Seasonal Land Stewardship Technician

Hiring Organization: Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission
Employment type: Seasonal
Job Location: Oakland County
Application Due Date: February 14, 2024

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 park land 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. As one of the first communities in the state to place conservation easements on local parkland and to devote funds to natural areas preservation, Oakland Township strives to be a leader in the identification, preservation, and protection of natural areas. Most of the parks acquired by the Township contain defined high-priority natural areas, including glacial lakes, prairie remnants, oak-pine barrens, 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 (up to 25 weeks/1000 hours, mid-April through the end of September), 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, starting at $16/hr. Up to three positions are available. Anticipated start date is mid-April to early-May, but somewhat flexible. Position would end on or before September 28. Typically work 40 hours/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. 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

Cover letter, resume, and professional references must be received no later than February 14, 2024.

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.

Apply