Individual Placement-Alaska-Regional National Park Invasive Plant Management

Student Conservation Association•Anchorage, AK

27d

About The Position

This position is based out of Anchorage, Alaska. You will travel to national parks across Alaska assisting biologists and natural resource managers with inventory, monitoring, and control of invasive terrestrial plants. This position is focused on working to stop the spread of invasive species in Alaska’s national parks and support healthy ecosystems in the state. You will also cross train and conduct some work surveying for invasive water weeds and collecting native plant seeds that will be used for habitat restoration. This position will take you to many beautiful and remote locations across the state while helping to protect our national parks.

Requirements

Experience hiking and camping.
Personal, work, or academic knowledge related to botanical identification or natural history.
Comfort working in very remote environments for extended periods of time.
Competency using Microsoft word and excel programs, and general computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

Experience collecting scientific data.
Knowledge of ESRI GIS mapping and data collection products.
Experience in small boats (ie. canoes, kayaks, rafts).
Experience collecting botanical vouchers and using technical flora for plant identification.

Responsibilities

Perform identification of native and non-native plants.
Perform invasive plant removal using both hand pulling and herbicide treatments (you will be trained on the proper methods).
Record data in both digital and paper formats with a high degree of precision.
Travel and camp in extremely remote environments often in hot/cold/rainy/and buggy conditions. After training is completed, you will spend the rest of the summer primarily camping during work time. Often you will access sites by driving, but you may also travel to field sites by small airplane or boat depending on project needs.
Work closely with a small team towards a shared goal, with occasional time spent working alone.
Hike on rough terrain where there are no trails, and may be thick brush and steep hills, while carrying a pack weighing up to 30 pounds.
Work, travel, and camp in bear habitat safely (you will receive proper training on best practices and carry bear deterrent in the field)
Demonstrate a commitment to service in environmental conditions that will include: cold/heat, smoke, bugs, high winds, wildlife, and a lot of precipitation.
Be willing to learn how to use hand tools and power tools to accomplish service activities.
Be eligible to serve as an AmeriCorps Member, which includes: o Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; o Be at least 18 years or older; o Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one; o Be willing to undergo National Service Criminal History Check, including criminal background, sex offender and FBI checks;
Ability to lift 50 lbs and walk/hike on uneven terrain, uphill or downhill, physical work for 8-10 hours per day
Ability to pass SCA’s background check
Perform GIS data management and analysis.
Use technical flora to identify terrestrial plants.
Use small paddle powered boats to perform aquatic plant surveys.
Assist with writing reports and completing other documents related to work done.