Conservation Assistant Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

  Seasonal Position: Apply now! Work starts in the Spring  

Join Metroparks Toledo as a Seasonal Native Plant Nursery Assistant. In this role, you help care for our native plants. You’ll help conserve our natural resources at parks that thousands of people enjoy every day. You play a big role in ensuring we maintain our “Clean, Safe, and Natural” promise.

Day in the Life?

Every day is different. You may be working in the propagation fields, greenhouse, or shop to propagate, care, or harvest our native plants. You may be helping with controlled burns to bring our native plants back to life. You may spend the day at the shop keeping our equipment in good condition.

Here’s why we think you’ll love working at Metroparks

• Field experience in natural resources helps bring your degree to life.
• Monthly set schedule so you can plan your life.
• Competitive pay, health care, and retirement benefits. Read more here. 
• Grow your career by advancing to a Native Plant Nursery Specialist.

You’ll love this job if

• You are pursuing a Natural Resources-related degree and want to get field experience.
• You like working in a greenhouse and outdoors. 
• You enjoy hands-on work with a wide variety of native plants.

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Job Summary

Advance Metroparks Toledo’s core conservation mission by assisting with the production of native herbaceous and woody plants for use in Metroparks Toledo’s seed production fields, plant sales, restoration projects, and landscaping within Metroparks’ boundaries. Work closely with co-workers and volunteers to grow and plant native plants, and harvest and process seed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Field maintenance and seed production, including plant propagation, weeding, irrigation, seed collection, seed processing, harvesting and storage.
• Perform native plant bed maintenance work including removal of noxious or unwanted weeds or plants. 
• Control noxious and unwanted plant species by applying pesticides and herbicides to specific identified plant species under the supervision of a licensed applicator.
• Perform daily maintenance of greenhouse and care of woody and herbaceous plants.
• Assist in wild seed collection, when requested.
• Work as a burn crew member on ecological prescribed burns, assisting in prescribed fire operations, as needed.
• Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on small equipment, power equipment, and mowers. 
• Safely and respectfully work with volunteers on various projects such as seedling transplant, seed collection and seed processing. 
• Respond to customer questions, comments and suggestions in a courteous and timely manner.
• Other Park District duties as assigned.

Equipment Used

• General office equipment 
• Software & Apps: Microsoft Office Suite 
• Maintenance Equipment: lawn equipment, mowers, tillers, woodchippers, chainsaws, herbicide application equipment, power and hand tools, safety equipment  
• Vehicles: on & off-road trucks, UTVs, Tractors, Trailers
• Biological survey tools and equipment: fanning mill, hammer mill, shredder, irrigation systems

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Length of employment varies based on need. Generally, March – December. Employment will not exceed 1,480 hours in a calendar year.
• Schedule: 40-hour workweek that may require work in the evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. 
• Home Work Location: Blue Creek Native Nursery.
• May require business use of personal vehicle to travel between Metroparks locations.
• Extensive outdoor physical labor exposed to climate extremes, inclement weather, stinging insects, dust and pollen, prescription fires and herbicides forest fires and herbicides. 
• Requires frequent lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds and occasional lifting over 75 pounds with assistance. 
• Requires ability to walk and work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather including extreme heat and cold. Must be able to move about off trail over uneven ground and in wooded areas while carrying equipment.

Job Requirements

1. Must be 18 years of age and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
2. Education: High School Diploma or GED. At least 1 semester of college coursework in Environmental Sciences, Horticulture, Natural Resources, or related field.
3. Experience: 1 year outdoor work experience with horticulture, natural systems, or forestry preferred
4. Certifications: Must obtain the following certifications within 1 year of employment and fulfill requalification and recertification requirements:
5. Ohio Department of Agriculture trained service person for pesticides

Alternates to the position requirements may be made as Metroparks finds appropriate and acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated appreciation for enhancing quality of life and conserving the region’s natural resources through clean, safe and natural parks and open spaces.  

Knowledge

• Some knowledge of natural systems and conservation practices.
• Some knowledge or the ability to learn safe operating procedures for power equipment such as small and large irrigation systems, seed processing equipment (fanning mill, hammer mills, and shredders), string trimmers, mowers, and small tractor; ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Skills 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.  
• Demonstrated computer skills. 

Abilities 

• Ability to develop and maintain effective professional relationships with all stakeholders, including employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with speed and accuracy under the pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to recognize plant species as required to complete nursery activities.
• Ability to comply with all safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and/or written policies, procedures and instructions.

Metroparks Toledo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.