2024 Invasive Plant Project Coordinator

$37,440 - $37,440/Yr

Maine Department Of Agriculture Conservation And Forestry - Augusta, ME

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Augusta, ME

Administration of Environmental Quality Programs

About the position

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) is seeking an Invasive Plant Project Coordinator to lead an outreach initiative focused on invasive plant management. This full-time position will commence in the spring and continue until the project's completion in the fall or winter of the same year. The primary responsibility of the coordinator will be to educate plant sellers about invasive plants that can inadvertently be introduced through plant pots, root balls, or other horticultural materials. The coordinator will also provide best management practices to mitigate the spread of invasive species in production, holding, display, or sales areas. The successful candidate will be tasked with developing outreach and educational materials tailored to various audiences. This includes planning, coordinating, and implementing both in-person and online workshops aimed at growers and stakeholders. The role will require collaboration with growers to address and resolve invasive plant management issues effectively. The position is based in Augusta, Maine, with some flexibility for telework, but it will involve statewide travel to engage with different communities and stakeholders. This is a contract position offering a competitive hourly wage of $18. The coordinator will play a crucial role in enhancing the understanding and management of invasive plants within the state, contributing to the preservation of Maine's natural resources and agricultural integrity.

Responsibilities

• Educate plant sellers about invasive plants and their management.
• Develop outreach and educational materials for various audiences.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement in-person and online workshops.
• Collaborate with growers to address invasive plant management issues.
• Manage multiple priorities and switch between projects as needed.
• Maintain good time management and record-keeping abilities.

Requirements

• Education in biology, horticulture, entomology, botany, or a related field.
• Knowledge of common plant production practices and invasive species management.
• Training or experience in plant identification and the use of dichotomous keys is a plus.
• A pesticide applicator license is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Experience designing displays, posters, and other outreach materials.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience presenting information to small or large groups.
• Ability to create written content for printed outreach materials, newsletters, and websites.
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfort in field and laboratory conditions and handling plants.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with dissection microscopes.
• Experience in creating educational content for various platforms.