Individual Placement - Invasive Plant Technician at Acadia National Park

Student Conservation Association•Bar Harbor, ME

9d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves hands-on stewardship as part of Acadia National Park's invasive plant management team and native plant restoration crew. The primary goal is to support native plant ecosystems by managing invasive species and restoring natural habitats. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, manual and mechanical removal of invasive plants, herbicide applications, vegetation monitoring, and native plant salvage and revegetation efforts. Invasive forest pest monitoring will also be a minor aspect of the role. Skills and knowledge the participant will gain on the job include identification of native and non-native plants, monitoring vegetation using NPS protocols, and proper methods of field data collection using tablets. The participant will be provided the opportunity to study for and take the Maine State Pesticide Applicator exam to obtain a pesticide applicator license. The participant will also participate in forest insect pest surveys and management, and native plant salvage and restoration efforts to restore native plant communities. Training opportunities include herbicide use and handling, First Aid/CPR, orientation to Acadia National Park and the National Park Service, and other trainings offered at the park as available. Acadia National Park spans over 47,000 acres along Maine's mid-coast, featuring diverse natural habitats and significant cultural resources, attracting over four million visitors annually.

Requirements

Coursework or experience in botany, biology, data entry, field research, GPS, plant identification, and resource management.
Valid Driver’s License
Personal vehicle required (for convenience during personal time and work based on housing location).
All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of northeastern US & Canada flora.
Invasive plant management experience.

Responsibilities

Removing non-native invasive plants from the park using chemical, manual, and mechanical methods.
Support native plant restoration efforts in wetlands and summit areas of the park.
Collect field data and enter into database systems.
Assist with invasive forest pest monitoring, education, and outreach.
Help maintain equipment and supplies.