Purdue Work-study Invasive Plant Technician
This position is funded by Purdue’s Office of Financial Aid. Applicants must be current Purdue University students that qualify for Federal Work Study.
As WREC works to improve access to riverfront green spaces, we are acquiring both urban and rural land along the Wabash River. Much of this land is neglected and in need to ecosystem restoration, particularly through invasive plant management. With direction from WREC Staff, the invasive species technician will work with WREC staff and partner agencies to control invasive plants such as honeysuckle, callery pear, white mulberry, tree of heaven, and others. Weekend work may be required occasionally to help facilitate volunteer work days. The successful candidate’s primary responsibilities include:
- Earning an herbicide applicator’s certification (paid for by employer)
- Utilizing hand tools and electric chainsaws to remove woody invasive plants
- Assessing presence/absence of invasive plants on a property
- Herbicide application contingent upon earning herbicide applicator certification
- Working alone in remote and urban areas
- Navigating uneven terrain safely
- Helping with volunteer work days
- Safely operate handsaws, electric chainsaws, loppers, pullerbears and applying herbicide
- Carrying/dragging/moving brush of varying size and weight
- Desired Skills
- Comfortable working independently
- Communication
- Heavy Lifting
- Experience Identifying Invasive Species Plant
- Comfort utilizing hand tools
- Comfort working outdoors
- Ability to follow instructions
- Ability to make decisions regarding safety when working alone and with others in remote environments
Compensation: $17/hour, maximum 8 hours per week
Applicants must be current Purdue University students that qualify for Federal Work Study.
Send resume and cover letter.