The WMCISMA is hiring a Forest Pest Technician to work out of the Ottawa Conservation District office, but daily travel to site locations will be required. This is a grant funded (close out in April 2023), and benefited position. Anticipated time commitment is 40 hours per week, but hours can vary due to work load and weather conditions.

The successful candidate will work under the direction of the Forest Pest Project Coordinator to conduct field-based surveys, mapping, and treatment of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) throughout West Michigan. Individuals will work as a team to survey properties, communicate with landowners to discuss projects and secure permissions, and regularly partake in insecticide applications. Surveys and treatments will be carried out on properties containing, and adjacent to, HWA infestations, on both public and private land. Data will be collected using handheld GPS units and information will be recorded on data sheets. Forest Pest Technicians will frequently use online and printed parcel and aerial maps. Identification and treatment training will be provided, but prior experience is advantageous. Individuals will be required to obtain a Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in Categories 2, 3B, 5, and 6 upon hire.

We are seeking self-directed, responsible, and highly motivated individuals who can work independently with little on-site supervision. Individuals with the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public, strong organizational and computer skills, and a background or interest in natural resources management or a related field are preferred. While working in the field, the Forest Pest Technician will be subject to inclement weather such as rain, snow, and extreme heat and cold while doing physical work such as hiking for extended periods on uneven terrain while carrying up to 50 lbs of equipment. This requires the employee to have sufficient strength to stay on their feet for up to 10 hours a day, walk up and down dunes, navigate through brush, and lift and carry supplies weighing up to 50 lbs with little to no mechanical or other assistance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management or related field; and/or at least 1 year of experience in invasive species control or land management
• Preferred possession of Michigan Pesticide Applicator’s Certification (categories 2, 3B, 5, and 6)
• Ability to recognize and properly identify invasive species, especially forest pests
• Knowledge of invasive species control techniques, especially for forest pests
• Experience in various invasive species control methods, especially insecticide use
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel)
• Experience with data entry and management
• Must have valid driver’s license
• Must be detail oriented
• Be able to collaborate well with others
• Experience working in various field conditions