Natural Resources Technician (2 positions available)
Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners (TCWP) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) watershed organization officially established in 2006. Our mission is to protect and restore water quality and habitats of the Tinker’s Creek watershed through community partnerships. The Tinker’s Creek watershed drains 96.4 square miles and is the largest tributary to the Cuyahoga River. The watershed area spans 24 communities in Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage and Geauga counties.
Together with our partners, Cleveland Metroparks recognizes the importance of maintaining water quality throughout Northern Ohio. We also believe in educating the public and regional leaders to support behavioral changes that positively affect our water resources. The Northern Ohio Watershed Corps (NOWCorps) works with watershed groups, soil and water conservation districts, city and county government offices, and other conservation nonprofits to facilitate outreach, education, capacity building, environmental stewardship, and stormwater management.
Skills and Qualifications: Must have a high school diploma or GED. Must have a valid driver’s license, be insured, and have own transportation. College degree, coursework toward a degree, or equivalent experience in biology, natural resources, forestry, wildlife management, environmental science or a similar field is highly desired. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in biological field work.
Must be capable of rigorous outdoor activity, including hiking over rough terrain and the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds. Must be self-motivated and able to work independently and in a team environment. Must possess good organizational and communication skills and be capable of working with little supervision.
Usual hours of service will occur Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00am-6:00pm, although the service schedule during January-March will include numerous nights and weekends. The ability to serve flexible hours is needed since the schedule will fluctuate and weekly hours will increase or decrease in consideration of inclement weather or project needs.
Location 1: Cleveland Metroparks, North Chagrin Reservation, 3037 SOM Center Road, Willoughby Hills, Ohio 44094
Reports to: Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resource Manager – East (Josh Philipps)
Location 2: Cleveland Metroparks, West Creek Reservation, 1969 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma, OH 44134
Reports to: Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resource Manager – Central (Valerie Carter-Stone)
Housing may be available for potential applicants greater than 50 miles from reporting location. If available, housing will be at the cost of $75 a month, require proof of renter’s insurance, and be within a house owned by Cleveland Metroparks.
Duties and Responsibilities of the AmeriCorps member:
General Member Responsibilities
· Promote the Northern Ohio Watershed Corps through education and outreach activities.
- Implement and assist with a variety of natural resource enhancement projects, including but not limited to: native plant installation, tree maintenance and protection, green infrastructure maintenance, deer fence maintenance, nuisance animal control, deer management, biological inventories, tree health surveys and prescribed fire.
- Implement mechanical and selective chemical control of invasive plant species.
- Guide volunteer activities. Namely, coordinate and lead volunteer group invasive plant removal events.
- Drive to work sites in Cleveland Metroparks vehicle, navigate on and off trail on foot up to 5 miles/day. Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Maintain supplies and equipment.
· Enhance skills and knowledge applicable to position through participation in related workshops, conferences, and training.
· Attend all NOWCorps required meetings and trainings.
· Complete activity reports monthly, required timesheets weekly, and any other reporting in a timely manner in the OnCorps online system. - Complete assigned office tasks such as GIS mapping, data entry, report drafting, etc.
· All other duties as assigned within the limitations of this member description.
Additional information: The Cleveland Metroparks office is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Cleveland Metroparks, Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners, and the Northern Ohio Watershed Corps will adhere to all regulations concerning nondiscrimination and equal opportunity regulations as outlined in federal and state law. This program will be made available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, and religion.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the following:
• manual dexterity sufficient to operate telephones, computers, and other office equipment.
• physical ability to kneel, bend, and perform medium to heavy lifting.
• ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone.
• specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards, and/or hazardous materials. This person must have the ability to travel as required to work with Host Site staff/board, volunteers, other members, and the public, participate in conferences and outdoor activities such as but not limited to site visits, volunteer activities, and project meetings.
Benefits: Member position begins October 10, 2023 and ends September 30, 2024. The member will be provided with an orientation October 10-13 and relevant training monthly. This position is a full-time member position and requires a minimum of 1,700 hours of service over the service period. The member will receive a stipend of no more than $20,000, and the stipend will be paid biweekly. The member is also eligible for health insurance through this position and may qualify for child care assistance. If the term of service is completed the member may be eligible for an educational award not to exceed $6,895. The member will not be an employee of Cleveland Metroparks and is not entitled to any of the benefits or compensation Cleveland Metroparks provides to its employees.
