AmeriCorps Vegetation Technician (NPS, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE•Arco, ID

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is recruiting one (1) AmeriCorps member to serve as a Vegetation Technician. The selected AmeriCorps member will serve under the direction of the assigned Park Service Staff. Project activities may occur at other southern Idaho parks (Minidoka National Historic Site, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Big Hole National Battlefield, and possibly City of Rocks National Reserve). Individual placements will have the opportunity to serve with park staff on resource projects for the purpose of providing the broadest range of experiences and exposure to the NPS and natural resource management. The Vegetation Technician will assist with and support a variety of botany-related efforts; and will identify, inventory, map, and as necessary, treat noxious and invasive weeds or non-native populations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, botany, or related discipline, or a combination of relevant education and field experience (current students welcomed)
Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of botany and invasive species monitoring
Familiarity with native and invasive plants of the PNW and/or Great Basin
Proficiency using dichotomous keys, such as the Jepson Manual or Flora of the PNW to identify vascular plants
Experience with ArcGIS applications such as Field Maps and/or Survey 123
Ability to safely navigate to field sites using maps/compass and handheld GPS devices
High level of proficiency leading field work in dynamic field settings
Excellent organizational skills
Experience with data entry and QA/QC procedures
Reliable, team-player with strong leadership and communication skills
Possession of a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license
Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application
Applicant must meet PLC age requirements
U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
Eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards)
Pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check
Adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement
Not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement

Responsibilities

Actively participate in training sessions that include invasive plant and noxious weed identification, herbicide safety (including applicator certification if interested), technical training with associated software, UTV and 4WD operation, and first aid
Treat noxious and invasive weed populations by hand, mechanical treatment, or through chemical application of herbicides
Monitor and inventory wilderness and non-wilderness public lands for noxious and invasive weeds, and non-native plant populations
Map treatment areas and plant populations using a hand-held PDR (personal data recorder) and/or GPS unit
Survey and map threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) plant species in order to refine population boundaries for species of management concern, including updates to program database(s), GIS files, and related documentation
Forest health monitoring including hazard tree surveys
Serve in a team setting
Maintain equipment
Native seed collection in an effort to facilitate increased availability of local plant genotypes for reclamation of surface disturbances on public lands
Analyzing collecting and propagation needs
Maintaining program database and documents
Seed dispersal in restoration sites
Planting seedlings in disturbed areas
Preparing print and/or oral information to educate the public about invasive species
Assist wildlife team, as needed.

Benefits

Living Allowance: approximately $1520 biweekly (before taxes); not to exceed $19,760
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (900 hours): $ 3,697.50 upon successful completion of term
Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance
$25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
Access to Pro Deals
Park housing is available at Craters of the Moon at no additional cost
Not-to-exceed $2400 Travel Reimbursement
Student Loan Forbearance
Interest Accrual Repayment
AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)