TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY

TITLE: In-House Strike Team Lead

DEPARTMENT: Restoration

FTE STATUS: Full-time

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION STATUS: Permanent

POSITION TERM: Permanent

POSITION LOCATION: Tucson, AZ

REPORTS TO: Field Operations Manager

DATE REVIEWED: April 2024

SUMMARY: The In-House Strike Team Lead helps manage the day-to-day interactions of the In-house Strike Team and liaises between Tucson Audubon (TAS) and federal agencies, serving as the Lead while working with the CoATIS (Federal-Lands Strike Team). The In-house Strike Team will be utilized for invasive plant species management (identification, assessment, treatment, monitoring) at a variety of ecologically sensitive and high-priority areas throughout the region.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administration

• Maintains accurate activities records and provides relevant daily application reports to management.
• Ensures the Invasive Plant Program Manager knows the hours, locations, and per diems for In-house Strike Team for prompt payment.
• Maintains relevant Applicator License(s), and ensures CEUs are completed on time for annual renewal of license.
• Ensures application practices are followed and materials are handled appropriately.
• Coordinates any vehicle maintenance needs with the Field Operations Manager.

Invasive Species Control

• Works with the Invasive Plant Program Manager to schedule and time the execution of required invasive plant management tasks including:
  • Identification and mapping of designated areas,
  • manual, chemical, or other prescribed treatment of invasive species as determined appropriate to site and seasonal windows, and
  • assessment of efficacy and re-treatment needs, post-control effort.
• Works with TAS management to prioritize Crew allocation among sites.
• Maintains field equipment and ensures equipment is in good working order.
• Notifies TAS management of any reportable spills of herbicide.
• Maintains all application and treatment site records according to federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Enters field data using Agency-preferred means for government contracts.
• Maintains backups of field data at TAS (or cloud) and at primary office space.
• Maintains field and office electronics (laptop, tablets, phones) and requests software and additional equipment as needs arise.

Program management

• Makes recommendations for capacity changes in regards to labor, materials, equipment, and training on projects.
• Evaluates current inter-organizational relationships and makes recommendations for increased efficiency and efficacy toward accomplishing conservation goals.
• Evaluates current methods for efficiency of data produced in assessing site performance.
• Anticipates need for and requests necessary equipment (e.g., backpack sprayers, vehicles, etc.).

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works on sites in conjunction with the Federal Strike Team (CoATIS).
• Works in the field or office on additional projects as needed.
• Participates in prescribed burning, mechanical and chemical weed control, vegetation establishment, bank stabilization, slope restoration, erosion control, and rainwater harvesting.
• Assists with habitat and ecosystem restoration or conservation and research projects, as available.
• Assists with sustainable landscaping projects, equipment maintenance, marketing projects, and other tasks as needed.
• Communicates program and project outcomes to the public, funders, membership, and staff.
• Participates in supplying information for or writing articles regarding projects.

Supports TAS events such as the annual Gala, Tucson Bird & Wildlife Festival, Membership annual holiday event, and others as requested.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has no direct reports but will be in charge of team members when in the field. This includes ensuring legal compliance by Crew for work done and pesticide handling, organizing travel to field sites, being the primary liaison with clients and the public. Guides the crew throughout the work week and has the authority to make corrective decisions as needed. If issues arise with crew members that need to be addressed, the crew lead will notify management.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for those with disabilities.

• This position operates mainly in the field in a variety of sites throughout Southeast Arizona and surrounding regions in the Desert Southwest.
• Ability to work in an office environment and use a keyboard, mouse, and other common office equipment.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and push and pull loads.
• Ability to walk 10 miles in rugged conditions including loose sand and rocky trails.
• Ability to conduct field work outdoors for at least eight hours in all weather conditions including extreme summer heat, freezing winter conditions, and dry or rainy days.
• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, and occasionally climb ladders or lie on ground.
• Ability to use hands for manual tasks requiring strength and dexterity.
• Required to drive in dark or low-light settings and on rugged roads.
• Ability to speak and hear coworkers in sometimes loud or open environments.
• May occasionally camp or work from remote locations for multiple days.
• Ability to safely apply pesticides according to label instructions with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
• May use light equipment, heavy tools, chainsaws, and all manner of field survey equipment.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year experience supervising, leading, or performing related field work
• Experience managing invasive species, preferably those common to southwest arid landscapes
• Certified Applicator License through AZDA Pest Management Division within 30 days of hire
• Proficient in using maps and GPS units
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong working knowledge of, and comfort with, internet use, e-mail, Microsoft Office applications
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task
• Flexible approach to work and work schedule
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to collaborate positively with people at all levels
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License
• Understanding of and commitment to the organization’s mission, goals, and values
• An interest in birds, natural history, and wildlife conservation

Preferred

• Experience operating vehicles towing a trailer, tractors, skid-loaders, and other heavy equipment
• Familiarity with various GIS systems and software
• Advanced mechanical skills required for small engine repair or computer hardware
• Bird survey experience, training, or survey permit for Threatened and Endangered species
• Experience operating and maintaining chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide spray equipment, mowers, and other power tools
• Experience with and knowledge of the Sonoran Desert, Sky Islands, and other southeastern Arizona habitats

A combination of education and experience may be considered if it directly relates to the position and supports the ability to successfully perform the job.

Tucson Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our programs and employment are open to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or statute in any of our policies or programs.

At Tucson Audubon, our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) goes beyond being in full compliance with employment law; Tucson Audubon actively cultivates a culture that embraces differences, with the commitment that everyone is a valued member of our team and is treated with respect and dignity. We intentionally work to foster a culture of inclusion with openness, honesty, visibility, creativity, and trust as core values.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities and details required for each duty listed above. Detailed work plans should be developed with the manager and designed around the duties listed above and should address program and organizational goals.

This position has been reviewed and approved by management.