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ACE: Natural Resource Management, SE Invasive Plant Management Team – AmeriCorps Eligible

Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Natural Resource Management Member to dedicate 26 weeks in support of the NPS Southeast Invasive Plant Management Team (SE-IPMT). The purpose of the SE-IPMT is to provide support to partner parks in the management, control, and eradication of invasive plants and forest pathogens.
This opportunity is intended for an enthusiastic individual with a background in any aspect of natural resource management. Individuals applying for these positions should be aware these positions involve extensive travel within the southeastern US and often strenuous physical field labor.
 
Start Date:   April 6, 2020 (ideally)
End Date:   October 5, 2020 (or 26 weeks from the start date)
* A 26-week minimum commitment is required *  
 
Location: The SE-IPMT is based in Asheville, NC. Fieldwork may be conducted in seven southeast states in ~20 National Park units. 
 
Project Partner Website: For more information regarding the SE-IPMT, please visit the NPS website at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/invasive/sec.htm.
For more information on the ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org
 
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to cover 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.
 
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS.
 
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900-hour AmeriCorps Education Award of ($3,047.50) upon successful completion of term. Additional enrollment is required.
 
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.
Participants in the SE-IPMT Program have historically had great access in networking and continued employment within NPS and other agencies involved in natural resource management. This individual placement provides a great opportunity to develop professional relationships with many NPS park units and partners in a short amount of time.
Position Description: After habitat loss, invasive species are considered the greatest threat to global diversity. Exotic-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, ACE Members 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, interns 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, interns 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. 
Schedule: A typical schedule is eight, ten hour days followed by six days off OR four ten-hour days with three days off.
Training: The IPMT will provide training to interns in manual and chemical control techniques and safety; Use of GPS/GIS and database programs; Exotic and native plant identification; Off-road and defensive driving skills; Red Cross First Aid/CPR; ATV/UTV safe operator certification.
 
Qualifications: 
Required:
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Must be 21-35 years of age (This position's age limitations are a requirement of the Public Land Corps Act. Additionally, members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties.)
  • Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply
  • Must have a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
  • Must be open to varying and flexible schedules plan the work, then work the plan.
  • Must be able and willing to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions and participate in often strenuous physical labor.
  • Must be physically fit and have the ability to carry up to 40-lbs up to 5 miles over steep terrain for up to 8 hours/day.
  • Must have a personal vehicle for commuting travel to and from Asheville office at beginning and end of hitch.
  • Must have a deep interest in fieldwork and a respect for nature.
  • Willing to undergo and must pass a federal criminal background check
Preferred:
  • Hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in some aspect of natural resource study. This could include subject areas such as botany, ecology, biology, wildlife, natural resources, environmental science, entomology, or related disciplines.
  • Experience with invasive plant management or restoration.
  • A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural resources.
  • Experience identifying and managing native and non-native plants.
  • Experience using GPS and GIS software.
  • Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
  • An ability to use power equipment and 4WD vehicles.
  • Experience operating a vehicle while pulling a trailer.
  • Proven ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a team
 
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. 
Note: 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 Specialist, Madison Douthitt at 828-329-4793 or mdouthitt@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.