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ACE/NPS GA: Exotic Plant Management Team Lead Intern - AmeriCorps

Summary:  American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking ONE Exotic Plant Management Team Lead Intern to dedicate 16 weeks in support of the NPS Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team (SEC-EPMT). 

The purpose of the SEC-EPMT is to provide support to partner parks in the management, control and eradication of invasive, exotic plants and forest pathogens. These opportunities are intended for conscientious, enthusiastic, individuals with a background in vegetation and natural resource management. Individuals applying for these positions should be aware these positions involve extensive travel within the southeastern US.

Start Date:   May 6, 2018 (start on the 7th)

End Date:    August 25, 2018

* A 16-week commitment is required *  

Location: Sandy Springs, GA

The Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team (SEC-EPMT) is typically based at Congaree National Park outside of Columbia, SC. However, the team will be based out of Chatahoochie River National Recreation Area (CHAT) for the 16 week project duration.

CHAT preserves a series of sites between Atlanta and Lake Sidney Lanier along the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, U.S. The 48-mile (77 km) stretch of the river affords public recreation opportunities and access to historic sites. CHAT was established on August 15, 1978, by President Jimmy Carter.

The Chattahoochee River itself is one of Georgia's premier trout streams.  It also offers picturesque areas for boating, canoeing, and rafting. It is very popular in the summer months for visitors to rent tubes and float from Powers Island to Paces Mill.

Project Partner Website:  For more information regarding CHAT check out their website: https://www.nps.gov/chat/  For more info on the SEC-EPMT, please visit the NPS website at: http://www.nature.nps.gov/biology/invasivespecies/EPMT_teams.cfm. For more information on the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org

Compensation:  The ACE interns receive a living allowance of $325/week for food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly. Housing is provided by the NPS at no cost to the interns. 

AmeriCorps: This internship may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,538.36) upon successful completion of internship service hours. Additional enrollment is required. 

Project Background and Objectives:  One of the many ways the NPS is addressing invasive species is through the Exotic Plant Management Program. The program assists parks in preventing introductions of new species, reducing existing infestations, and restoring native plant communities and ecosystem functions. In 2000, the NPS created the Exotic Plant Management Program that now supports 18 teams contributing in over 300 park units. 

Exotic Plant Management Teams (EPMT) are led by individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in invasive plant management. Each field-based team operates over a wide geographic area and tackles a variety of projects. The EPMT uses multiple strategies to create a plan specific to the needs of the park. All treatment, control and restoration methods are reviewed and approved by the park and the NPS Integrated Pest Management Program.

Position Description:  After habitat loss, invasive species are considered the greatest threat to global diversity. Exotic-plant management, including use of mechanical, manual and chemical control and site restoration, is a high priority in our National Parks. In this intensive field position, the ACE Crew Lead will facilitate crew exposure to a variety of terrains to implement and document invasive plant management control methods including manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques using chainsaws, pole-saws, brush-cutters, hand tools, and manual and gas-powered sprayers. Additionally, team will also be responsible for using GPS and GIS to locate and document sites and invasive plant populations. Transport of equipment typically includes an open trailer so experience pulling, hitching and backing a trailer is considered a plus.

Schedule: A typical schedule is M-F with some flexibility required for weekend projects and travel.

Living environment: The team will live together while not in the field, so the ability to get along with others is vital. The housing accommodations will be apartment-style at CHAT. The program is interested in a mature crew lead with initiative, leadership abilities, patience, and a real passion for this stewardship.

Qualifications:  Applicants for the position will hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or experience in some aspect of natural resource study. This could include subject areas such as botany, ecology, biology, wildlife, natural resources, environmental science, entomology, or related disciplines.

Required:

The Team Lead Intern must arrive with up-to-date Chainsaw S-212 experience and certification. Experience with chainsaw and brush cutters, herbicide safety and handling, truck and trailer driving, and hand tool use is expected.

  • Must be a US Citizen and Permanent Resident
  • Must be 21 years old or older
  • Must be open to varying and flexible schedules
  • Must be able and willing to serve outdoors in varying weather conditions and participate in often strenuous physical labor
  • Must be physically fit and have the ability to carry up to 40-lbs up to 5 miles over steep terrain for up to 10 hours/day
  • Must have a valid driver's license, provide documentation of a clean driving record, and have a personal vehicle (personal travel on days off)
  • Have strong back, knees, and ankles (if you have preexisting injuries this job will exacerbate them, and endanger you)
  • Must at times serve in poison ivy infested landscapes (if you have strong reaction to this, beware!)
  • Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
  • Proficiency in English is required

The interns must be willing to represent ACE and NPS in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. ACE reserves the right to require drug testing.

To Apply: Please submit a thoughtful resume and cover letter along with contact information for 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located on the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/.

NOTE: Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This posting may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact the ACE EPIC NPS Recruitment Specialist Zoë Moskwa at zmoskwa@usaconservation.org.