Weed Harvester Operator Lake Management District

The Lake Ripley Management District (District) is a local, special-purpose unit of government dedicated to improving and protecting the water quality, ecological health, and recreational values of Lake Ripley.

The District is seeking seasonal, mechanical lake weed harvester operators. The approximate dates for this seasonal position are May 1st to October 1st with flexibility on either end. Hours are generally 8am-noon Monday-Friday with some flexibility. The season may be shortened or extended depending on year-to-year plant growth conditions. Operators report to the Lake Manager and will be responsible for helping with the harvesting of aquatic plants in accordance with the District’s harvesting program and DNR permits.

This person will be trained to operate all equipment.

This position requires a detail‑oriented, collaborative, hard‑working, versatile individual who is committed to improving ecological health of the lake and capable of learning quickly. The candidate must be able to perform physical work in a wide range of outdoor conditions throughout the season.

Operators need to be at least 18 years old, possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, have experience and competence operating heavy equipment, perform occasional heavy lifting, conduct basic equipment maintenance, communicate and coordinate work schedules with fellow crew members, and be able to follow established harvesting guidance and policies as set forth by the Lake Manager and the Board of Directors.

Ability and willingness to perform occasional additional duties such as light groundskeeping tasks, or parts pick up or deliveries, is preferred. The highest level of honesty and dependability is expected of all operators.

Majority of work to be performed outdoors in varied temperatures. Employee must wear appropriate attire, outlined in the ‘Weed Harvesting Operators Agreement’. The employee will be exposed to outdoor temperature, humidity, wetness and dust. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time. Must be able to frequently grasp, grip, pull, push, twist, and lift an average of 35‑50 pounds.

Operator will be operating and/or working near moving machinery.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high. Over‑ear safety headphones should be worn to protect ears.

Employees who drive on District business to carry out job‑related duties must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles and equipment safely.

• Working knowledge of the uses, principles and practices of operation of an aquatic weed harvester and related peripheral equipment including an offshore unloader.
• Working knowledge of the operation of diesel engines/equipment, hydraulic systems, and conveyor belt systems
• Working knowledge in the maintenance and repair of an aquatic weed harvester and related equipment
• Ability to safely operate the 2015 Aquarius Systems’ Model HM‑420 mechanical harvester, shore conveyor and the 2005 International dump truck.
• Be familiar with and use the Lowrance HDS
  12 GPS system that allows for precise cutting in specific areas.
• Harvest aquatic plants from specific, DNR‑approved navigational lanes. These areas are designated ONLY by the District in collaboration with the DNR. Collect propchop from the lake.
• Unload harvested plant material onto the dump truck, using the shore conveyor system.
• Drive the dump truck to deliver plant material to designated locations for composting.
• Perform daily equipment checks, record inspections as required, perform daily maintenance on all equipment and vehicles, ensure equipment is clean and reports any broken or faulty equipment to Lake Manager.
• Ability to perform simple record keeping.
• Mechanical abilities and aptitude.
• Work outdoors and in water.
• Assist in routine maintenance activities on equipment.
• Assist in winterizing equipment.
• Ability to follow direction as well as work independently.
• Support the District’s goals and objectives and work with management to achieve goals and objectives.
• Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.
• Any other duties…