Vegetation Management Member – Bryce Canyon National Park with American Conservation Experience in Bryce Canyon National Park (Bryce, UT)

Housing: The ACE Member will be accommodated in park housing at an additional cost for the duration of the term, based on availability.

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

The ACE Member will work with and assist the Bryce Canyon National Park Vegetation Management team in all tasks associated with non-native plant control and re-vegetation in the park. The work can include surveys, restoration, seeding and seed collection, as well as specific directed control operations. Control will be done using both manual and chemical control techniques including the spraying of herbicide. The ACE Member should be familiar with traveling to and working in remote areas, with exposure to changing environmental conditions. This is a great opportunity to learn and practice natural resource management techniques and the laws, policies, and regulations that guide them, all within the setting of a heavily-visited, iconic national park. There will be some opportunities to join other resource management crews and gain experience in other tasks.

Major duties will include:

1) Participates in planning, coordinating, and implementing invasive plant species control throughout the park. Performs various control techniques, including mechanical, chemical, and cultural strategies. Records treatment information using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

2) Completes revegetation work to help the recovery of areas that have been impacted by visitor use and park construction projects. Tasks include social trail obliteration, seed collection and replanting, native plant salvage, soil improvements, erosion mitigation, and the construction of barriers to protect sites from impacts.

3) Completes restoration tasks to improve forest and meadow habitat of the park. Tasks include mechanical thinning of trees and shrubs, removal of invasive species, and planting of native species.

4) Collects vegetation field data on various media. Conducts surveys and evaluations related to treatment efficacy, species populations, forest health, and other related topics. Maintains related databases, forms, maps, and files. Enters natural resource data and information into park databases. Summarizes restoration work in written reports.

5) Follows BRCA and NPS guidelines, written project specifications, and all best management practices when completing natural resource management tasks. Ensures safety is accounted for during all aspects of work. Reports accidents immediately to BRCA and ACE contacts.

6) Leads conservation corps crews and volunteer groups in vegetation management tasks. Communicates important information to peers and project leaders regarding project status.

Required:

• Members must be U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents, 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 self-directed when working alone, as well as a positive and 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
• Previous experience / training in the use of chainsaws for vegetation management
• Physical requirements include the ability to work in mountainous terrain, hike for long distances, carry a backpack / gear, complete repetitive tasks, and lift up to 50 lbs
• 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

**Highly Preferred:**

• Formal training and experience using hand tools and power tools commonly used in restoration work – including chainsaws, brush cutters, shovels, mattocks, and handsaws
• S212 Chainsaw Certification

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Environmental Science, Conservation, Botany, or related field – and / or – have relevant experience in subject areas such as vegetation and habitat restoration projects
• Knowledge of invasive species management and use of chemical treatments
• Familiarity with plant species of the Colorado Plateau