Invasive Plant Management Team Lead

University of Agriculture Faisalabad • Anchorage, AK

20d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Alaska Center for Conservation Science (ACCS) at the University of Alaska Anchorage seeks a dynamic and experienced Invasive Plant Management Team Lead to support to support documenting and assessing field conditions, trends, and ecological correlations of invasive plants. The position focuses on carrying out field studies on plants and plant ecology using a variety of methods in remote natural settings; inventorying and monitoring invasive plants and seed collecting projects; leading field crews in invasive plant eradication, and developing improved methods of controlling weeds and plant diseases. The selected candidate will be responsible for the following job duties: Plant identification and field documentation: Identify plant species and document their occurrence and distribution. Record and assess field conditions, trends, and ecological correlations. Invasive Plant Management: Apply appropriate methods for invasive plant eradication and problem-solving. Safely store, handle and apply herbicides to target species. Field Equipment & Safety: Operate and maintain resource management tools and monitoring equipment. Follow wilderness safety protocols and Leave No Trace principles. Geospatial & Data Skills: Collect and manage GPS and GIS data using ESRI software. Conduct quality control and assurance for geospatial datasets. Statistical software and selecting appropriate statistical analyses. Management & Project Leadership: Plan, organize, and oversee project logistics to meet outlined goals. Independently determine appropriate methods and procedures for assignments. Ensure timely delivery of reports, data products, and operational outcomes in alignment with National Park Service standards. This position involves conducting field studies in remote natural areas, leading invasive plant eradication efforts, and developing improved weed control methods. The IPMT Lead will manage logistics, coordinate travel, and collaborate closely with ACCS staff and the NPS IPMT Liaison to plan fieldwork, select sampling techniques, and ensure operational success. This position requires strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. In addition to the required experience, the ideal candidate will have prior experience with applying herbicides to target invasive plants, working in remote field locations in Alaska, and has served as field crew leader or manager of a team or has administrative and management skills. Understanding of public land management framework, processes, and topical issues. Experience related to collaborative decision-making on land use/land management activities. Strong demonstration of plant identification skills and report writing. During the summer season (June – August) the field work involves 10-day hitches, often in remote settings that are sometimes inaccessible by road and may require travel via bush plane, boat, or helicopter. No cell service and no internet access are typical. Expect tent camping or rustic cabins with minimal amenities. The work performed in the field involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, biting insects, and wild animals. The incumbent is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves. May be required to hike several miles in a day.

Requirements

• Master’s degree and two years research experience at the postgraduate level in a field relevant to the research (e.g. science, math, business), or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Applicable Fields: botany, ecology, biology, environmental science, or related.
• Incumbent must have or obtain a State of Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicator within 60 days of hire.
• Incumbent must pass a background check performed by the Department of the Interior.
• Incumbent must posses a valid drivers license and pass background check and safety courses by University of Alaska and Department of the Interior.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with applying herbicides to target invasive plants, working in remote field locations in Alaska, and has served as field crew leader or manager of a team or has administrative and management skills.
• Understanding of public land management framework, processes, and topical issues.
• Experience related to collaborative decision-making on land use/land management activities.
• Strong demonstration of plant identification skills and report writing.

Responsibilities

• Plant identification and field documentation: Identify plant species and document their occurrence and distribution. Record and assess field conditions, trends, and ecological correlations.
• Invasive Plant Management: Apply appropriate methods for invasive plant eradication and problem-solving. Safely store, handle and apply herbicides to target species.
• Field Equipment & Safety: Operate and maintain resource management tools and monitoring equipment. Follow wilderness safety protocols and Leave No Trace principles.
• Geospatial & Data Skills: Collect and manage GPS and GIS data using ESRI software. Conduct quality control and assurance for geospatial datasets. Statistical software and selecting appropriate statistical analyses.
• Management & Project Leadership: Plan, organize, and oversee project logistics to meet outlined goals. Independently determine appropriate methods and procedures for assignments. Ensure timely delivery of reports, data products, and operational outcomes in alignment with National Park Service standards.

Benefits

• UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level