Red Cedar Waterway and Land Preservation Intern

Red Cedar Waterway and Land Preservation Intern

• Type:Intern
• Salary/Pay Rate:$16.00/hour
• Posted Date:04/22/2025
• Deadline to Apply:05/06/2025

Description:

The Meridian Township Parks and Recreation Department is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Project Assistant to support the Multi-Jurisdictional Red Cedar Waterway and Land Preservation Program. This collaborative initiative between Meridian Township, Williamstown Township, and the City of Williamston aims to enhance recreational access and environmental preservation along nearly 15 miles of the Red Cedar River, with a vision of eventually connecting the waterway to the Middle Grand and Grand Rivers.

The Project Assistant will play a key role in planning, coordination, fieldwork, and community engagement efforts that support waterway navigation, habitat conservation, and intergovernmental collaboration.

Duties:

Red Cedar Waterway Stewardship Project - 70% of time

1. Assist with grant requirements and reporting.
2. Assist with monitoring the tree removal contractors.
3. Assist with organizing volunteer efforts in cleaning debris from the Red Cedar River.
4. Assist with monitoring the navigability and the ecological sustainability of the Red Cedar River.
5. Assist with the installation of two boat launches within the Township.
6. Act as the liaison between the Parks and Recreation Department and Engineering Department throughout the project.

Land Preservation Stewardship - 25% of time

1. Assist with invasive species management and monitoring, Planting a Native Meridian (native plant restoration program), and vernal pool monitoring.
2. Assist with GIS mapping and inventory of invasive species infestations throughout parks and preserves for management plans and long-term monitoring.
3. Assist with Stewardship Workdays, and other Meridian Conservation Corps programs; guiding volunteers, showing proper tool use and management techniques.
4. Attend Land Preservation Advisory Board & Township Board meetings when deemed necessary.

Other - 5% of time

1. Assist with grant preparation and submittal.
2. Assist with Land Preservation Advisory Board memorandums and presentations.

Required Qualifications:

• In possession of, or working toward, a degree in Natural Resource Management, Fisheries and Wildlife, Biology, Forestry and/or Parks and Recreation Management, or related field.
• Possession of a valid State of Michigan Operator's License.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations, specifically the Township Park Ordinance and rules.
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna and basic land management techniques
• Knowledge of common invasive species, and/or experience eradicating and treating invasive species.
• Ability to work other than normal business hours.
• Ability to work effectively within deadlines, under stress and with changing work priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with people and/or volunteers to accomplish a common goal.
• A passion for the outdoors, conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
• Proficiency and confidence during public speaking.
• A passion for outdoors, recreation, community organizing, conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Interns will spend approximately 50% of their time in the field, and 50% in the office. This remains flexible and often travels to other locations regularly to work in diverse settings including outdoor weather conditions. The position may require working hours outside of regular business hours. Outdoor work is a requirement, and candidates must be able to traverse rough terrain and navigate dense vegetation in all weather conditions. Applicants must be able to lift 50 pounds without injury and be prepared for physically demanding work. Applicants must be willing to use weed whippers, hedge trimmers, pole saws, hand tools (loppers, saws) & comply with proper PPE workplace protocol.

Time Period of Position:

• Up to 30 hours/week is expected with the exception school schedules and holidays. Hours will generally be Monday - Friday, with intermittent weekend work required.

https://www.meridian.mi.us/Home/Components/JobPosts/Job/236/186