Conservation Technician

Summary

The Conservation Technician will help carry out the next phase of Lost River Cave's natural resource conservation efforts. To date, invasive plant removal and native plant restoration efforts are yielding results in the upland prairie and karst valley mesic meadow. This position will continue to focus on those areas, grow relationships with key partners, volunteers, and plan for possible future restoration expansion.Reports To: CEO & Executive Director of PhilanthropyCarry out manual, mechanical, and chemical control methods of invasive plantsOperate tractor, bush hog, side by side, chainsaw, weed eater, hedge trimmer, backpack sprayer, and any other needed equipment after being trained and approved to operateEvaluate and integrate plans from KDFWR, KDF, and past LRC Resource Management PlanBuild on species inventories of flora and faunaMaintain existing partnerships and build new relationships with key partners which may include KDFWR, KDF, KNPS, WKU, regional universities, County Extension Office, volunteers, and othersCoordinate with Maintenance Department on shared projectsOccasionally support fundraising initiatives by participating in events with donors and prospective supportersPresent occasional programming on invasive species, identification, and best management practicesMaintain accurate, detailed records of work done, results, etc. Prepare reports accordingly.Maintain all regulatory record keeping in compliance with the UK Department of AgricultureHelp maintain native plant demonstration garden and assist in native plant landscapingParticipate in other duties as assigned which may include trail work, landscaping, special event support, & otherPotentially coordinate conservation grazingPotentially research grant opportunities and write applications for funding on rainy days or when requestedRequirementsDegree in ecology, natural resource management, biology, horticulture, related field or qualifying real-world experienceKnowledge of invasive and native plant species of this region or willingness to gain that knowledgeAbility to work project list independentlyAbility to do solo work on a daily basisAbility to work in variable weather conditions on difficult terrainAbility to perform physically demanding work including digging, lifting, bending, carrying a backpack sprayer for long periods of time, and other physical tasksMechanical skills and ability to use equipment to maintain natural areasWillingness to obtain and maintain Herbicide Application Licenses: Category 2 (Forestry), Category 3 (Turf and Ornamental), and Category 6 (Right of Way) – acquiring & maintaining these licenses is requiredWillingness to participate in Kentucky Prescribed Fire Council Training, as assignedExperience with project management is a plusOrganizational skillsCompensationSchedule : 40 hrs per week – some weekend (and infrequent evening) work required for volunteer events and park special eventsPay : $18/hr with a 90 day review and opportunity for increase based on performanceHealth Insurance: Following the employee's successful 90-day performance review, the employee may elect to enroll in the company's Health Insurance Program.Dental and Vision Insurance: Following the employee's successful 90-day performance review, the employee may elect to enroll in the company's dental and vision programs.Retirement Plan: After 12 months of employment, employees may elect to participate in the company's pre-tax Retirement Plan. The company will match employee contributions up to 3% of the employee's eligible compensation.Paid Holidays: The company observes the following paid holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Employees may be required to work on Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day as part of the team's holiday coverage schedule. If an employee is required to work on an observed paid holiday, equivalent paid flex time will be provided.Paid Time Off (PTO):Vacation: Following the employee's successful 90-day performance review, the employee is eligible for paid vacation based on length of service:First year of employment: 40 hoursYears 2–4 of employment: 80 hours per yearBeginning in Year 5: 120 hours per yearSick Time: Following the employee's successful 90-day performance review, the employee is eligible for up to 40 hours of sick time per year. Sick time is intended to provide a safety net when an employee is unable to work due to illness, injury, medical care, or another qualifying health-related need.Employee Discount: Employee discount at the company gift shop.National Caves Association Benefits: Eligibility for a National Caves Association Employee Reciprocal Benefits Card.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Job Description

The Conservation Technician will help carry out the next phase of Lost River Cave's natural resource conservation efforts. To date, invasive plant removal and native plant restoration efforts are yielding results in the upland prairie and karst valley mesic meadow. This position will continue to focus on those areas, grow relationships with key partners, volunteers, and plan for possible future restoration expansion.Reports To: CEO & Executive Director of PhilanthropyCarry out manual, mechanical, and chemical control methods of invasive plantsOperate tractor, bush hog, side by side, chainsaw, weed eater, hedge trimmer, backpack sprayer, and any other needed equipment after being trained and approved to operateEvaluate and integrate plans from KDFWR, KDF, and past LRC Resource Management PlanBuild on species inventories of flora and faunaMaintain existing partnerships and build new relationships with key partners which may include KDFWR, KDF, KNPS, WKU, regional universities, County Extension Office, volunteers, and othersCoordinate with Maintenance Department on shared projectsOccasionally support fundraising initiatives by participating in events with donors and prospective supportersPresent occasional programming on invasive species, identification, and best management practicesMaintain accurate, detailed records of work done, results, etc. Prepare reports accordingly.Maintain all regulatory record keeping in compliance with the UK Department of AgricultureHelp maintain native plant demonstration garden and assist in native plant landscapingParticipate in other duties as assigned which may include trail work, landscaping, special event support, & otherPotentially coordinate conservation grazingPotentially research grant opportunities and write applications for funding on rainy days or when requestedRequirementsDegree in ecology, natural resource management, biology, horticulture, related field or qualifying real-world experienceKnowledge of invasive and native plant species of this region or willingness to gain that knowledgeAbility to work project list independentlyAbility to do solo work on a daily basisAbility to work in variable weather conditions on difficult terrainAbility to perform physically demanding work including digging, lifting, bending, carrying a backpack sprayer for long periods of time, and other physical tasksMechanical skills and ability to use equipment to maintain natural areasWillingness to obtain and maintain Herbicide Application Licenses: Category 2 (Forestry), Category 3 (Turf and Ornamental), and Category 6 (Right of Way) – acquiring & maintaining these licenses is requiredWillingness to participate in Kentucky Prescribed Fire Council Training, as assignedExperience with project management is a plusOrganizational skillsCompensationSchedule : 40 hrs per week – some weekend (and infrequent evening) work required for volunteer events and park special eventsPay : $18/hr with a 90 day review and opportunity for increase based on performanceHealth Insurance: Following the employee's successful 90-day performance review, the employee may elect to enroll in the company's Health Insurance Program.Dental and Vision Insurance: Following the employee's successful 90-day performance review, the employee may elect to enroll in the company's dental and vision programs.Retirement Plan: After 12 months of employment, employees may elect to participate in the company's pre-tax Retirement Plan. The company will match employee contributions up to 3% of the employee's eligible compensation.Paid Holidays: The company observes the following paid holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Employees may be required to work on Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day as part of the team's holiday coverage schedule. If an employee is required to work on an observed paid holiday, equivalent paid flex time will be provided.Paid Time Off (PTO):Vacation: Following the employee's successful 90-day performance review, the employee is eligible for paid vacation based on length of service:First year of employment: 40 hoursYears 2–4 of employment: 80 hours per yearBeginning in Year 5: 120 hours per yearSick Time: Following the employee's successful 90-day performance review, the employee is eligible for up to 40 hours of sick time per year. Sick time is intended to provide a safety net when an employee is unable to work due to illness, injury, medical care, or another qualifying health-related need.Employee Discount: Employee discount at the company gift shop.National Caves Association Benefits: Eligibility for a National Caves Association Employee Reciprocal Benefits Card.#J-18808-Ljbffr