United Spinal Association Jobs

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained. Core Values: The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Forestry and Trust Land Division recognizes that building a collaborative, professional, and inclusive work environment is critical to fulfilling our mission of managing, protecting, and promoting stewardship of Montana’s forests and lands for the benefit of current and future generations and our trust beneficiaries. We hold ourselves to these high standards as we are accountable to the people of Montana. * We value and respect each other. * We create collaborative work environments. * We build and maintain strong relationships. * We practice accountability. * We celebrate our successes and take pride in our work. Work Unit Overview: * The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s (DNRC) mission is to help ensure Montana’s land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations. The Forest Pest Management Program assists non-federal landowners and resource managers in preventing, identifying, and managing forest insects and diseases. The program is funded through a combination of State and federal funds. *Job Overview: * The Forest Pest Technician will assist in field, educational, and logistical operations of the Forest Pest Management Program. Forest Pest Management Program staff work closely with foresters and partners across the entire state and thus, overnight travel is required. *Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): /These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent./ A: Program support (30% of time) Provide support to the Forest Pest Management Program by assisting with overall program function and performing administrative tasks. This requires basic computer proficiency, clear communication, and organizational skills. * Perform office support including correspondence, answering public inquiries, writing documents, and managing data. * Assist in managing program website, update and develop content, review functionality and explore new opportunities to deliver program information. * Summarize insect and disease conditions in annual reports including layout, publication, and distribution; track and report program accomplishments; manage data from various sources including traps, field surveys, and spatial data. * Monitor program budgets and make expenditures within agency protocol. * Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws and grant requirements. B: Technical support to field operations. (25% of time) Provide technical support to field operations of Forest Pest Management Program. Coordinate and assist with field surveys, sample collection, diagnostics, and management activities. This work requires competence in field and lab work, proficiency in backcountry conditions, clear communication, strong interpersonal skills, and adherence to safety protocols. * Acquire and maintain field equipment; manage vehicle maintenance (snow tires, oil changes, repairs, etc.) * Coordinate and conduct (or assist with) field surveys to determine presence, extent and impact of insects and diseases on forests; acquire and maintain necessary equipment; manage data collection, entry, and dissemination; schedule operations; verify ownerships and request access. * Conduct or assist with field surveys of insects and diseases to determine presence, extent, population trend and impacts to forests; collect data and samples. * Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions with some travel to remote locations; walk long distances through dense forests and underbrush. Environmental hazards may include insect bites and other outdoor elements. * Rear insect and disease specimens from samples; maintain rearing chambers over duration of development; collect specimens upon emergence. * Manage insect collection; clean, pin and label specimens. * Manage insect trapping for detection, monitoring, and management; maintain trapping equipment; schedule trapping activities according to insect life stages; order, store, and properly handle baits and insecticides; collect specimens * Respond to phone, email and in-person inquiries regarding forest pest issues in the state and, as necessary, refer questions to appropriate personnel. * Conduct site visits on non-federal public and private lands to determine cause of forest damage including insects, diseases and abiotic factors; diagnose forest pest organisms using diagnostic keys and reference materials; document findings * Prepare and send samples to appropriate diagnostic lab or personnel; track correspondence; manage contracts and invoices related to services. * Maintain Montana Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator license. C: Education and Outreach (45% of time) Support education and outreach efforts of the Forest Pest Management Program. Assist in developing training and messaging in varied formats. The work requires strong writing skills and attention to detail. * Provide logistical support to trainings, workshops, and presentations including field site scouting, setting up venue, registering attendees, securing lodging. * Write newsletter articles, press releases, website content and other public outreach materials. * Develop educational resources including publications, photo library, and instructional samples. * Distribute education and outreach materials; manage inventory of publications. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): The ideal candidate will have education and experience equivalent to an associate's degree and two year's work experience in natural resources, pest management, biology, plant pathology or forestry practices. The ideal candidate will also have demonstrated comfort and proficiency in backcountry conditions. Title: Program Specialist 1 - Forest Pest Technician Location: Missoula Requisition ID: 24141747