Project Coordinator – Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (SB-CISMA) in Saginaw, MI
Type of Position: Full time (40 hrs/wk) limited term position, through October 2016. Continued employment is contingent upon securing additional funding.
Employer: Saginaw Conservation District
Description of Employer: The Saginaw Conservation District is a local subdivision of government/501 (c)3 not-for-profit hybrid organization. Our role in the community is to serve as the local lead organization in assisting private landowners with natural resources and agricultural related issues. The Saginaw Conservation District works in partnership with multiple federal, state, county, and other non-profit organizations to achieve these goals.
Work Location: Based out of the Saginaw Conservation District office in Saginaw, MI. Position covers Arenac, Iosco, Clare, Gladwin, Bay, Midland, Gratiot, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee, Livingston, Lapeer and Oakland counties.
Pay: $18-$20/hr. Commensurate with experience.
Benefits: Benefits are not included. Paid vacation and sick days. Mileage reimbursement when personal vehicle is used.
Closing Date: January 15, 2016.
Date position is available: The ideal candidate will be able to start the beginning of February, 2016.
Position Job Description / Coordinator Duties:
The Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is a relatively young organization located in the Great Lakes region. It is a partnership of multiple organizations who combine their efforts in order to efficiently and effectively prevent and eliminate invasive species within the Saginaw Bay watershed. The Project Coordinator will work in conjunction with a 10 member Steering Committee, to provide oversight and support for the planning and implementation of projects. The coordinator will be in a leadership position responsible for expanding partnerships within the SB-CISMA area and assuring that projects are implemented successfully.
Coordinator duties:
1. Coordinate SB-CISMA steering team and other meetings as needed.
2. Develop a public I private partnership covering the 17-county area to work on invasive species issues, including identification of high-priority species and treatment efforts. The partnership will include watershed councils, drain/road commissions, Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, conservation districts, wildlife groups, land conservancies and other interested parties.
3. Work with the SB-CISMA education and outreach committee to develop and deliver educational programming for landowners on the prevention, identification, and best management practices for invasive species treatment. This will include public meetings, radio broadcasts, newspaper articles, invasive species pocket guides, the development of a website, and other outreach materials as needed.
4. Develop a training module and train other conservation district staff on recognizing invasive species of concern and methods of reporting invasive species that they encounter through their field work so that they can inventory them.
5. Develop protocol to use in all conservation district offices to record landowner observations and provide guidance with control efforts of invasive species.
6. Apply for additional grants to conduct further, more targeted work in areas identified during the initial phases of the grant. This would include: conducting systematic, comprehensive inventories of invasive species, developing a cost-share program for landowners to control I eradicate invasive species.
7. Evaluate data that has been entered into the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) for priority treatment sites.
8. Develop booklet and/or make existing materials available for landowners that includes the latest information on treatment options and list local businesses that can assist in various ways with eradication.
9. Promote "Clean Boat Clean Waters" program, the "Michigan Clean Water Corps Exotic Plant Watch", MISIN, boot cleaning stations, and all other programs that support the mission of the SB-CISMA.
10. Assist in directing contractual work, including acquiring the appropriate permits, licenses, and landowner permissions when applicable.
11. The project coordinator will work closely with grant fiduciaries in order to effectively manage grant budgets and to recommend adjustments to the steering team when necessary.
12. There will be additional employees being hired for the SB-CISMA in order to implement “boots- on-the-ground” activities. The Project Coordinator will assist in supervising these employees as well as making sure they are following their assigned plan of work.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree in a related field is required and two years of experience in natural resources or educational programming and/or community outreach preferred.
- Proficient in use of software to develop educational materials.
- Michigan Pesticide Applicator Certification preferred.
- Knowledge of current invasive species policies, management, and planning across multiple government agencies and interest groups.
- Must have valid driver's license and dependable vehicle.
- Must be detail oriented with a great respect for safety precautions.
- Must be a self-starter and able to work independently.
- Be able to collaborate with multiple personalities and styles as well as motivate others.
- Must have excellent communication skills.
- Successful experience in developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic project goals preferred.
- Experience with Microsoft Office programs, database/website development, and GIS or similar mapping software.
To apply: Send resume, list of references, and cover letter to erik.palm@mi.nacdnet.net or to 178 N. Graham Rd., Saginaw, MI 48609 before 8 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2016.
Saginaw Conservation
