DESCRIPTION : IRC is looking to hire a field technician to assist with their Pine Rockland Initiative program and Invasive species removal projects out of Miami-Dade County to perform the following tasks:

• Report to the crew leader and assist with invasive plant removal on our ecological restoration management projects
• Control invasive plant species by chemical, mechanical, and manual methods (brush cutting, light equipment operation, herbicide applications, and various other tasks).
• Collect vegetation treatment data
• Invasive and native plant species survey and data collection

Other job duties may include data entry and weekend outreach events. Must be okay working in south Florida climate (hot and humid conditions), working with safe use handling of herbicides and able to lift 40 lbs.

This position has the potential to advance up to Field Technician II as candidate achieves milestones such as obtaining an herbicide license, or obtaining CERPIT certification through the Society for Ecological Restoration. Starting pay rate is $18/hour, negotiable based on experience. Opportunity to explore and make a difference within several types of South Florida’s habitats.

To apply, please submit a copy of your CV or resume, and a letter of interest to admin@regionalconservation.org.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High-school diploma required; some college education preferred
• Some field experience required, no conservation experience necessary
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Drug free work place
• Enthusiasm for working outdoors, able to maintain a professional attitude in stressful situations
• Good organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Ability to work well alone and within a crew setting is extremely important
• Must be able to have reliable transportation to main office, located in Homestead, FL.
• Operation of machinery such as brush-cutters, weed-eater and chainsaws is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful candidates must be able to walk over uneven terrain, work in inclement weather and bear harsh conditions (snakes, mosquitos, hot/humid weather).
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds on occasion and carry light equipment in both hands on a regular basis.

WORK HOURS:

• Applicants should expect to work 40hrs/week, Monday-Friday. The possibility exists for shortened work weeks due to inclement weather. Work may be lengthened in a day to adhere to the normal four-day work schedule (M-R) or (T-F).
• Occasionally, overnight travel may be required

BENEFITS:

• $18/hr, 40 hrs/week
• Gain hands on experience protecting and restoring the environment
• Obtain plant identification skills
• Opportunity to explore and make a difference within several types of South Florida’s habitats
• Transferable skills for a future career in conservation

More about the Institute for Regional Conservation:

A private non-profit organization, The Institute for Regional Conservation (IRC) is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and long-term management of biodiversity on a regional basis, and to the prevention of local extinctions of rare plants, animals and ecosystems. Based in Florida, USA, IRC works on conservation research and action throughout South Florida, the Caribbean and beyond. Since 1984, its work is premised on an innovative idea of conservation that seeks to protect and restore viable populations of all plant and animal species within a region, rather than simply focusing on charismatic animals or plants with narrow global ranges. For more information visit www.regionalconservation.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Willingness to work under hot and humid conditions that are often in difficult environments? If yes, then why?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Plant management: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (Preferred)

Work Location: On the road