Invasive Plant Management Team Member- Southeast Coast Invasive Plant Management Team- Congaree National Park

EPIC • Columbia, SC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Southeast Coast Invasive Plant Management Team (SEC-IPMT), is recruiting a traveling team member to contribute to invasive plant management projects alongside National Park Service staff. The position is based at Congaree National Park near Hopkins, South Carolina, and the team will work at several of 13 national parks across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. The position is scheduled to begin November 30, 2026, and end June 26, 2027, or after 21 weeks; a 21-week minimum commitment is required. Applicants must live in the local commuting area near Congaree National Park. Housing is not provided, and members must have access to a personal vehicle for personal use; personal vehicles will not be used for work.

Members will control non-native plants using manual and chemical methods (approximately 75% of duties), map plant distributions with GPS (approximately 10%), and assist with other resource management field, GIS, and data management projects (approximately 15%). The position involves extensive travel, outdoor work in varied conditions, and working and living closely with other team members during travel. Work plans may change on short notice. The team will generally work eight consecutive ten-hour days, followed by six scheduled days off back at Congaree before traveling to another site. Members are expected to contribute approximately 40 hours per week.

ACE members receive position-specific training and orientation. Potential training and exposure include herbicide safety and handling, truck and trailer driving, hand tool use, GIS, and other resource management work. Vehicles, tools, and required personal protective equipment are provided by NPS or ACE as applicable. Strict adherence to equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.

The position provides a living allowance of $700 per week before taxes, paid bi-weekly, to help offset food and incidental expenses. It is part of the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority; eligible members may qualify for a federal hiring authority after completing their service and 640 hours. Public Land Corps eligibility criteria apply, including age and citizenship requirements. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional or academic references. Early consideration is given as applications are received, and the position may close at any time.

Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States; ACE does not provide employment visa sponsorship.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and its partner professionally, positively, and enthusiastically.
• Able to work independently and contribute positively as a member of a group.
• Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record; documentation must be provided upon request.
• Must be at least 21 years old to drive under ACE insurance and liability requirements.
• Must undergo and pass required criminal history checks.
• Able to perform the essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must comply with the prohibited activities listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• Must live in the local commuting area near Congaree National Park and have access to a personal vehicle for personal use.
• Able and willing to work outdoors for many hours, including in inclement weather and for up to ten hours a day in varied field conditions.
• Willing to travel up to eight hours to reach a work site and undertake domestic travel for up to six days at a time.
• Willing to live in close quarters with a small group, potentially sharing a room.
• Willing to safely use herbicides.
• Able to hike over rough terrain and meet the position's physical demands, including frequent walking, hiking, carrying, handling tools, reaching, stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, and crouching.
• Able to frequently move up to 45 pounds and move up to 50 pounds.
• Must meet Public Land Corps eligibility requirements applicable to this position, including age and citizenship criteria.

Nice To Haves

• Hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in conservation, ecology, environmental science, or outdoor recreation.
• Knowledge of botany, conservation, ecology, or environmental science.
• Love of the outdoors.
• Initiative, leadership ability, patience, and a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Control non-native plants using manual and chemical methods.
• Map distributions of non-native plants using GPS.
• Assist with additional resource management field projects.
• Assist with GIS and data management projects.
• Travel to work sites at national parks in the Southeast Region and work collaboratively with NPS staff and team members.
• Complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning-of-term feedback forms, end-of-term evaluations, and mid-term evaluations for longer terms.
• Perform duties safely and follow NPS and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols.

Benefits

• Living allowance of $700 per week before taxes, paid bi-weekly, to offset food and incidental expenses.
• Position-specific training and orientation.
• Potential eligibility for a federal hiring authority upon completion of the term of service and 640 hours, subject to Public Land Corps eligibility requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed