Washington, District of Columbia

3771-984

Full-Time/Regular

Title: Invasive Plant Management Individual Placements

Positions: 4 internships available

Location: Based out of Washington, DC and surrounding areas

Start Date: February 6th, 2023 – November 3rd, 2023 (39 weeks)

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 10 hours/day

Pay: $530/week paid biweekly

Status: This is a 1200-hour AmeriCorps National Service position.

Questions? Contact ACCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org

To Apply:  Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. Position will close on 1/6/23, or when the positions are filled.

Appalachian Conservation Corps:

Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, and Pennsylvania. As a corps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants, but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.

Position Summary:

The Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT) Individual Placement is based in Washington, D.C. working directly with the National Capital Region of the National Park Service. The IPMT provides professional assistance directly to the Capital Region parks, filling a much-needed gap in park expertise and assisting parks in preventing introductions of new species, reducing existing infestations, and restoring native plant communities and ecosystem functions.

This 10-month AmeriCorps position will serve as members of the IPMT, focusing on control of invasive plant species using mechanical and chemical control methods which include but are not limited to herbicide application via backpack sprayers and gas operated tank sprayers, chainsaws, brush cutters, hand saws, pruners and loppers. In addition, the IPs will be trained on overall resource management, encouraged to attend NPS-sponsored trainings, and to take part in the activities of other resource programs. While this position is primarily field-based there may be some office-based responsibilities involving the use of GIS and paper and electronic files to conduct invasive plant ranking, evaluate tools for mobile data collection, collect data and/or perform data analysis, contribute to the development of reports, and assist in the development of communication materials.

Members will receive intensive training on the invasive species of the capital region, plant identification, and use of tools and herbicides during their service. This position is ideal for people interested in fieldwork and comfortable with physical labor.

Housing is NOT provided for this position.

Benefits:

• $530/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
• $4,546.50 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of 1200 hour service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
• $120 reimbursement for work boots with receipt
• Eligibility for the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion – noncompetitive hiring status for two years when applying for federal positions.
• Federal student loan forbearance and interest payoff
• Member Assistance Program– 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
• Uniform shirts and other necessary safety equipment is provided
• On-the-job training
• Additional subject-specific certifications and trainings may be offered (Chainsaw training, pesticides, etc)
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, positions may fulfill internship requirements
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths

General Qualifications:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (exception for Veterans up to age 35)
• Have US Citizenship or Legal Permanent Residency status
• Pass background checks: all offers of positions are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and Federal and/or State criminal background check
• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (individuals are eligible if they have not already completed 2 full years of AmeriCorps service, or 4 AmeriCorps service terms, whichever comes first – please contact us if you are unsure of your eligibility)
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
• Physically capable of field activities (hiking, monitoring, survey, testing, etc) for 10 hours in adverse conditions (high heat, high humidity, biting insects, rough terrain, inclement weather)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Resident of Washington, D.C. or surrounding metro area
• Two or four year college degree in a biology-related subject area or related experience
• Familiarity with local plant identification
• Valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification
• Demonstrated experience in a field environment
• GIS experience or coursework
• Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of employment and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting