Bismarck, North Dakota

Position Title: Natural Resources Technician

Organization: North Dakota Parks and Recreation

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota

Organization Overview: 

Position Overview:  Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to tree and shrub planting and maintenance; restoration seeding; calibration of herbicide application equipment; safely applying herbicide spray mixtures to targeted vegetation; operating ATVs, pickups, and tractors with spray delivery systems, backpack sprayers; operating chainsaws and use of small hand tools for mechanical removal of noxious and invasive plant species. The technician will be required to attend training and safety sessions. Maintain detailed daily activity records and pesticide application records.

Will be responsible for performing tasks associated with maintaining state parks’ natural resources. The work will focus on noxious weed control, but tasks may also include invasive species control, tree/shrub planting and maintenance, restoration seeding, and trail maintenance.

Working environments vary considerably in this occupation. Technicians will work in outdoors in all weather conditions. Field operations will be based out of ND Parks and Recreation headquarters, but the position requires travel around the state to several state parks during the field season with overnight stays. Hours of work will vary, with no weekend work.

Qualifications: 

• Studies in natural resource management, agriculture, or related field
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment such as chain saws and sprayers.
• Willing to obtain a commercial applicator’s pesticide certification.
• Two years of ATV/Side-by-Side use
• Driver’s license

Experience in the operation and maintenance of ATVs and side-by-side utility vehicles. Experience in or studies in natural resource management, wildlife biology, ecology, forestry, agriculture, or related field of study.  Relevant experience may be considered in place of education. Must have or the ability to obtain a commercial applicator’s pesticide certification. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Must be self-motivated with the ability to effectively apply knowledge and common sense to solve problems and or achieve work objectives. Knowledge of plant identification is preferable. Ability to follow written and oral instructions, work without supervision daily, and work outdoors in hot, cold, rainy, and windy weather conditions.

Willingness to travel within North Dakota with overnight stays. Lodging/living facilities are available to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park employees in Mandan, ND.  Meals and lodging while the employee is away from their normal working and living residence will be provided based on state reimbursement rates.

On-The-Job Training

• Commercial Applicators Licence testing- NDSU Pesticide Certification
• GIS Collector/Quick Capture: pre, field, and post-mapping instruction
• ATV safety training
• Noxious Weed Spraying/Calibration Training Spray School
• General maintenance and repair of XUV and sprayer training
• NWCG Wildland Fire Training and Certification – Online

Salary/Pay:  $17-$18 per hour plus per diem

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.