Invasive Plant Management Members - Southeast Invasive Plant Management Team

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking THREE Invasive Plant Management Members who will assist Southeast Invasive Plant Management Team (SE-IPMT) staff with the management, control, and eradication of invasive plants and forest pathogens.

For more information on the ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org

Start Date: September 11th, 2023

End Date: January 27th or May 18th, depending on the term *One of the positions will be 20 weeks long and two of the positions will be 36 weeks long* *A 20-week or 36-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: The first 20 weeks will be based in Asheville, NC and the final 16 weeks will be based in Chattanooga, TN

Fieldwork will be conducted in National Parks across the southeast.

For more information about the SE-IPMT, please visit the NPS website at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/invasive/sec.htm.

Project Background and Objectives: One of the many ways the NPS is addressing invasive species is through the Invasive Plant Management Program. The program assists parks in preventing introductions of new species, reducing existing infestations, and restoring native plant communities and ecosystem functions.

In 2000, the NPS created the Invasive Plant Management Program that now supports 18 teams contributing in over 300 park units. Invasive Plant Management Teams (IPMT) are led by individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in invasive plant management.

Each field-based team operates over a wide geographic area and serves over a dozen parks to increase operational efficiency. The IPMT uses multiple strategies to create a work plan specific to the needs of the individual partner park. All treatment, control and restoration methods are reviewed and approved by the partner park and the NPS Integrated Pest Management Program.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Position Overview: After habitat loss, invasive species are considered the greatest threat to global diversity. Invasive plant management, including use of mechanical, manual and chemical control and site restoration, is a high priority in our National Parks. The SE-IPMT is tasked with providing assistance in controlling invasive plants for 20 National Park units in seven southeastern states.

In this intensive field position, the ACE Member will be exposed to a variety of terrains to implement and document invasive plant management control methods including manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques using chainsaws, pole-saws, brush-cutters, hand tools, and manual and backpack sprayers and off road vehicles. Additionally, the Member will also be responsible for using GPS and GIS to locate and document sites and invasive plant populations. As many of the sites are located in remote locations, members will be required to operate 4WD vehicles and all-terrain vehicles. Transport of equipment typically includes an open trailer and experience pulling, hitching and backing a trailer is considered a plus. This position is very physically engaging

Potential Training: chainsaw and brushcutter use, herbicide safety and handling, use of GPS/GIS and database programs, invasive and native plant identification, off-road and defensive driving skills, Red Cross First Aid/CPR, ATV/UTV safe operator certification.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: A typical schedule is eight, ten hour days followed by six days off OR four ten-hour days with three days off.

Position Benefits:

Living Allowance: ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $715/week to offset the costs of food, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. Extensive travel is required and all project-related hotel expenses are covered by ACE/NPS. Potential out-of-pocket reimbursements will be fulfilled approximately two weeks after approved travel documents are submitted to ACE.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Members must be US citizen or Permanent Resident, as required to comply with U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.
• A personal vehicle for off days and commuting.
• Must be physically able to hike while carrying up to 40 pounds of gear on uneven and steep terrain, on and off trail, in a variety of weather conditions. Must be able to hike up to 5 miles over steep terrain for up to 8 hours/day.
• Must be open to varying and flexible schedules. This position involves intensive travel to parks in the Southeast, with the possibility of local work only if travel restrictions are implemented.
• Must be available for overnight travel.
• Must be willing to safely apply herbicides.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as botany, ecology, biology, wildlife, natural resources, environmental science, entomology, or a related field.
• Experience with invasive plant management or restoration.
• Experience operating a vehicle while pulling a trailer.
• Experience identifying and managing native and non-native plants.
• Experience using GPS and GIS software
• An ability to use power equipment and 4WD vehicles.
• Deep interest in fieldwork and a respect for nature.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Must be physically able to hike while carrying up to 40 pounds of gear on uneven and steep terrain, on and off trail, in a variety of weather conditions. Must be able to hike up to 5 miles over steep terrain for up to 8 hours/day.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position involves intensive travel to parks in the Southeast.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the partner or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the partner. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the partner, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to partner and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/.

Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, Shannon Borowy at sborowy@usaconservation.org.

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Invasive Plant Management Members Southeast Invasive Plant Management Team Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC