Conservation Field Technician II
Start and end date: May to September 2024, dates are flexible.
Hours: 32-40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Compensation: $19-22/hour based on experience.
Accepting applications until: April 15th, 2024
Reports to: Tracy Degnan, Assistant District Manager & Arianna Spear, Conservation & Stewardship Manager
Location: Rockingham County Conservation District- Brentwood NH
The Rockingham County Conservation District (RCCD) was established in 1946 to manage natural resources within the county particularly focusing on assisting farmers with soil health and erosion control concerns. Today, our environmental priorities remain consistent as we continue to assist landowners, communities, state agencies, and non-governmental organizations with resource concerns such as surface and ground water, erosion and sedimentation, stormwater, flooding, wetlands, forestlands, and wildlife habitats.
Position Summary:
The Rockingham County Conservation District (RCCD) is seeking a seasonal Conservation Field Technician to complete active habitat restoration projects and conservation easement stewardship throughout Rockingham and Strafford Counties. This position will include habitat restoration focused on the removal of invasive plant species by means of chemical herbicide applications and mechanical methods, as well as conservation easement stewardship tasks and other projects as required. Should business needs warrant, this position could become a permanent part-time or full-time position and candidate would be eligible for RCCD benefits.
RCCD is seeking applicants with strong technical skills including computer, and GPS technology and have an interest in habitat restoration, invasive species management, restoration practices, and learning new skills. Applicants should have exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, enjoy working outdoors in various and sometimes inclement weather conditions, and must be able to work individually and as part of a team.
Job Tasks:
Conservation Easement Stewardship:
Preparation: Prepare for site visits by reviewing files, downloading GIS data for navigation in the field, contacting landowners to schedule visits, and driving to the properties.
Monitoring: Walk easement boundaries and interior while collecting field data (points, tracks, photos) using mobile devices and/or GPS for reporting purposes.
Reporting: Complete monitoring reports and update stewardship files and spreadsheets.
Invasive Plant Control:
Preparation: Assist with mixing and loading herbicides.
Identification: Identify and treat non-native invasive plants using low-impact herbicide applications, taking care to minimize impact to native species in the surrounding area.
Implement: Complete low volume foliar herbicide applications using a backpack sprayer and cut-stump herbicide applications using mechanical equipment including chainsaws, brush cutters and loppers and assist with maintaining all District equipment.
Reporting: Assist with herbicide application permitting, daily record keeping and other required reporting.
Miscellaneous Outreach & Other Projects
Assist in outreach activities including volunteer field days, workshops, and social media or website posts and other projects as needed.
Qualifications and Skills:
Experience with invasive species management, forestry, or natural resource habitat management.
Degree in the natural resources field preferred.
Strong plant identification skills, knowledge of and identification of state listed invasive species.
Ability to work alone and navigate with map and compass and/or GPS in remote locations.
Previous experience as a pesticide applicator is preferred. Applicant shall maintain a Supervisory Commercial for Hire Pesticide Applicator License – General Use for the purpose of invasive plant control. Ideally candidates would already be licensed at the supervisory or operational level, however paid training and study materials can be provided.
Strong analytical skills and ability and willingness to determine and complete appropriate herbicide combinations, adjuvants, proper mixing techniques, dosages, timing, and environmentally appropriate herbicide application methods based on evaluations of site conditions, sensitive areas, rare species, targeted species for control, and non-target species. Requires daily/weekly set up and clean up assistance.
Ability to oversee training and safety of the herbicide application crew, assuring that all crew members are following the related laws and rules for pesticide application.
Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery is preferred.
Previous stewardship monitoring experience is helpful but not required.
Ability to work in rough conditions including heat, rain, rugged terrain and exposure to ticks and poison ivy, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Strong work ethic and communication skills and ability to work independently and as part of a crew.
Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, vehicular insurance, and ability to travel throughout New Hampshire.
On-the-job training will be provided; however, a successful applicant must have experience in navigating off-trail in the woods independently using a compass, map and/or GPS technology, be comfortable working with herbicides and most of all have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!
Please submit a resume to rccd@rockinghamccd.org (subject line Attn: Conservation Technician II) that details your experience, and qualifications with the potential job tasks listed in the job description, and any other important information. Please submit your information by April 15th as the position will be closed once filled.