The AmeriCorps Stewardship Assistants will perform prairie restoration and forest fuels reduction using mechanical and hand-thinning methods, slope stabilization and fencing of sensitive plants and springs to yield a reduced risk of extreme fire behavior, grater biodiversity and resilience within the forest structure. He/she will survey and monitor roads, landings and skid roads following forest restoration thinning treatments in northern Arizona for invasive plant species occurrence and abundance. The projects will be in areas with rough terrain, requiring considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Identify and map invasive species
- Collect native seeds
- Use GPS technology to quantify areas of treatment, differentially identified based on species and fuel types
- Use GIS and tablet technology to map monitoring and treatment sites
- Repair and replace wildlife friendly fencing to protect the preserve habitat from trespass cattle and overgrazing by ungulates to protect native species
- Remove fences in areas identified as needed to facilitate wildlife movement
- Organize volunteer events, engage local participants to treat invasive species, remove fencing, plant native plants, and reduce hazardous fuels
- Take actions that improve forest health that include reducing excessive forest load by clearing understory, monitoring, and use of chain saws to fell trees to thin forests. Chain saw training will be provided.
- Improve coordination among stakeholders and partners working on fuels reduction, forest restoration, and invasive plant control
- Communicate conservation efforts being implemented such as forest thinning, prescribed fire, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public
- Operate various types of equipment with training in a safe and efficient manner while taking appropriate care of equipment (e.g. lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, two-way radio, fire management equipment, etc.)
- Traverse and hike over rough terrain to complete assignments
- Function productively as a member or leader of a work team
- Monitor the progress of work groups toward achieving preserve management goals.
Responsibilities and Scope:
- Recruit, train and manage community volunteers
- Completes required tasks following detailed instructions
- Performs administrative functions as required
- Consults with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems
- May resolve preserve management problems and make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor
Educational Background:
High school diploma, some college and conservation experience
Skills/Experience:
- Experience in written and verbal communication skills
- Strong interest in environmental education
- Commitment to complete full year as AmeriCorps member
- Possess valid driver license and experience driving a manual transmission vehicle
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- Familiarity with ArcGIS desirable
- Demonstrated ability to speak in public forums and organize activities.
- Knowledge of native plants a plus, not required
- Ability to work alone in remote areas when necessary, at times with limited communications
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Strong organizational skills.
- Strong interest in the mission and activities of The Nature Conservancy.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
- Criminal history check required and selection for the position is contingent upon review of the results of the check.
- Ameriorps members are not employees of The nature Conservancy.
- AmeriCorp members must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. National or Legal Permanent Residents.
- This position must adhere to AmeriCorps prohibited activity regulations.
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Jan 8 2019
Active Until:
Feb 8 2019
Hiring Organization:
Nature Conservancy
industry:
Nonprofit