Environmental Technician

The Environmental Technician position at the Arkansas Department of Transportation involves assisting in environmental data collection and mitigation projects. Responsibilities include fieldwork, developing management plans for mitigation lands, monitoring wildlife habitats, and operating machinery. Candidates should have a relevant degree or experience, knowledge of land stewardship, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. The role requires physical tasks like planting trees and maintaining records for equipment.
About the position

The Environmental Technician position at the Arkansas Department of Transportation involves assisting the Natural Resources Section of the Environmental Division in the collection of information for environmental and mitigation documents. This role includes conducting fieldwork associated with various environmental processes, procedures, and commitments. The technician will work closely with staff and partners to develop and implement management plans for the Department's mitigation lands, aimed at improving wildlife habitats and restoring ecological functions. Regular monitoring of these lands will be required to assess maintenance needs, which may include mowing, herbicide application, and maintaining access points, roads, and property boundaries. Under the direction of senior staff, the technician will perform fieldwork and collect data for various environmental studies. This includes assisting with analysis and data entry, as well as supporting the Natural Resources Section in all aspects of mitigation projects. Responsibilities may involve obtaining contracts and bids, operating small and heavy machinery such as chainsaws, boats, tractors, and trailers, overseeing contractor work, and physically planting native trees and shrubs. The technician will also utilize GPS and survey-grade equipment for accurate data collection and maintenance of the Department's plant nursery, including the upkeep of the irrigation system. Additionally, the role requires maintaining records for motorized and non-motorized equipment and vehicles.

Responsibilities
• Assist the Natural Resources Section in collecting data for environmental and mitigation documents.
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• Develop and implement management plans for mitigation lands to improve wildlife habitats.
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• Monitor mitigation lands for maintenance needs.
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• Perform maintenance tasks on mitigation lands, including mowing and herbicide application.
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• Conduct fieldwork and collect data for environmental studies and processes.
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• Assist with analysis and data entry related to environmental projects.
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• Support the Natural Resources Section in obtaining contracts and bids for mitigation projects.
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• Operate small and heavy machinery, including chainsaws, boats, tractors, and trailers.
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• Oversee the work of contractors involved in mitigation projects.
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• Physically plant native trees and shrubs as part of restoration efforts.
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• Utilize GPS and survey-grade equipment for data collection.
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• Maintain the Department's plant nursery and irrigation system.
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• Keep records of motorized and non-motorized equipment and vehicles.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, wildlife management, environmental science, or a closely related field, or a high school diploma with four years of relevant experience.
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• Familiarity with Arkansas' diverse natural communities.
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• Working knowledge of land stewardship techniques, including controlling invasive species and establishing native vegetation.
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• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
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• Familiarity with GPS and/or survey-grade equipment.
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• Effective organizational and problem-solving skills.
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• Ability to interpret and apply Department policies and procedures.

Nice-to-haves
• Working knowledge of small engine maintenance and repair.

Benefits