Invasive Plant Technician

Position Summary

This position involves hands-on stewardship as part of Acadia National Park's invasive plant management team and native plant restoration crew. The primary goal is to support native plant ecosystems by managing invasive species and restoring natural habitats. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, manual and mechanical removal of invasive plants, herbicide applications, vegetation monitoring, and native plant salvage and revegetation efforts. Invasive forest pest monitoring will also be a minor aspect of the role. Acadia National Park spans over 47,000 acres along Maine's mid-coast, featuring diverse natural habitats and significant cultural resources, attracting over four million visitors annually.

Schedule

May 5, 2025 - November 1, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Removing non-native invasive plants from the park using chemical, manual, and mechanical methods. Supporting native plant restoration efforts in wetlands and summit areas of the park.
• Collecting field data and entering data into database systems.
• Identification of native and non-native plants, monitoring vegetation using NPS protocols, and proper methods of field data collection using tablets.
• The member will be provided the opportunity to study for and take the Maine State Pesticide Applicator exam to obtain a pesticide applicator license. The member will also participate in autumn forest insect pest surveys and management, and native plant salvage and restoration efforts to restore native plant communities.
• Training opportunities include herbicide use and handling, First Aid/CPR, orientation to Acadia National Park and the National Park Service, and other trainings offered at the park as available.

Marginal Duties

Assist with invasive forest pest monitoring, education, and outreach. Help maintain equipment and supplies.

Required Qualifications

• Coursework or experience in botany, biology, data entry, field research, GPS, plant identification, and resource management.
• Driver's license Personal vehicle required (for convenience during personal time and work based on housing location).

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of northeastern US & Canada flora. Invasive plant management experience.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided for this position. Quarters are in a shared house or apartment, with common living, cooking, dining, and bathroom areas. Residents usually have their own bedroom, but in some cases may need to share with a same-gender roommate. Residents provide their own bedding. Specialized items and appliances should be brought if needed.

Compensation

• Living Allowance - $600/week Relocation Travel Grant
• $1,100 AmeriCorps Education Award - eligibility for award of approximately $3,697 upon successful completion of position and service of 900 hours or more.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• Defensive Drive Training
• First Aid/CPR
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.