Invasive Species Management and Survey Field Crew

North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA) has 1 opening for a seasonal Field Crew member. Field Crew will work as part of a 2-4 person team, and also independently at times, performing invasive species management in the field over a six county area including Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford, working across private, State, and Federal lands.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform invasive species management activities in the field by applying herbicides using various techniques including cut-stump and foliar spray (using hand and backpack sprayers), and by mechanical means including hand-pulling, brush cutting, and other physical methods of removal (using shovel, hand saw, weed whacker, etc.)
• Conduct aquatic invasive species surveys by boat, kayak, or with waders.
• Record field data using GPS enabled Ipads and the ESRI FieldMaps GIS App
• Physical labor including restoration site preparation and seeding/planting activities
• Other duties as assigned, including assisting NCCISMA with volunteer work days, invasive species management workshops, and other outreach events

Eligibility Requirements:

• Pursuing a degree in natural resources or a related field, or high school diploma and at least one-year experience in invasive species management or landscaping
• Must pass exams for Commercial Pesticide Applicator certification for CORE certification within the first month of employment – study materials will be provided. Priority given to applicants already a certified applicator in Michigan in the categories CORE, Forestry, ROW, Aquatics, and Ornamental.
• Willing and able to work with handheld gardening tools, backpack sprayers, hand held sprayers, and herbicides to manage invasive plants
• Strong knowledge of plant identification of regional invasive species preferred; otherwise must be willing and able to quickly learn to identify NCCISMA high-priority invasive plant species
• Ability to work in aquatic environments; operate outboard boat motors, kayak, waders
• Must be able to work efficiently outdoors in remote areas in varying weather conditions
• Must be reliable and have history of a strong work ethic
• Must hold a valid driver’s license, and have a good driving record
• Michigan Boaters Safety Certificate – Or willingness to obtain

Terms and Benefits:

• Pay Rate: $14 – $17 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Duty location: Cadillac Michigan
• This is a full-time seasonal position, working 40 hours per week
• Start date: May 18th, 2026 (Flexible, can start later if needed)
• End date: September 21st, 2026 (potential for extension as funding allows).
• Benefits include paid federal holidays, vacation/sick leave, employer IRA contribution

Other Considerations:

• Field work will take place in all weather conditions, and will likely involve contact with stinging insects and hazardous plants
• Must be comfortable mixing and applying chemical herbicides
• Must be able to carry a 25lb backpack sprayer across uneven or saturated terrain

North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA) and its fiduciary, Mecosta Conservation District, are Equal Opportunity Employers