Invasive Plant Management Internship – National Park Service (Washington, D.C)

Join the Invasive Plant Management Team in eradicating invasives in the National Capital Region.

Job Overview

Title: Invasive Plant Management Individual Placements

Positions: 4 internships available

Location: Based out of Washington, DC and surrounding areas

Start Date: February 6th, 2023 – November 3rd, 2023 (39 weeks)

Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 10 hours/day

Status: This is a 1200-hour AmeriCorps National Service position.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

Position Summary:

The Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT) Individual Placement is based in Washington, D.C. working directly with the National Capital Region of the National Park Service. The IPMT provides professional assistance directly to the Capital Region parks, filling a much-needed gap in park expertise and assisting parks in preventing introductions of new species, reducing existing infestations, and restoring native plant communities and ecosystem functions.

This 10-month AmeriCorps position will serve as members of the IPMT, focusing on control of invasive plant species using mechanical and chemical control methods which include but are not limited to herbicide application via backpack sprayers and gas operated tank sprayers, chainsaws, brush cutters, hand saws, pruners and loppers. In addition, the IPs will be trained on overall resource management, encouraged to attend NPS-sponsored trainings, and to take part in the activities of other resource programs. While this position is primarily field-based there may be some office-based responsibilities involving the use of GIS and paper and electronic files to conduct invasive plant ranking, evaluate tools for mobile data collection, collect data and/or perform data analysis, contribute to the development of reports, and assist in the development of communication materials.

Members will receive intensive training on the invasive species of the capital region, plant identification, and use of tools and herbicides during their service. This position is ideal for people interested in fieldwork and comfortable with physical labor.

Housing is NOT provided for this position.

Special Benefits

Benefits:

• $530/week living stipend, paid bi-weekly
• $4,546.50 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award upon successful completion of 1200 hour service term (award amount varies based on length of commitment and can be used for paying off federal student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college)
• $120 reimbursement for work boots with receipt
• Eligibility for the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion – noncompetitive hiring status for two years when applying for federal positions.
• Federal student loan forbearance and interest payoff
• Member Assistance Program– 3 free sessions of support with a counseling or work-life balance specialist
• Uniform shirts and other necessary safety equipment is provided
• On-the-job training
• Additional subject-specific certifications and trainings may be offered (Chainsaw training, pesticides, etc)
• Depending upon the academic institution and program, positions may fulfill internship requirements
• Professional development opportunities (mentorship, resume support, alumni listserv, etc.) and exposure to natural resource career paths