Individual Placement - Invasive Species Management

Student Conservation Association•Cheney, WA

About The Position

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge battles a variety of invasive species, which threaten the native plants and animals that we are here to protect. The goal of this project is to enhance the biological integrity of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge through invasive species control and eradication. The Individual Placement would play a key role in reaching and maintaining this goal by directly treating invasive species throughout the Refuge.

Requirements

Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Ability or willingness to learn to operate ATVs/UTVs, and 4-wheel drive vehicles and to earn the appropriate DOI certifications.
Willingness to use chemical (herbicide) and mechanical control methods to treat invasive plant species.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and collaboratively with diverse groups.
Practical knowledge of the principles, practices, and terminology of the biological sciences.
Experience or knowledge of common vegetation monitoring practices.
Ability to identify species using field guides, dichotomous keys and other instructional tools.
Ability to keep detailed and precise records to collect and assemble data.
Ability to use computer technology and common survey tools such as binoculars, tablets, and GPS units.
Skill in using common hand tools and simple power equipment.
Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 lbs for extended periods of time.
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions (including high temperatures) , terrain ranging from rocky hillslopes to mucky wetlands, and exposure to biting insects.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Pacific Northwest natural communities.
Experience treating invasive species using common control methods.

Responsibilities

THE INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT WILL MANUALLY, MECHANICALLY, AND CHEMICALLY CONTROL AND ERADICATE PRIORITY INVASIVE SPECIES (MOSTLY PLANTS) THROUGHOUT THE REFUGE.
THEY WILL USE A VARIETY OF TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, 4-GALLON BACKPACK SPRAYERS, PRUNERS, WEED WHACKERS, AND MOWERS.
THEY WILL HIKE WITH THIS EQUIPMENT ACROSS ROCKY TERRAIN, SOMETIMES OVER LONG DISTANCES.
THEY WILL ALSO OPERATE ATVS, UTVS, AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE TRUCKS TO TREAT INVASIVE SPECIES.
THE INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT WILL WORK ALONGSIDE A FEDERAL BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN, WHO WILL FUNCTION AS THE TEAM LEAD.
Assist with inventory and monitoring of wildlife and plant species, data entry, and other restoration activities.