Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT) Individual Placement

Title: Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT) Individual Placement

Location: Based out of Washington, DC with National Capital Area National Park Service

Start Date: February 22, 2021

Estimated End Date: November 19, 2021 (or 39 weeks)

Status: This is a full-time, seasonal 1200 hour AmeriCorps National Service position.

Questions? Contact ACCrecruiting@conservationlegacy.org

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. This 10-month AmeriCorps position will serve as a member 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.

Housing is NOT provided for this position.

Benefits: 

• $500/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly 
• $4,266.50 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of 1200 hour service term (award amountvaries based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college) 
• Eligibility for the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion – noncompetitive hiring status for two years when applying for federal positions.
• Possible student loan forbearance 
• 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
• $50 reimbursement for work boots with receipt
• On-the-job training
• Additional subject-specific certifications and trainings may be offered (Chainsaw training, )
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, Crew Member 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 
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• 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
• 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)
• Comfortable working in a field and office environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Resident of Washington, DC or surrounding metro area
• Two or four yearcollege degree in a biology-related subject area 
• Familiarity with local plant identification
• Valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification
• Demonstrated experience in a field environment
• GIS experience or coursework