Habitat Management Technician I

Purpose of Job 

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support for the management of natural lands in Athens-Clarke County, with an emphasis on invasive plant management and habitat rehabilitation.   Duties include, but are not limited to, chemical and mechanical removal of invasive plant species, habitat restoration activities and monitoring, as well as assisting with other activities of the Sustainability Department.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job.   These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Provide technical support for the management of natural lands, including invasive plant management and habitat rehabilitation.

Conduct invasive plant management utilizing a variety of methods, including chemical and mechanical removal, with minimal to no damage to native species in the area.

Geospatial documentation of herbicide treatments and habitat management using tools such as GPS, Survey 123, and Avenza.

Assist with restoration activities and monitoring, including planting and seeding of native species.

Assists with prescribed burns by preparing fire breaks and participating in prescribed burn activities.

Assist with habitat maintenance activities such as debris removal, brush cutting, perimeter marking, fence and gate repair.

May assist with or give guided field trips on various ACC-owned conservation lands.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of the Sustainability Department.

Knowledge of basic habitat management techniques, invasive species management, plant ecology and/or wildlife biology.

Knowledge of native and non-native plant identification.

Knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the duties and responsibilities of the job, especially those pertaining to herbicide application. 

Ability to operate hand tools and power tools such as chain saws, trimmers, reciprocating saws and drills.

Ability to perform computer-based work.

Ability to use GPS and ESRI GIS products for mapping and date entry.

Ability to work effectively with others and independently.

Ability to effectively communicate and interact with fellow employees, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the office.

Ability to handle required mathematical calculations and formulations for herbicide application.

Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner.

Ability to work outdoors, in varying weather conditions, where encounters with snakes, biting insects, etc. are common. 

Ability to work around flames and smoke.