Natural Resources Technician 1 (Intermittent)

Who we are:

Did you know Ohio operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water? That’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we do at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) as we seek to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all!

Across our 12 divisions and support services, we employ office staff, law enforcement officers, geologists, biologists, engineers, attorneys, communicators, managers, and so much more. Whatever your passion, we likely have a position to fit it and pathways for advancement!

Job Description

What we need:

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role for the position of Natural Resources Technician 1 within the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) headquartered at Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve, assigned to Portage county. The address is 11027 Hopkins Rd, Garrettsville, OH 44231.  To learn more about the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, please visit the DNAP website.

What you will do… 

• Ecological management - Control of invasive plants and other habitat management on and around preserve and ODNR properties. These activities will include hand pulling and hand cutting of vegetation, use of string trimmer, chainsaw and a variety of other hand tools, the application of herbicides utilizing a variety of techniques (training provided). Walking over rough, uneven terrain while carrying a backpack sprayer is required.

Trails and facilities maintenance. This will include hiking trails to clear downed limbs and trim encroaching vegetation, assist in the construction or repair of trail infrastructure (bridges, boardwalks, stairs), removal of litter, debris, and graffiti. Perform general labor, must be capable of rigorous outdoor activity, including hiking over rough terrain and able to lift and carry 50 pounds.

Equipment maintenance - Operate and drive pickup trucks, UTVs, ATVs, and other small vehicles. Perform cleaning and sharpening of tool blades, preventative maintenance, oil changes, and other maintenance duties as assigned

Office maintenance - General cleaning of office facilities including common areas and restrooms 

Administrative - Assist the preserve manager with recording ecological management and maintenance activities, provide accurate reports to supervisor/preserve manager and data entry. 

Monitoring studies - Assist the regional preserve manager and volunteer coordinator with routine monitoring of the special management area within the preserve. Monitor public access around the restricted area.

Visitor assistance - Provide relevant information to the public pertaining to the ecological significance of state nature preserves, explain the rules and policies governing the public and restricted access areas

Preferred Qualifications… 

• Prior experience preferred in ecological management and equipment/facilities maintenance. The ability to identify common Ohio woody and herbaceous plants and animal species, including invasive species is preferred but not required. Candidate will be provided training on all equipment used, chainsaw operation, herbicide handling and application methods, common woody, and herbaceous species identification.

Please Note… 

• Applicants will be expected to work in inclement weather conditions and unusual working conditions. We regularly work in cold and hot weather as well as rough, uneven, or wet terrain
• Applicant may be exposed to dirt, dust, fumes & noise; may be exposed to chemicals; may work in, on or near water; may work evenings, weekends &/or holidays; works outside & may be exposed to inclement weather; may be exposed to outdoor elements (e.g., animals, insects, poison ivy & poison sumac).
• Staff are typically scheduled 8:00 am to 4:30 pm for two to three days a during the week, with the exception of periodical special events. Occasional early mornings, late evenings, and weekend may be scheduled, and flexibility is preferred.

This intermittent position:

• is limited to 1000 hours in a fiscal year;
• will remain at step 1 of the pay range;
• is not eligible for benefits (e.g., vision, dental, life, health insurance, holiday pay, leave accruals [vacation, personal, sick], any other paid leave, shift differential, pay supplements, etc.);
• serves in the unclassified service pursuant to ORC 124.11 (A)(29) and, as such, serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

We are ready for you!

We’re glad you’re interested in pursuing a rewarding career with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources!  Exploring and protecting the natural beauty of Ohio will prove to be the most enjoyable career opportunity you will ever find!

Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

Formal education in arithmetic that includes addition, subtraction, multiplication & division & in reading & speaking common English vocabulary; valid driver’s license; valid Commercial Driver’s License required if motor equipment is of type & size regulated by Section 4506.01 & 4506.12 of Ohio Revised Code.

-Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

 

Technical Skills:  Grounds & Landscaping, General Maintenance, Customer Service

Professional Skills:  Adaptability, Problem Solving, Time Management

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

Please ensure your online application clearly indicates how you meet minimum qualifications (MQs).  

To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability please contact Mohammad Yakubu, EEO Regional/Program Administrator at 614-265-6992 or mohammad.yakubu@dnr.ohio.gov.

Effective July 1, 2015 applicants must apply online for positions at all state agencies except the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD).

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration. 

STATUS OF POSTED POSITIONS: Applicants can view the status of this position by logging into their user profile on the Ohio Hiring Management System [OHMS] Home page at the following link careers.ohio.gov, and selecting "My Profile". 

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.