Invasive Plant Management Crew Leader

Overview

The Alaska Center for Conservation Science (ACCS) at the University of Alaska Anchorage seeks a dynamic and experienced Invasive Plant Management Crew Leader to support plant identification and field documentation. The candidate will be responsible for identifying plant species and documenting their occurrence and distribution and record and assess field conditions, trends, and ecological correlations.

Invasive Plant Management:
This will require the candidate to apply appropriate methods for invasive plant eradication and problem-solving. Safely store, handle and apply herbicides to target species.

Field Equipment & Safety:
Requires operating and maintaining resource management tools and monitoring equipment; follow wilderness safety protocols and Leave No Trace principles.

Geospatial & Data

Skills:

Collect and manage GPS and GIS data using ESRI software. Conduct quality control and assurance for geospatial datasets.

In addition to the required experience, the ideal candidate will have prior experience with applying herbicides to target invasive plants, working in remote field locations in Alaska, and has served as field crew leader or manager of a team. This will require an understanding of public land management framework, processes, and topical issues, to include demonstration of plant identification skills and data management.

This role requires strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

The incumbent will work collaboratively with ACCS staff and the IMPT Liaison under general guidance with outlined assignments. The incumbent identifies work to be done to fulfill project requirements and objectives, plans and carries out the procedural and technical steps required, seeks assistance as needed, and submits completed work.

The work environment varies from office/laboratory settings in Anchorage to field sites in any of the National Parks in Alaska. During the summer season (June – August) the field work involves 10-day hitches, often in remote settings that are sometimes inaccessible by road and may require travel via bush plane, boat, or helicopter. No cell service and no internet access are typical.

Expect tent camping or rustic cabins with minimal amenities.

The work performed in the field involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, biting insects, and wild animals. The incumbent is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves. May be required to hike several miles in a day.

Bachelor’s degree and six months experience in a field relevant to the research (e.g. science, math, business), or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Relevant Fields: botany, ecology, biology, environmental science, or similar.

Incumbent must have or obtain a State of Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicator within 60 days of hire.

Incumbent must pass a background check performed by the Department of the Interior.

Incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license and pass background check and safety courses by University of Alaska and Department of the Interior.

This position is located on University of Alaska Anchorage campus, in Anchorage, Alaska, and flexible on-site/hybrid work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. This is a full-time non-exempt, externally funded position with an initial 3 month appointment with a possible extension of up to an additional 3 months contingent on funding and available tasks to complete assignments, with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package.

UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 78, based on education and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable…