[PCA] Position Available: Natural Area Stewardship, NC Plant Conservation Program, Gaston County

[Welch, David]

Plant Conservation Stewardship Technician Position

JOB DESCRIPTION
Stewardship Technician - Natural Area Preservation- Gaston County, NC
Hire date: September, 2015
Application closing date: July 1, 2015

The North Carolina Plant Conservation Program is seeking an individual to provide technical expertise and volunteer coordination to conduct ecological stewardship activities and to coordinate community relations for the NC Plant Conservation Program Redlair Preserve in Gaston County, North Carolina. The Stewardship Technician will work primarily on the 740 acre preserve and adjacent lands protected by the Catawba Land Conservancy; occasional travel to the home office in Raleigh and other preserves across the state will be required. The anticipated start date is September 15, 2015. The work schedule will be within the range of 20 - 40 hours per week. This is a term/temporary position spanning 11 months subject to annual renewal.
Ideal candidates will have experience working with volunteers, leading educational events, and managing land including use of farm tractors, chainsaw, herbicide application, and prescribed burning. Interest and skills in maintaining natural vegetation and managing invasive exotic plants are necessary as is a passion for working outside in all conditions.
The NC Plant Conservation Program, housed in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages a 14,000 acre preserve system dedicated to protecting North Carolina's imperiled plant species. The Program's mission is to conserve the native plant species of North Carolina in their natural habitats now and for future generations (http://www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/plant/plantconserve/index.htm).
Role Summary:

*         Develop, oversee, and implement invasive exotic plant management practices;

*         Assess Preserve's plant communities and monitor changes over time;

*         Maintain, or oversee maintenance of the trail system and bridges;

*         Coordinate with multiple partners development of procedures and policies relating to Preserve access and management including hunting, scientific research, and environmental education;

*         Maintain lines of communication between the home office and relevant actors on the preserve;

*         Document, monitor, and regularly report on all ecological stewardship activities.

*         Build, expand, and motivate a cadre of committed volunteers to assist in Preserve management;

*         Ensure safe work methods and equipment use by staff and volunteers;

*         Support educational programs on the preserve by providing information, giving tours, and coordinating with educators;

*         Interface with neighbors, volunteer stewards, and other partners on management issues;

*         Oversee and implement operations and use of open-field areas;

*         Maintain, or oversee maintenance of, equipment as well as existing structures including outbuildings, dams, and ponds;

*         Schedule and assist with leading volunteer workdays, tours and other activities involving the public and educational groups;

*         Respond to citizen inquiries and conduct field investigations; and

*         Assist with other activities as assigned.
Knowledge may be required in one or more of the following areas:

*         Knowledge of native and invasive flora and fauna, geology, and ecology of the North Carolina Piedmont region;

*         Knowledge of the ecological role of fire in the management of natural ecosystems of the Piedmont, and the techniques employed to use prescribed fire in semi-urban natural areas;

*         Contemporary principles and practices of volunteer management and supervision; and

*         Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and procedures.
Skills may be required in one or more of the following areas:

*         Prescribed burning or wildland firefighting;

*         Ability to identify the native and non-native flora of North Carolina;

*         Ability to identify and develop ecological objectives for the restoration and management of natural areas;

*         Ability to identify ecological threats to local native ecosystems and recommend appropriate best management practices to mitigate those threats;

*         Ability to prioritize natural area restoration work sites and activities;

*         Ability to interpret maps and navigate through rough terrain;

*         Ability to lead, coordinate, and motivate employees and volunteers to conduct ecological stewardship activities in the field;

*         Ability to document and monitor those stewardship activities over time;

*         Ability to safely use and maintain (and train others to safely use and maintain) chain saws, brush blades, herbicide applicators, and other field equipment;

*         Ability to critically analyze operations, collaboratively design and institute improvements;

*         Ability to provide both oral and written communication that is easily understood and direct in its content;

*         Ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful and productive working relationships with department staff, citizen advisory groups, governmental officials, volunteers, community organizations, neighbors, and the general public;

*         Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel, and ArcGIS; and

*         Willingness to obtain a Public Pesticide Operator Certificate for North Carolina within 6 months of the date of employment.
Equipment used will include the following:

*         GPS (Global Positioning System) handheld unit;

*         Chainsaws;

*         Brush-blade;

*         Loppers; and

*         Herbicide application handheld sprayer and wand.
Training and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in natural sciences, natural resources planning, conservation biology, or related and equivalent experience;
At least two (2) years of experience in ecological restoration and management (specifically the control of invasive species with prescribed fire or herbicides), and the planning of such activities; or any equivalent combination of education and experience;
Supervisory experience with seasonal staff and/or volunteers working in the field; and
Previous fieldwork experience in the region is preferred.

Salary/ Work Hours
Salary range per hour: $11.17 - $14.30;
This will be classified as a term or temporary position working for 11 months with a renewal of the position after a 32-day break;
The work schedule will be established with the applicant for 20 - 40 hours per week;
Non-seasonal employees are offered health care coverage under Affordable Care Act guidelines.
Anticipated Start Date: 15 September, 2015
Licensing Requirements:
Valid Driver's License; and
Public Pesticide for Operator North Carolina within 6 months of employment date.
Physical Requirements:
The physical ability to walk, stand, stoop, crawl, climb, kneel, crouch, reach, pull, push, lift, finger, grasp and perform repetitive motions. The work requires the ability to operate hand controls on equipment. Incumbent may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions (i.e. heights, mechanical parts, etc.), and poor atmospheric conditions (i.e. fumes, odors, dusts, etc.). In addition, the work may require seasonal exposure to extreme (both hot and cold) weather conditions, including snow and ice. The incumbent may be expected to walk on rough, off-trail, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces. The work requires the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, the ability to distinguish colors and to hear audible alarms.
The physical ability to ascend and descend ladders, handle heavy brush, to perform routine moderate lifting and to carry up to 50 lbs. in a backpack. The work requires the ability to apply Personal Protective Equipment correctly.

The NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians.  The Department employs approximately 2000 employees. North Carolina Plant Conservation Program (PCP) develops regulations, voluntary programs, and cooperative partnerships to help protect imperiled species and their habitats. PCP's responsibilities include the listing of North Carolina's endangered and threatened plant species and the development of conservation programs designed to permanently protect these species. PCP employs a host of methods and procedures to perpetuate native plants and their ecosystems, including the acquisition and management of important plant sites and habitats. The successful candidate will report to NC Plant Conservation staff while maintaining communication with an advisory committee and volunteer stewards

Application Instructions:

Please send a cover letter, resume and state application (PD107) to David Welch, Administrator, NC Plant Conservation Program david.welch at ncagr.gov<mailto:david.welch at ncagr.gov>. by July 1, 2015

PD107 templates are available at this website: http://www.oshr.nc.gov/jobs/general.htm.






David Welch
Plant Conservation Program Administrator
NC Dept. of Ag. and Consumer Services
Plant Industry Division
1060 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1060
Desk: 919.707.3760
Cell: 919.210.9337
David.Welch at ncagr.gov<mailto:David.Welch at ncagr.gov>


________________________________

Email correspondence to and from this sender is subject to the N.C. Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
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