Individual Placement - Natural Resource at Big Hole National Battlefield

Student Conservation Association•Wisdom, MT

32d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Parks Service is currently recruiting one Student Conservation Association member to work within the Natural Resource and Facilities Programs at Big Hole National Battlefield. The individual placement will support Natural Resource program work through a field-oriented position with potential for some office work, as needed. Technician will have the opportunity to gain skills associated with conservation, and facilities management work and understanding the National Park Service mission. Work will be within the vegetation program focused on vegetation management, invasive species control, and restoration work and Facilities work performing simple and routine work involved in the custodial, maintenance and repair of grounds, exterior structures, building and related utilities, requiring the use of a variety of trade practices associated with occupations such as minor carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and other related trades. Daily tasks will consist of assisting Natural Resource program staff, and facilities staff and will be based out of the Big Hole National Battlefield. Technician will be based out of Big Hole NB Facilities Shop/Office. They will start each day at the duty location and may travel. Days will end at the duty station. Some overnight travel may occur to Bear Paw Battlefield, (Chinook, MT), Nez Perce National Historical Park, (Lapwai, ID) and Whitman Mission National Historic Site (Walla Walla, WA), as needed and if interested.

Requirements

Ability to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather, often on uneven or rugged terrain.
Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team in an outdoor environment.
Willingness to carry and handle herbicides safely.
Physically able to carry a backpack weighing approximately 30 lbs.
Reliable, with strong attention to detail and a positive attitude.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
Willingness to learn and adapt to new skills and tasks.
Must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
Must be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Northwest natural resources, plants, and ecosystems.
Coursework or academic background in biology, botany, natural resources, or a related field, with a strong interest in conservation.
Experience using GPS units and basic land navigation equipment or methods.
Experience presenting informational or educational talks to the public.
Experience teaching or leading youth, conservation projects, reforestation efforts, or outdoor recreation programs.

Responsibilities

Work in a team or independently to treat invasive plants at Big Hole NB.
Survey, identify, map exotic vegetation.
Treat exotic vegetation through hand-pulling, cutting, or herbicide application.
Document treatments and update files and GIS layers.
Maintain equipment.
Work in a team to monitor vegetation and specific plant species (camas, penstemon, Spalding’s catchfly).
Survey, identify, map native vegetation.
Lemhi penstemon monitoring at Big Hole National Battlefield site.
Document and update files.
Spread native seed mixes in disturbed areas.
Seed collection.
Plant seedlings in disturbed areas.
Preparing information (print and/or oral) for sharing with public and co-workers about project work at Nez Perce National Historical Park.
Document resource findings/activities/Data Entry.
Performs simple and routine maintenance and repair of grounds, exterior structures, buildings, equipment, and related utilities.
Assists higher graded maintenance workers or tradesmen in the performance of their work.
Performs minor carpentry repairs using simple measures and hand tools on such tasks as replacing broken planks on picnic tables; broken windows using precut stock; minor adjustments or replaces hinges, latches, and catches.
Performs minor painting using brush and roller according to specific instructions on project.
Performs minor plumbing repairs such as tightening or replacing in-kind fittings and fixtures which do not require custom fitting or solder joints; replaces faucet washers; unplugs drains using a plunger; replaces liquid petroleum gas bottles.
Receives, unloads and processes incoming shipments according to established procedures.
Reports discrepancies and damage to others responsible for such items.
Performs routine maintenance on picnic area sites and trails using hand tools to re-grade and reset barriers to restore areas to original appearances.
Collects trash.
Operates a light truck to pick up supplies and to transport materials to and from work sites while assisting on project work.
Cleans and services vault toilets, restrooms, and other picnic area or visitor facilities.
Makes minor repairs as needed and refers problems to higher graded workers.
Operates equipment to load and unload supplies and light equipment not requiring special rigging.
Aid in all resource management activities at Big Hole NB.
Assist with Natural Resource program projects and other programs as needed such as the Cultural Resources, Interpretation, and Facilities programs.