College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

Seasonal Land Stewardship Technician

Hiring Organization: Oakland Township Parks and Recreation
Employment type: Seasonal
Job Location: Rochester, MI
Application Due Date: February 14, 2025

Organization: The Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) is a local elected park agency in Oakland County in southeast Michigan. The PRC is responsible for roughly 1500 acres of Township parkland as well as the Oakland Township portion of the Paint Creek Trail. The PRC manages a 10-year park millage as well as a 10-year land preservation millage. These two millages fund all Township park/natural area acquisition, planning, development, operation and maintenance. Oakland Township strives to be a leader in the identification, protection, and restoration of natural areas. Most of the parks acquired by the Township contain defined high-priority natural areas, including glacial lakes, prairie remnants, oak woodlands, and Clinton River tributaries. Conservation easements have been dedicated to protect key parkland natural areas.

Position: The Seasonal Land Stewardship Technician position is a full-time, seasonal (up to 25 weeks/1000 hours, between April 9 and September 28), hourly position to be employed by the PRC. Duties include the management of the Township parks’ natural areas under the direction of the Natural Areas Stewardship Manager. Work tasks may include species monitoring, seed collecting, invasive species control, prescribed burning, and assisting with volunteer stewardship workdays. This position will require cooperation with PRC staff, partner organizations, volunteers, and the general public. This position may be ideal for a candidate seeking an academic internship, experience in the natural resource management field, or continued education in stewardship and land management. It is the responsibility of the Stewardship Technician to make any and all arrangements with an accredited institution if an internship is desired.

Qualifications: Must possess an awareness of conservation issues and knowledge of general biological and ecological principles as they relate to natural areas management; able to identify plant and animals species; able to operate GPS units and interpret maps; skill in field data collection and management; able to use tools safely; possess or willing to obtain Michigan Pesticide Applicator License; willingness to obtain additional training (provided by Township); ability to perform physical work in harsh conditions and inclement weather; and able to work under minimal supervision. Must be willing to provide their own transportation if needed. Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

Please visit the Parks and Recreation page of the Oakland Township website, www.oaklandtownship.org, for a complete list of specific responsibilities and required qualifications.

Pay Rate, Starting Date and Work Schedule: Pay will be commensurate with education and work experience, $17-20 per hour. Up to three positions are available. The position begins on or after April 9, 2025 and ends on or before September 28, 2025. Start and end dates are flexible. Typically work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends or evenings for special events.

To Apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Ben VanderWeide, Natural Areas Stewardship Manager by February 14, 2025, or until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Email: bvanderweide@oaklandtownship.org, with “Seasonal Land Stewardship Technician Application” in the subject line.

Mail: Seasonal Land Stewardship Technician Application Oakland Township Parks and Recreation 4393 Collins Road Rochester, MI 48306

Please submit cover letter, resume, and professional references by February 14, 2025, or until the position is filled.

For more information visit the Parks and Recreation page of the Oakland Township website, www.oaklandtownship.org, or contact Oakland Township Parks and Recreation at 248-651-7810.

ORGANIZATION: The Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) is a local elected park agency responsible for roughly 1500 acres of Township parkland as well as the Oakland Township portion of the Paint Creek Trail. The PRC manages a 10-year park millage as well as a 10-year land preservation millage. These two millages fund all Township park/natural area acquisition, planning, development, operation and maintenance. Oakland Township strives to be a leader in the identification, protection, and restoration of natural areas, and has demonstrated its long-term commitment to the identification and preservation of natural areas through the purchase of parks to protect these resources. Most of the parks acquired by the Township contain defined high-priority natural areas, including glacial lakes, prairie remnants, oak woodlands, and Clinton River tributaries. Conservation easements have been dedicated to protect key parkland natural areas.

POSITION: The Stewardship Technician position is a full-time, seasonal, hourly position to be employed by the PRC during the period from April through the end of September. Duties include the management of the Township parks’ natural areas under the direction of the Natural Areas Stewardship Manager. Work tasks may include species monitoring, invasive species control, prescribed burning, and assisting with volunteer stewardship workdays. This position will require cooperation with PRC staff, partner organizations, volunteers, and the public.

SUPERVISION: Technicians will be supervised and led by the Natural Areas Stewardship Manager, who reports to the Parks and Recreation Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This position is approximately 90% field work (70% invasive species control, 5% native garden maintenance, 5% seed collecting, 10% monitoring) and 10% office/other (5% volunteer/outreach, 5% office work). Applied stewardship activities may include: • Implementing stewardship plans and activities as directed by the Natural Areas Stewardship Manager such as: invasive species control, fashioning burn breaks, assisting with prescribed fire activities, plant installation, seed collection/processing, native plant garden maintenance, and protecting wildlife of concern • Using GIS and GPS to map natural features within parks and create maps • Field data collection, documenting stewardship activities into specific formats • Assisting with natural features monitoring and inventory • Equipment repair and maintenance Outreach responsibilities may include: • Assist with and lead volunteer workdays and programs • Assist volunteers with monitoring activities • Communicate stewardship activities to the public in a positive manner 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS Must possess an awareness of conservation issues and knowledge of general biological and ecological principles as they relate to natural areas management; able to identify plant and animals species; able to operate GPS units and interpret maps; skill in field data collection and management; able to use tools safely; possess a willingness to obtain additional training (provided by Township); possess an ability to perform physical work in harsh conditions and inclement weather; and able to work under minimal supervision. Must be willing to provide their own transportation if needed. Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS Education Technicians should have or be working towards a BS/BA degree in conservation biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field. Experience Some related experience with ecological restoration/land management including invasive species control, herbicide application, prescribed burning and seed processing preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Knowledge of ecosystem restoration techniques, threats to natural areas, and the ecology/geology of southern Michigan. • Knowledge of the ecological role of fire and the techniques employed to implement prescribed fire in urban natural areas. • Ability to recognize Michigan plant and animal species as required in order to implement land management activities. • Ability to interpret and work with maps/plans oriented towards natural resources, land use, development, or engineering/construction • Ability to safely use and maintain land stewardship tools and equipment • Experience working as part of a team and with the public • Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and GIS software • Willingness and ability to work flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends. • Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather. Physical Requirements: • Work requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle, to operate hand controls on equipment, the ability to distinguish colors and to hear audible alarms. • Incumbent may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions and poor atmospheric conditions. In addition, the work may require seasonal exposure to extreme weather conditions, including rain, humidity, intense heat and sunlight. • Ability to climb ladders, handle heavy brush, walk for extended periods, stand for long periods, perform routine moderate lifting and to carry up to 50 pounds over rough, uneven terrain and wet and slippery surfaces. Job

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications: • Technicians must possess and present a valid Michigan driver’s license (or be willing to obtain one) and a satisfactory driving record. No felony convictions. Driving and criminal background checks will be completed. • Pre-placement physical exam at department’s expense will be required. • Must possess or be willing to obtain a Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License in Forestry, Aquatic, and Right-of-Way categories within 90 days of employment • Must possess or be willing to obtain Red Cross First Aid and CPR training • NWCG Wildland Firefighter Type II certification or equivalent a plus, but not necessary.

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