Botany Member
Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management Coos Bay Field Office is seeking One Botany (Weeds) Member to contribute to the O.H. Hinsdale Rhododendron Garden and noxious weed management project alongside BLM Staff.
This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic, early-career professionals with a background in botany, biology, invasive species management, environmental studies, parks and recreation, natural resources, or a closely related field.
Start Date: 05/15/2023
Estimated End Date: 10/27/2023 *a 24 wk minimum commitment is required, potential for flexibility *
Location Details/Description: Coos Bay District, OR
The BLM office is located in North Bend, Oregon. The Coos Bay District includes a wide variety of habitats such as, shady old growth forests, sand dunes, and coastal meadows. Recreation sites are scattered throughout the district and include the Coos Bay North Spit, Bastendorff Beach, New River; Loon Lake, Sixes, Edson and other campgrounds that lie between the Pacific Ocean and crest of the Coast Range from approximately Reedsport to the Oregon-California border
For more information about BLM, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/office/coos-bay-district-office
Position Overview: Weed Management Duties: The Member will conduct surveys, collect data, control invasive plants, and manage survey data. The Member will have the opportunity to assist the Northwest Youth Crew in manual control projects in a variety of habitats with an emphasis on recreation areas where visitors inadvertently introduce or spread invasive plants. While assisting with weed management, the Member will be required to walk long distances, while carrying up to 45 pounds.
Hinsdale Garden Duties: Primary duties at the garden will include learning about various pruning techniques, learning how to install and maintain water systems and weeding. The Member will take photographs of the garden plants and add information to the database. In addition, the Member will help create and promote public information materials for the garden, work on existing trails, and help the Friends Group with public tours of the garden.
The Member will wear appropriate personal protection equipment while in work status. This position may be exposed to a variety of seasonal weather conditions while working outdoors and requires frequent interactions with the public.
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, working with other ACE members on district projects, and shadowing different work groups.
Schedule: The member will be expected to serve most commonly while in the position, Mon-Fri, with potential for weekend service between an 8-10 hr day. The days/hours served will vary throughout the position and flexibility will be required.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $550/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online here.
Housing: Housing will be provided at no cost by the BLM. Housing is shared occupancy with other ACE Members and/or BLM staff on the Coos Bay North Spit, about 30 minutes south of the garden.
Relocation Allowance: ACE members will have access to up to $525 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
Gear Allowance: ACE members will have up to $350 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, [boots, backpack, outerwear, etc..], and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.
Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.
Specific training offered by the BLM will include field work and risk assessment training, may include professional development trainings as available.
Qualifications
Applicants for the position must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree OR work experience in environmental science, botany, horticulture, natural resource management, park management, recreation, wildlife biology, or a related discipline while enrolled in a related college or university program. The Members must be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work reliably and productively alone or in a group.
ACE Required:
- Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
- Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
- A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
- ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
- ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
- To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here.
BLM Requirements
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals and demonstrate effective communication skills with the public of all ages and backgrounds.
- Interest in a career in Natural Resources and Natural Resources Management.
- Must be physically fit, experience with outdoor work in all types of weather.
- Pass a federal background check.
Preferred:
- Knowledge and ability utilizing GPS equipment in the field
- Knowledge of plant ID keys, highly desirable to have some invasive plants knowledge or willingness to learn.
- Degree or significant coursework in botany, horticulture, plant pathology, biology, or related natural resources fields
- It is highly desirable to have a personal vehicle, as it is difficult to secure reliable rides for groceries, travel, or partake in other activities during off hours/days
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 here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. 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 Member Manager, Celia Demers at cdemers@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.