Restoration Technician

The Nature Conservancy • Marquette, MI

8d • $20 - $20

About The Position

The Restoration Technician will be part of a two-person crew that will travel regularly throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan conducting land management and restoration activities. The Restoration Technician performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management. This position is a temporary, full-time position lasting approximately five months and will begin on April 20, 2026, and end no later than September 18, 2026. This position will be based in remote areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and supervised out of the Marquette, MI office. Housing is not provided. Travel expenses, such as food and lodging, will be covered by The Nature Conservancy. Travel accommodations may include Airbnbs, VRBOs, hotels, motels, cabins or other accommodations such as camping in a campground. The hourly compensation is $20 per hour. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Restoration Technician will work travel to and work on TNC owned and partner Lands across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The job will be 95% field time in remote locations and supervised remotely from Marquette. Successful candidates for this position will assist with land management activities through noxious weed control, tree survival surveys, tree planting, vernal pool surveys, trail maintenance, assist with data collection through use of GIS/GPS, conduct monitoring activities, record management activities, and other field tasks as assigned. With this position, the Restoration Technician will: Be able to identify native and non-native plant species and be familiar with unique species found throughout the project area. Identify and manage noxious plant populations through mechanical and chemical methods Collect data and conduct monitoring activities with the use of field applications such as GIS and Field Maps. Use various pieces of equipment and conduct regular assessments to determine condition and necessary maintenance. This includes but not limited to brush cutters, backpack sprayers, lawn mower, UTVs, two-way radios or similar equipment. Maintain a motivated and positive working environment for good crew morale. Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Work both independently and under close supervision.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
• Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

Responsibilities

• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• May require long hours in isolated settings.
• Makes day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• May work under infrequent supervision.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED