Invasive Exotic Plant Control Crew – Summer 2026

position Available:
Summer 2026
Invasive Exotic Plant Control Crew
Status: Full time, temporary (seasonal)
Application deadline: February 22 or open until filled

Help with ecosystem restoration by removing invasive exotic plants so that a diversity of native species once again thrive.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Control non-native plant species using physical and chemical means, with the goal of helping to restore selected Nature Center ecosystems back to a more natural state
• Safely and properly use powered brush saws, pole pruners, backpack sprayers and hand sprayers to permanently remove invasive plants
• Assist with other land management and facilities work as assigned
• Operate within all established safety and security procedures

Required Qualifications

• At least 18 years old
• Have a valid driver’s license
• Physical abilities to carry out above mentioned tasks and must be able to lift 50 lbs regularly
• Operate within all established safety and security procedures
• experience identifying plants desired
• Experience using and maintaining power equipment preferred
• Mental and physical capacity to:
• Work outdoors in adverse weather conditions (heat, high humidity, rain, snow, etc. …)
• Tolerate poison ivy, snakes, mosquitoes, deer flies, bees and thorns
• Hard worker who is able to maintain a positive attitude and high group morale
• Pesticide certification preferred (CNC will fund certification if needed)

Reports to: Director of Land and Facilities

Status: Full time, temporary (seasonal)

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm; up to 40 hrs/wk and up to 800 total hrs

Start Date: April 20 or when available (flexible)                      

End Date: Through August with additional days possible (hiring multiple staff members; one person needed through October)

Compensation & Benefits: $14-15/hr (based on experience), staff uniform, steel-toed boots, pesticide certification fee reimbursement, CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center Store, 10% discount on registered program member fee

Application procedure: Send cover letter and resume to Tom Lenon, Director of Land and Facilities at tlenon@chippewanaturecenter.org or 400 S Badour Road, Midland, MI  48640

Application Deadline: February 22 or until position is filled

Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 2,000-acre property includes a diversity of ecosystems. CNC also has 19 miles of nature trails. See www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.

Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status. Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.

Equal Opportunity Employment: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.