ACE: Invasive Plant Management Team Members - Fort Pulaski National Monument - AmeriCorps Eligible
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service, is seeking TWO Invasive Plant Management Team Members who will work together as a field team to survey, map, and remove non-native vegetation at Fort Pulaski National Monument .
Start Date: April 12, 2021 (some flexibility is available)
End Date: July 5, 2021 (or 12 weeks after start date)
*A 12-week commitment is required*
Location: Fort Pulaski National Monument just outside of Savannah, GA
Fort Pulaski was built to protect the port of Savannah. Construction of the fort began in 1829 and saw its heaviest use during the American Civil War but has a diverse history that continues today. Fort Pulaski National Monument offers an abundance of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, bicycling, nature study, birding, and photography. The rich history of the fort is surrounded by nearly 4,500 acres of pristine salt marsh that serve an important role as a nursery for many species. A considerable portion of Cockspur Island has reverted to maritime forest. A visitor to the Monument today will find approximately 250 acres of upland areas which support a mosaic of maritime forest, shrub communities, maintained grasslands and successional spoil deposit areas, as well as over 350 acres of tidal marsh.
Project Partner Website: To learn more about the Fort Pulaski National Monument, please visit https://www.nps.gov/fopu and www.facebook.com/FortPulaskiNPS
Living Allowance: ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $500/week to offset the costs of food, housing, and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or NPS
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($1,638.89) upon successful completion of service hours. Additional enrollment and volunteer service is required.
Position Description: After habitat loss, invasive species are considered the greatest threat to global diversity. Invasive 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, ACE Interns will remove exotic trees, brush and weeds using chainsaws, power brush cutters, and hand tools such as axes, hatchets, machetes and handsaws. Interns will safely handle, transport, mix and apply herbicides to non-native plants. Interns will use GPS to locate and document sites and invasive plant populations. Fort Pulaski encompasses more than two thousand acres of maritime forest, field, and salt marsh, and this position will provide opportunities to hike, kayak and survey the natural and culturally rich river, fields and forests of the park.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups. Members will potentially receive the following training: invasive plant identification, chainsaw and brushcutter use, herbicide safety and handling, truck, trailer, and UTV driving, hand tool use, canoe and water safety, equipment operation, small engine and equipment maintenance, and historic preservation. The program is interested in applicants with a passion for natural resources who possess teamwork ability, patience, and an intense work ethic who have a desire to expand their resumes.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 30.
Qualifications:
Required:
- 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.
- This position is funded through the Public Land Corps Act which has specific program requirements.
- Must be 21-30 years of age to apply (members must be 21+ to apply for an ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency or ACE vehicles for duties).
- Military Veterans up to 35 are encouraged to apply.
- US Citizen or Permanent Resident
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- A personal vehicle for commuting to/from the park.
- Must be physically able to hike while carrying up to 40 pounds of gear on uneven and steep terrain, on and off trail, in a variety of weather conditions.
- Must be able to work in an environment with high temperatures, poisonous plants, and biting insects.
- Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position by clicking on the green Apply Externally button. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Eastern Member Coordinator, Madison Douthitt at mdouthitt@usaconservation.org
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.