Senior Research Plot Technician - Military Veterans

The Research Plot Technician is part of the Buildings and Grounds (B&G) team and reports to Cedar Creek's B&G supervisor. This position works a Tuesday-Saturday schedule (with a Sunday/Monday weekend) from April through October. Schedule during other months is expected to be 40hrs/week but days of the week are negotiable. This will include at least some Saturdays for plowing and winter maintenance. This position is covered by the AFSCME Technical Union and Union/Fair share deductions may be made.

Duties include preparing, maintaining and supporting research and land management projects, often working closely with research scientists and other technicians, as well as contributing directly to the daily and seasonal work of the Buildings and Grounds (B&G) team and other Cedar Creek staff. This role also operates and provides training on tractors, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other power equipment and power and hand tools.

TYPICAL TASKS (These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this class.)

55% Assists in the preparation and maintenance of research plots and experimental landscapes. This includes but is not limited to mowing, tilling, fencing, maintaining roadways adjoining and leading to plots and research areas, tree and brush removal and planting, irrigation, installation and removal of heat lamps, soil and water sampling, assisting with the logistics of annual deer management hunts, and herbicide application. Maintains and repairs equipment, tools and vehicles used by researchers. Provides equipment, vehicle and shop training as well as technical support to researchers and research or land management volunteers.

30% Contributes to the maintenance and repair of work areas, storage spaces, and buildings (labs, offices, classrooms, housing units for researchers). Monitors physical infrastructure for issues and works collaboratively to address them in a timely manner. Conducts minor plumbing, carpentry, landcare, and painting as needed.

15% Participates in prescribed burning of experimental plots and conservation areas, ideally reaching the level of Squad Boss (training provided). This includes preparation and maintenance of trucks, pumps, ATVs and other fire related equipment, upkeep of fire breaks, active participation in prescribed burns onsite (up to 3 days per week during the burn season), post-burn monitoring and data collection.

SUPERVISION
This position will be a non-supervisory position but may act as a lead worker over part time,
temporary or seasonal workers.

Required Qualifications:
-High school graduation and five years of related education and/or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
-Ability to lift 50 pounds
-Ability to walk and drive on rough and uneven terrain carrying equipment
-Experience working in and around research plots
-Experience with prescribed burning.
-Experience working at a field station, nature center, park, or similar facility
-Experience with small engine repair, chainsaw use, carpentry, construction or similar
-Experience operating tractors and/or pickup trucks with various implements attached (snowplow, tiller, mower, water pump, etc)
-Operational knowledge of field sampling instruments and pesticide/herbicide application.