Natural Resources Vegetation Management Specialist

Job Description

Natural Resources Vegetation Management Specialist

Duties:

Performs vegetation management and other ecological restoration activities. Monitors and manages invasive or otherwise undesirable vegetation within Parks natural areas and urban greenspaces using a variety of techniques. Installs and manages native plant restoration areas. Supports volunteer vegetation management efforts.

Additional duties include but are not limited to:

• Operates and maintains vehicles and small equipment, uses hand tools, and applies herbicide.
• Maintains accurate daily records of herbicide applications and management activities.
• Utilizes ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps app and City asset management software to track daily work activities.
• Follows and initiates correct procedures during emergency situations.
• Other duties as assigned (e.g. assist other staff or areas within Operations Division as needed).

Skills and Knowledge:

• Must have knowledge of invasive plants in Indiana and the Midwest, and prior experience with vegetation management techniques.
• Familiarity with forest, grassland, and riparian ecosystem management.
• Knowledge and skill in the safe operation of light trucks, compact utility vehicles, brush cutters, push mowers, string trimmers, chainsaws, power tools, hand tools, and other related grounds keeping equipment.
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps or other equivalent GIS field collection platforms.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and team mentality, and must have the ability to communicate and work well with coworkers and the public.
• Must be reliable, punctual, have the ability to follow oral and written direction, and be capable of performing physically demanding field work.
• Must possess or obtain an OISC Certified Pesticide Applicators Registered Technician License within 30 days of hire.
• Must possess or obtain current CPR/AED and First Aid certifications within 30 days of hire.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and maintain a good driving record

Responsibility:

Employee is responsible for carrying out vegetation management and ecological restoration activities on Parks managed properties, tracking and reporting of daily work activities, and supporting volunteer vegetation management efforts.

Physical Effort:

Moderate to strenuous physical effort and movement of extremities is frequently required for extended periods of time in the lifting, carrying, and loading of equipment, tools, soil, and vegetation debris; and to operate equipment and perform work tasks. Work activities commonly involve hiking long distances, bending, stooping, cutting, shoveling, power tool operation, and hand tool use. Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying a 35 pound backpack sprayer or power tools for extended periods over rough terrain.

Working Conditions:

Employee performs duties out of doors, in varying conditions, with occasional requirements to work in extreme weather, such as high heat and humidity and low temperatures. Work sites may involve exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, and stinging insects; as well as to noise, dust, and vehicle and equipment fumes. Safety precautions, including use of City provided Personal Protective Equipment, must be followed to avoid injury and incident. Some computer and mobile device use is required.

Hours:

The following hiring categories will be considered to fill the open position:

• Part-Time Employee:
  8 hours per day, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 29 hours maximum per work week, Monday–Friday availability, except on holidays and during periods of inclement weather. Work duties will vary with the season. Occasional evenings or Saturdays may be required.
• Temporary Employee:
  8 hours per day, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 8–40 hours per work week, Monday–Friday availability, except holidays and during periods of inclement weather. Work duties and schedule may vary with the season. Occasional evenings or Saturdays may be required.

Immediate Supervisors:

Vegetation Management Laborer, natural Resources Working Foreperson, and Natural Resources Manager

Salary

$19.85 per hour. 

Applicants for this position are subject to a criminal history background check. Direct deposit is a required condition of employment.