Summary
American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, seeks a botany apprentice to contribute to native plant materials development and restoration projects.
Location/Dates:
Base location: Hurricane, UT (Working in Zion and Bryce NP)
Start Date: June 27th
Project Background and Objectives:
ACE members will join a coordinated seed collection effort to support ecological restoration goals. These are developmental positions in the botanical sciences and will work closely with vegetation staff and learn directly from other practitioners. ACE members will gain direct technical training in the botanical systematics and techniques for seed collection and curation. Project work will increase development of native plant materials for targeted restoration activities on public lands.
ACE Members will gain work and technical experience as well as have educational opportunities throughout the project duration. Work activities across units will center on native plant materials development, but specific project tasks will vary based on location. This work may include botanical surveys to locate target populations of management interest, seed evaluation and collection, and seed curation. This project supports the seed collection that is essential to vegetation by providing the necessary native plant materials to promote the restoration of native plant communities.
The Role of the Botany Specialist
The Botany Specialist will be responsible for maintaining knowledge of target seed species, techniques to maximize seed collection efficiency, Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol, native and invasive plant identification, and proper data collection practices. This individual will provide critical support by helping plan project activities, ensuring accurate seed identification and collection, and promoting adherence to SOS best practices.
Program Overview:
This placement is meant to facilitate professional development, promote exposure to land management agencies, and provide networking opportunities with professionals.
Position Overview/Duties:
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Planning schedules with the Crew Leader
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Scouting and implementing seed collection, managing project data
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Ensuring the quality and accuracy of both seed and data collection efforts.
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Travel to field sites and camp two-seven nights per week during seed collection trips.
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Conduct fieldwork both indoors and outdoors under a wide range of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and steep terrain
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Office-based duties, such as project coordination and report writing, are sedentary and require the ability to concentrate for extended periods.
Schedule:
A typical schedule is eight, ten-hour days followed by six days off OR four ten-hour days with three days off.
Position Benefits
Living Allowance:
The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing:
ACE provides housing in Hurricane, UT for off days.
Provided Training/Orientation:
ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation prior to starting this position. ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include plant systematics, botany, seed collection and curation, and Seeds of Success technical protocol, specimen collection and curation, as well as other relevant local training.
Qualifications
Required:
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Must be a United States Citizen, United States National or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien of the United States.
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Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
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Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
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A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
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Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check for AmeriCorps positions and two-part criminal history check for non AmeriCorps positions.
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Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
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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.
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Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
Preferred:
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Competitive applicants for this position will hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as botany, plant ecology, biology, wildlife, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
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Knowledge of botany and plant identification and expressed interest in furthering a career in botany
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Experience with the identification and management of both native and non-native plants, including in horticultural, agronomic, or nursery settings
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Experience using GPS and GIS software
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An ability to hike long distances carrying a pack
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Deep interest in fieldwork and a respect for nature
Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:
Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for seed collecting, the use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions (sometimes for the entire project).
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Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus, often for long periods when cleaning seed.
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Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 30 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
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Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
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Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, sounds of nature while wandering in national parks.
Travel:
This position may require domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards:
The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Hazards will vary by park unit and may include but are not limited to, extreme heat and cold, lightning, risk of wildfire and evacuation in rare circumstances, and exposure to wildfire smoke.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:
If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the ACE.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by ACE will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.
To Apply:
Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience. On the application page for this position, provide contact information for three professional/academic references. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time.
ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
