.
Reasonable accommodations: If you need to make a request for a reasonable accommodation, due to a disability, such as obtain materials in a format that works for you or to fully participate in the application process, please contact Jennie Jandron, AmeriCorps Coordinator at (989) 448-2293 x30 or jennie@huronpines.org. *Registered sex offenders are not eligible for AmeriCorps positions.
POSITION TITLE: PRIMARY SERVICE LOCATION: RESPONSIBLE TO: HOST SITE NAME Huron Pines AmeriCorps Position Description Conservation Technician Traverse City, Michigan Steve Largent, Conservation Team Coordinator In 2016, the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) will celebrate 75 years of providing conservation related services to landowners throughout Grand Traverse County. Currently, GTCD manages over 3,000 acres of public parkland as well as being the go to organization for the restoration and protection of the Boardman River and its 287 square-mile watershed. The Conservation Technician will work on a variety of on-the-ground stewardship activities including river restoration, parkland management, and invasive species control. SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF SERVICE: The Conservation Technician will conduct a variety of conservation stewardship activities to improve the public parklands GTCD manages as well as the Boardman River and its Watershed. Major tasks include trail development and maintenance; river restoration and instream habitat improvement; invasive species control; and public engagement. POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Boardman River Improvements Restore, maintain, and enhance instream habitat along 1 mile of newly exposed river. Restore, maintain, and enhance 40 acres of bottomlands and/or public parkland. Gather, input, and analyze in-stream temperature data. Respond to volunteer needs and public inquires. Attend township and other meetings as deemed necessary. Parkland Stewardship Restore, maintain, and enhance 40 acres of bottomlands and/or public parkland. Create, order, and install trail-system maps to ensure that each parkland has thorough and user-friendly maps. Provide maintenance on over 30 miles of trails throughout parklands as needed. Assist with the construction of trail connectors, re-routes, and boardwalks. Partake in habitat improvement projects to mitigate erosion, control invasives and foster native species. Further develop and coordinate a trail stewardship program with volunteers. Volunteer Engagement & Outreach Engage 100 volunteers in stewardship activities on GTCD Parklands. Engage 200 students in nature education programs. Participate in 5 water quality or biological monitoring events. 4241 Old US 27 South, Suite 2, Gaylord, Michigan 49735 (989) 448-2293 www.huronpines.org Huron Pines AmeriCorps is a program of Huron Pines and is supported in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service, Michigan Community Service Commission, Huron Pines and contributions from host sites. Huron Pines is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an equal opportunity provider.
Invasive Species Control Assist with the coordination and participate in a minimum of 15 on-the-ground stewardship projects. Create door hangers for a minimum of 2 high priority invasive species and 10 new native plant signs. Engage 120 volunteers for work bees to remove/control invasive species in the four county region. Conduct invasive species surveys on a minimum of 50 acres and treat a minimum of 30 acres. Contact landowners regarding the presence and potential treatment of the high priority invasive species reported on their property. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: Prepare and submit 2-week schedules, timesheets and mileage reimbursement forms Conduct at least 2 presentations to community groups about Huron Pines AmeriCorps Engage at least 30 volunteers in conservation activities Submit 4 Great Stories Provide regular project updates and photos for the website Represent yourself as a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member at all times Attend required trainings provided by the AmeriCorps Coordinator QUALIFICATIONS: Required Qualifications Bachelor s Degree in natural resources or related field. Computer efficiency (typing, email, word processing, excel) Ability to pass a background check (Registered sex offenders are not eligible for AmeriCorps positions). U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien Commitment to conserving the forests, lakes, streams and public recreational trail systems of Northeast Michigan Must have a valid driver s license Preferred Qualifications (training can be provided) Strong natural resource background. Ability to work outside in rugged and adverse weather conditions. Ability to work in a river environment. Understanding of stream functions and geomorphological features. Experience with hauling and backing trailers. Ability to safely navigate a river in a canoe or kayak. Ability to use power and hand tools. Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator (training available) Excellent written and verbal communications skills. Computer efficiency (Microsoft programs) Working knowledge of GIS (specifically ArcGIS 10 and above)
On occasion, service will be required at an off-site location. Use of a personal vehicle may be required to perform duties (mileage will be reimbursed). This is a 40 hour per week position. Benefits include $12,530 living stipend, health insurance, $5,730 education award and student loan deferment. Applications and directions are available at www.huronpines.org/americorps and will be accepted until filled. Reasonable accommodations: If you need to make a request for a reasonable accommodation, due to a disability, such as obtain materials in a format that works for you or to fully participate in the application process, please contact Jennie Jandron, Program Manager at (989) 448-2293 x30 or jennie@huronpines.org. *Registered sex offenders are not eligible for AmeriCorps positions.