Individual Placement-Alaska-Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve Invasive Plant Management

Student Conservation Association•Fairbanks, AK

28d•Onsite

About The Position

Serve in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park and Preserve in Eagle, AK 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 Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park and Preserve and support healthy ecosystems. You will work independently and with a small field crew to complete these surveys. This position will require occasional overnight travel and camping to access more remote locations within the park

Requirements

Ability to live and work in remote areas without cell phone or internet for extended periods of time.
Personal, work, or academic knowledge related to botanical identification and natural history.
Competency using Microsoft word and excel programs, and general computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

Experience collecting scientific data.
Experience hiking and camping.
Knowledge of ESRI GIS mapping and data collection products.
Experience in and around boats, particularly small paddle craft like canoes and kayaks and small motorized boats.
Experience collecting botanical vouchers and using technical flora for plant identification.

Responsibilities

Perform identification of native and non-native plants.
Perform invasive plant removal by hand pulling (you will be trained on the proper methods).
Record data in both digital and paper formats with a high degree of precision.
Work and camp in extremely remote environments often in cold/hot/rainy/and buggy conditions. You will primarily access sites by hiking and boating.
Work closely with a small team towards a shared goal, with occasional time spent working alone.
Hike up to 10 miles per day 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: Be a citizen, permanent resident, or national of the United States; Be at least 18 years or older; Have a high school diploma or equivalent or actively working to obtain one; 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