Invasive Plant Management Members – Southeast Invasive Plant Management Team with American Conservation Experience in Asheville, NC

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

Fieldwork will primarily be conducted at the Blue Ridge Parkway, Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with the possibility of traveling further out if travel restrictions lift later in the season.

AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($3,172.50) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment steps are required.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a hiring authority upon completion of their term of service.

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 gas powered sprayers. 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.

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.

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 required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• A personal vehicle for off days and commuting around Asheville.
• 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.
• ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.

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.