Natural Resources Conservation Assistant

Join Metroparks Toledo as a Seasonal Natural Resources Conservation Assistant. In this role, you keep our natural resources thriving. You’ll help conserve our natural resources at parks that thousands of people enjoy every day. You play a big role in ensuring we maintain our “Clean, Safe, and Natural” promise.

Day in the Life?

Every day is different. You may be working in the woods, fields, marshes or wetlands to control invasive plants. You may be helping with controlled burns to bring our native plants back to life. You may spend the day at the shop keeping our equipment in good condition.

Here’s why we think you’ll love working at Metroparks

• Field experience in natural resources helps bring your degree to life.
• Monthly set schedule so you can plan your life.
• Competitive pay, health care, and retirement benefits. Read more here. 
• Grow your career by advancing to a Land Steward or Natural Resources Technician.

You’ll love this job if

• You are pursuing a Natural Resources-related degree and want to get field experience.
• You like working outdoors in all kinds of weather. 
• You enjoy hands-on work with a wide variety of plants and animals.

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Job Summary

Advance Metroparks Toledo’s core conservation mission by assisting with removal of invasive species through mechanical and chemical treatments, assisting with prescribed fire operations, and native seed production. Learn about and assist with implementing restoration management within Metroparks and on Metroparks properties.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform natural resources restoration work including removal and control of invasive plants and dead and dying trees, brush removal, wood chipping and environmental clean-up.
• Control invasive species by applying pesticides and herbicides to specific identified plant species under the supervision of a licensed applicator.
• Perform basic tree felling activities (less than 12” diameter); cut trees and brush using chain saws.
• Work as a burn crew member on ecological prescribed burns, assisting in prescribed fire operations.
• Field maintenance and seed production, including plant propagation, weeding, irrigation, seed collection, seed processing, harvesting and storage.
• Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment used in management activities.
• Perform routine maintenance on power equipment, woodchipper, and vehicles.
• Respond to customer questions, comments and suggestions in a courteous and timely manner.
• Other Park District duties as assigned.

Equipment Used

• General office equipment 
• Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite, Geographic Information System (GIS), 
• Maintenance Equipment: lawn equipment, mowers, tillers, woodchippers, chainsaws, herbicide application equipment, power and hand tools, safety equipment  
• Vehicles: on & off-road trucks, UTVs, Tractors, Trailers
• Biological survey tools and equipment: GPS devices and mapping tools

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Length of employment varies based on need. Generally, March – December. Employment will not exceed 1,480 hours in a calendar year.
• Schedule: 40-hour workweek that may require work in the evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. 
• Home Work Location: Oak Openings, Blue Creek, Pearson.
• May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
• Extensive outdoor physical labor exposed to climate extremes, inclement weather, stinging insects, dust and pollen, prescription fires, and herbicides. 
• Requires frequent lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds and occasional lifting over 75 pounds with assistance. 
• Requires ability to walk and work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold. Must be able to move about off trail over uneven ground and in wooded areas while carrying equipment.

Job Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
2. Education: High School Diploma or GED. At least 1 semester of college coursework in Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or related field.
3. Experience: 1 year of outdoor work experience in natural systems, forestry, horticulture preferred 
4. Certifications: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements:
5. Sawyer Trainee
6. Pesticide Trained Service Person 

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated appreciation for enhancing quality of life and conserving the region’s natural resources through clean, safe and natural parks and open spaces.  

Knowledge

• Some knowledge of natural systems and conservation practices.
• Some knowledge of the operating procedures for power equipment such as chain saws, mowers, woodchippers, and blowers; ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Skills 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.  
• Demonstrated computer skills. 

Abilities 

• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with speed and accuracy under the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species, as required.
• Ability to comply with all safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.