Natural Resources Temp

Dakota County is seeking seasonal Natural Resource Temps who are enthusiastic about natural resources. The role involves performing skilled work and coordinating tasks to assist with the implementation of natural resource restoration and stewardship projects for the Parks Department. Responsibilities Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions For this 6-month position, the following tasks will be performed: Vegetation Surveying and Monitoring Track- This track will include tasks such as conducting and recording relev s, transects, photo monitoring, and plant community inventories; preparing, mounting, and submitting herbarium specimens for new County records Wildlife Surveying and Monitoring Track- This track will include tasks such as: trapping and handling turtles, small mammals, snakes, salamanders, bees, and butterflies, as well as surveying for bats, anurans, and birds, and also setting up trail cameras Work directly with bison technician to perform the following tasks as needed: weekly monitoring of bison herd, surveillance and maintenance of fence and gates, record keeping Assists with wildlife program efforts such as: improving habitat for wildlife, developing and implementing new survey methods, and assisting with deer management program Native Plant Propagation Track- This track will include tasks such as: Oversee and perform all aspects of seeding and maintenance of plants in the green house. This may include seeding and transplanting seedlings, regulating greenhouse growing conditions, removing invasive weed species, maintaining greenhouse facilities, watering plants, etc Land Management Track This track will include tasks such as: Invasive species control through land management techniques including herbicide application, weed whipping, hand weeding, prescribed burning, etc; landscape improvements such as planting trees, shrubs, herbaceous plant plugs, seeding, etc All Tracks will perform other duties as assigned These may include: Creating maps using ESRI mapping tools Data collection, entry, analysis and interpretation using Excel and R Studio Report writing and presentations Updating pertinent databases with newly found County records Performing natural resource restoration duties (i.e.installing native plants, seeding, prescribed burning, invasive species control/management, native plant propagation, erosion control) Collecting and cleaning seed, planting Assisting with project communication to the public Assisting with restoration project administration Monitoring and reporting on work progress, site conditions, and qualit of work Keeping supervisor informed of issues as they arise, project status, and material or equipment needs Assisting with native plant propagation efforts Training and directing volunteers in the safe and proficient operation of tools and specialized equipment Acting as the lead to volunteers to help plan and schedule work Other related work as assigned Skills Enthusiastic about natural resources Motivated to perform skilled work Ability to coordinate tasks Ability to provide assistance with the implementation of natural resource restoration and stewardship projects Knowledge of practices, functions and procedures for skilled, complex and specialized natural resources restoration tasks Knowledge of safety rules, regulations and practices Ability to proficiently and safely operate light equipment, power tools and vehicles Knowledge in the management and identification of Minnesota native and invasive plant species including: trees, shrubs, forbs, grasses, sedges, rushes, and ferns/fern allies Knowledge in the management and identification of Minnesota native wildlife species Ability to organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of peers and volunteers Ability to work with other department staff and programs Ability to work effectively with employees, public officials and the general public Ability to analyze needs and problems related to natural resource restoration and stewardship Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing Ability to read, understand maps, plans and other graphics used to communicate tasks Ability to work with Excel spreadsheets, R Studio, ESRI mapping software, and GIS/GPS equipment Ability to work independently and as part of a team Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather and terrain conditions Physical ability to bend, twist, crouch, lift, forward & overhead reach, and push/pull and carry equipment necessary for the job which may weigh up to 50 lbs Company Overview Located in the thriving Twin Cities metropolitan area, Dakota County offers a unique blend of urban, suburban and rural communities. It was founded in undefined, and is headquartered in US, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is