Vegetation Management Members – Saguaro National Park with American Conservation Experience in Saguaro National Park near Tucson, AZ

Start Date: July 16th, 2023

Estimated End Date for the 25-week term: January 8th, 2024 (or 25 weeks after the start date)
Estimated End Date for the 50-week term: July 2nd, 2024 (or 50 weeks after the start date)
*a 25-week/50-week minimum commitment is required (depending on term of interest)*

Position Overview: ACE Members will be working in Saguaro National Park’s Science and Resource Management Division with the majority of the duties associated with invasive plant control.

ACE Members will join a team made up of biologists, biological technicians, volunteers, and interns. Projects will take place in both districts of Saguaro National Park in Tucson. ACE Members will be provided training in plant identification, plant removal, herbicide use and mixing, mapping with GPS and GIS, data collection, and specialized backcountry survey techniques. Occasional backcountry work will be done in the upper elevations of the park (up to 8,600′) and involve camping. Duties will also include backcountry surveys for non-native plants, springs/wetlands, cultural resources, and forest health indicators.

Invasive Plant Control:

This work is primarily manual and chemical treatment of invasive plants. Safety and herbicide training will be provided. For chemical applications, members will be required to work with approved concentrated herbicides and diluted solutions. Members will be required by law to follow all appropriate safety guidelines and wear appropriate personal protective equipment. The majority of work will take place in the backcountry, however projects may occur alongside roads and trails as well. The member must be able to handle hiking and camping in extreme weather conditions and across rugged desert terrain. Treatment areas are often difficult to reach and navigate and may require the use of high clearance vehicles and GPS tools.

ACE Members may be involved in ongoing or new monitoring associated with herbicides and invasive plants within the Park. The members will map localized infestations and areas treated by the Invasive Plant Management team. Work includes knowledge and use of GPS, Trimble handheld computers, and GIS software (ArcMap) to record, enter, and process data. Trimbles and GPS units will also be used for navigation while in the field.

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.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.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by 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 websitehttps://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements“> https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and/or have relevant experience in environmental science, botany, ecosystem restoration, natural resource management, or related discipline.
• Knowledge and ability to use GIS/ GPS equipment in the field.
• Ability and willingness to hike and spend long hours in the backcountry.

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: Frequently moves up to 30 lbs., ability to move up to 30-50 pounds.
• Environmental: Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

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 NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the site Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.