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Conservation Seasonal

Opportunity:
 
The Community Forestry & Conservation department is seeking a Conservation Seasonal employee. The Conservation seasonal employee will assist in efforts to manage natural areas including pest assessments, invasive species control, and general forest management. The seasonal conservation worker will work closely with the Natural Areas Biologist, Natural Areas Supervisor, and other team members to ensure proper stewardship of our natural areas. The responsibility may include sharing knowledge with colleagues, private landowners, and members of the public. This position is based at the Holden Arboretum campus in Kirtland, OH.
 
Position Details:

  • February through December, flexibility in start date 
  • 11-month seasonal position
  • Monday – Friday: 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
  • Approximately 40 hours per week

Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities of the Conservation Seasonal include, but are not limited to: 
  • Support Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission vision, values, and core commitment
  • Conduct assessments of hemlock trees and their associated pests
  • Use general forestry tools such as prisms, Biltmore sticks, DBH tape, maps, and compasses
  • Use of hand tools such as pruners, loppers, and hand saws for invasive plant species removal
  • Application of herbicides and pesticides to treat nuisance invasive species via backpack sprayers and other application equipment is required
  • Implements Integrated Plant (Pest) Management (IPM) practices in accordance with the law, utilizing IPM principals including chemical applications
  • Maintains operational and pesticide records
  • Potential use of power tools including brush cutters, chainsaws, and electric hand saws
  • Assists with restoration plantings and plant propagation
  • Use electronic mapping using GPS and GIS technology
  • Assist with data entry and record keeping
  • Assist with equipment maintenance
  • Communicate with landowners and the public as needed about conservation topics
  • Other duties and projects as assigned

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Demonstrate a passion for people and nature
  • High school diploma or equivalent, required
  • Undergraduate degree in Biology, Forestry, Environmental Science, a related field of study or relevant experience in the green industry, a plus
  • Ability to understand basic instructions
  • A positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Ability to plan and communicate requests to a team
  • Possess strong oral and written communication skills
  • Proficient use of Microsoft 365 products, specifically Teams, Outlook (email and calendar), Word, Excel, SharePoint, and OneDrive
  • Maintain a valid driver's license and possess an acceptable driver’s record
  • Must pass a criminal background check
  • A valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record, required

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Willing and able to operate power equipment and preform strenuous, hands-on work year-round in all types of weather conditions
  • Working outdoors or indoors where the ambient temperature spans subzero to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, performing required tasks in all weather conditions
  • Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, or rocky
  • Effective vision, hearing, hand, and arm dexterity
  • Operating a variety of machinery and equipment including utility vehicles, pruners, shears, string trimmers, sprayers, blowers and push and riding mowers
  • Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing & lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to walk an average of 3-5 miles per day in variable terrain; occasionally more

Apply:
 
Review of applications with begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 
 
Qualified applicants should submit résumé, cover letter and 3 professional references.
 
Holden Forests & Gardens (Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse and talented workforce. We seek skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced individuals to join our staff and enhance our reputation as one of the country’s foremost public gardens.