Natural Resources Technician 1 (Intermittent) - Scenic River Lands

Who we are:

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is committed to its mission "To ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all." Our agency embraces the insightful use of our natural resources to assure the continued safety, happiness and prosperity of Ohio's people.

ODNR owns and manages state parks, state forests, state nature preserves and wildlife areas. We license all hunting, fishing and watercraft; oversee and permit all mineral extraction, monitor dam safety, manage water resources and serve as the second largest Law Enforcement presence in the State of Ohio.

We are accepting applications for an intermittent Natural Resources Technician 1 located at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve (1 position available

• Portage County) within the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves within the state of Ohio. The address is 11027 Hopkins Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231. To learn more about the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, please visit https:/naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov. To learn more about the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program, visit https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/land-water/rivers-streams-wetlands/scenic-rivers-program.

What you will do

Work with Ohio Scenic Rivers Program staff on the following:

• Ecological management

• Duties involve the control of invasive plants and other habitat management within the boundaries of the Scenic River Lands and other Division of Natural Areas and Preserve lands. Activities will include use of string trimmers and a variety of hand tools, hand pulling and hand cutting of vegetation, and the application of herbicides utilizing a variety of techniques (training provided). Walking over rough, uneven terrain while carrying a backpack sprayer is also required.

• Boundary Monitoring

• Walk boundaries of Scenic River Lands and conservation easements and complete reporting documents.

• Monitoring studies

• Assist the Asst. Regional Scenic River Manager and Stream Quality Monitoring Coordinator with routine monitoring of state-designated Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers through our Stream Quality Monitoring Program. This includes Level 1 and 2 surveys of aquatic macroinvertebrates, assisting volunteers, and performing QHEI assessments. Assist with fish surveys. Assist with an amphibian monitoring program. Routinely survey, record, and report data.

• Trails and facilities maintenance

• Assist with installation of trails. Check trails and parking areas for downed limbs or tress, trim encroaching vegetation, assist in the construction or repair of trail infrastructure (bridges, boardwalks, stairs, etc.), and remove litter and graffiti.

• Equipment maintenance

• Maintenance of state-owned equipment, such as sharpening and cleaning tools following use, cleaning vehicles, etc.

• Office maintenance

• General cleaning of office facilities including common areas and restrooms along with assisting with minor building repairs and upgrades.

• Visitor Assistance and Public Programs

• Provide relevant information to the public pertaining to the ecological significance of state-designated Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers, aquatic macroinvertebrates, riparian buffers, and a range of other similar topics. Explain the rules and policies governing the public and restricted access areas of the Scenic River Lands and other DNAP lands. Assist Scenic Rivers staff with planning and conducting interpretive programming, including stream quality monitoring workshops, naturalist hikes and other activities. Assist with tabling events and setting up displays. May assist with canoe floats. Assist with Ohio State Fair programming or other activities.

• Administrative

• Assist the Assistant Regional Scenic River Manager and Stream Quality Monitoring Coordinator with volunteer coordination, record ecological management and maintenance activities, provide accurate reports to supervisor, and data entry. Assist Assistant Regional Scenic River Manager in drafting management plans for Scenic River Lands.

Preferred Qualifications…

• Completion of, or working toward completion of an associate degree, at minimum, in Natural Resources Management, Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, or other similar area of study.

• Prior experience in ecological management, public speaking or educational skills, or maintenance is preferred.

• The ability to identify common native and invasive woody and herbaceous vegetation is recommended but not required. Candidates will be provided training on all equipment use, herbicide handling and application methods, and common woody and herbaceous species identification.

Duration…

• April 2024 - November 2024

Work Hours…

• This position will be approximately 32 per week, primarily Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:00am- 3:30pm. Report times and duration are subject to change based on operational need, weather, and seasonal sunset times. Some evenings and weekends may be required depending on the event schedule.

Please Note…

This is a maximum duration, 1000 hour intermittent (unclassified) position for the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. The location for this position is:

• Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve, Portage County

Formal education in arithmetic that includes addition, subtraction, multiplication & division & in reading & speaking common English vocabulary; valid driver's license; valid Commercial Driver's License required if motor equipment is of type & size regulated by Section 4506.01 & 4506.12 of Ohio Revised Code.

• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Job Skills: General Maintenance

Technical Skills: Equipment Operation, Natural Resources

Professional Skills: Customer Focus, Attention to Detail