Project Coordinator Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species

Management Area (SB-CISMA) in Saginaw, MI

Type of Position: Full time (40 hrs/wk) limited term position, through October 2016. Continued employment
is contingent upon securing additional funding.
Employer: Saginaw Conservation District
Description of Employer: The Saginaw Conservation District is a local subdivision of government/501 (c)3
not-for-profit hybrid organization. Our role in the community is to serve as the local lead organization in
assisting private landowners with natural resources and agricultural related issues. The Saginaw
Conservation District works in partnership with multiple federal, state, county, and other non-profit
organizations to achieve these goals.
Work Location: Based out of the Saginaw Conservation District office in Saginaw, MI. Position covers Arenac,
Iosco, Clare, Gladwin, Bay, Midland, Gratiot, Isabella, Tuscola, Huron, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee,
Livingston, Lapeer and Oakland counties.
Pay: $18-$20/hr. Commensurate with experience.
Benefits: Benefits are not included. Paid vacation and sick days. Mileage reimbursement when personal
vehicle is used.
Closing Date: January 15, 2016.
Date position is available: The ideal candidate will be able to start the beginning of February, 2016.
Position Job Description / Coordinator Duties:
The Saginaw Bay Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is a relatively young
organization located in the Great Lakes region. It is a partnership of multiple organizations who
combine their efforts in order to efficiently and effectively prevent and eliminate invasive
species within the Saginaw Bay watershed. The Project Coordinator will work in conjunction
with a 10 member Steering Committee, to provide oversight and support for the planning and
implementation of projects. The coordinator will be in a leadership position responsible for
expanding partnerships within the SB-CISMA area and assuring that projects are implemented
successfully.
Coordinator duties:
1.

Coordinate SB-CISMA steering team and other meetings as needed.

2.

Develop a public I private partnership covering the 17-county area to work on invasive species
issues, including identification of high-priority species and treatment efforts. The partnership will
include watershed councils, drain/road commissions, Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest
Service, conservation districts, wildlife groups, land conservancies and other interested parties.

3.

Work with the SB-CISMA education and outreach committee to develop and deliver educational
programming for landowners on the prevention, identification, and best management practices
for invasive species treatment. This will include public meetings, radio broadcasts, newspaper
articles, invasive species pocket guides, the development of a website, and other outreach
materials as needed.

4.

Develop a training module and train other conservation district staff on recognizing invasive species
of concern and methods of reporting invasive species that they encounter through their field work
so that they can inventory them.

5.

Develop protocol to use in all conservation district offices to record landowner observations and
provide guidance with control efforts of invasive species.

6.

Apply for additional grants to conduct further, more targeted work in areas identified during the
initial phases of the grant. This would include: conducting systematic, comprehensive inventories of
invasive species, developing a cost-share program for landowners to control I eradicate invasive
species.

7.

Evaluate data that has been entered into the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network
(MISIN) for priority treatment sites.

8.

Develop booklet and/or make existing materials available for landowners that includes the latest
information on treatment options and list local businesses that can assist in various ways with
eradication.

9.

Promote "Clean Boat Clean Waters" program, the "Michigan Clean Water Corps Exotic Plant Watch",
MISIN, boot cleaning stations, and all other programs that support the mission of the SB-CISMA.

10. Assist in directing contractual work, including acquiring the appropriate permits, licenses, and
landowner permissions when applicable.
11. The project coordinator will work closely with grant fiduciaries in order to effectively manage grant
budgets and to recommend adjustments to the steering team when necessary.
12. There will be additional employees being hired for the SB-CISMA in order to implement boots- onthe-ground activities. The Project Coordinator will assist in supervising these employees as well as
making sure they are following their assigned plan of work.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree in a related field is required and two years of experience in natural resources or
educational programming and/or community outreach preferred.
-

Proficient in use of software to develop educational materials.

Michigan Pesticide Applicator Certification preferred.

Knowledge of current invasive species policies, management, and planning across multiple
government agencies and interest groups.

Must have valid driver's license and dependable vehicle.

Must be detail oriented with a great respect for safety precautions.

Must be a self-starter and able to work independently.

Be able to collaborate with multiple personalities and styles as well as motivate others.

Must have excellent communication skills.

Successful experience in developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing
strategic project goals preferred.

Experience with Microsoft Office programs, database/website development, and GIS or similar
mapping software.

To apply: Send resume, list of references, and cover letter to erik.palm@mi.nacdnet.net or to 178 N.
Graham Rd., Saginaw, MI 48609 before 8 a.m. on Friday, January 15, 2016.

Saginaw Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Program Provider.