Invasive Species Technician - Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
About The Position
American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, is seeking an Invasive Species Technician to contribute to natural resource management efforts alongside staff. This position reports to the Land Stewardship Division of Parks Maintenance. Raleigh manages approximately 6540 acres of undeveloped property, including designated nature preserves, FEMA purchased lots, greenway parcels, and wetlands, which serve as irreplaceable resources. Maintaining these areas at their highest ecological value is a primary goal of the Land Stewardship Program. Ideal candidates will be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, possess a basic understanding of ecosystem functions, and demonstrate a strong curiosity for the natural world. Candidates will work as part of a team, collaborating and contributing to resource management plans and prescriptions. This individual placement is designed to facilitate professional development, promoting exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals, which may include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing various work groups.
Requirements
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner
- Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group
- A current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of ID's upon hiring)
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
- Complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation
- Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
Nice To Haves
- Pursuing or holding a degree in Natural Resources, Forestry, or similar and/or have relevant experience in natural resource management
- Knowledge of invasive species management
- Ability and willingness to explore wild forests, meadows and wetlands
- Deep interest and curiosity of the natural world
Responsibilities
- Create and implement invasive species management plans
- Create a comprehensive checklist to monitor past, current, and future invasive species management projects
- Visit past, present, and future worksites
- Survey the property for treatment effectiveness
- Record photo and GIS documentation of site
- Use cell phone for data collection
- Complete natural area scorecard
- Identify native and non-native invasive species of plants and animals
- Identify significant natural and/or cultural elements
- Identify areas where previous management has proven ineffective
- Collect and analyze data
- Create user friendly data visualizations
- Learn to identify non-native invasive plants and native look-alikes
- Cut/fell woody shrubs & trees
- Pull grasses, vines or shrubs
- Use herbicide i.e., cut stump treatment
- Haul debris for disposal
- Work as part of a team to develop strategies, record data and evaluate past management for efficient use of resources
- Support city-wide efforts to restore quality natural resources
- Conduct physical surveys in uneven or slick terrain to collect species data
- Collect, organize and analyze wildlife and habitat survey data using GIS and other tools
- Compile data to create infographics for public consumption
- Collect seeds from target species
- Identify source populations for harvesting
- Perform greenhouse/nursery work (watering plantings)
- Identify problem areas impacted by stormwater runoff
- Redirect stormwater by building water bars, dams or swales
- Establish fire control lines
- Reduce vegetation and/or fuels from burn unit(s) prior to burn
- Help develop community relations to encourage future volunteer participation
- Assist with outreach efforts and materials
- Provide volunteer orientations and safety demonstrations
- Guide volunteers during workdays
- Participate in tabling events
- Engage the public and provide education
- Develop educational materials
- Gain experience in different conservation fields
- Shadow different work groups
Benefits
- Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly
- Housing Assistance: ACE members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $50/week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses
- Position specific training
- Orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
