Natural Resources Technician – Invasive Species

Position Title: Natural Resources Technician (Invasive Species Program)
Location: Soldotna/Kenai, Alaska
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: Part-time, seasonal, April through mid- to late-September 2025

Homer Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) seeks a Central Kenai Peninsula-based, part-time seasonal natural resources technician to support the Kenai Peninsula Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area’s (KP-CISMA) terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant management efforts. Coordinated by HSWCD, the KP-CISMA is a partnership of government agencies, nonprofits, and tribal entities that collaborates on invasive species surveys, control, prevention, and outreach on the six-million-acre Kenai Peninsula. This position offers an excellent opportunity to collaborate with partners across the Kenai Peninsula on meaningful work, while enjoying hands-on work outdoors.

As a natural resources technician you will assist with planning for and implementing terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant projects. You will also provide support for Alaska’s Certified Weed-free Gravel Program and may assist with other program priorities, such as public outreach. You will work closely with other members of the HSWCD invasive species team, under the guidance of crew leaders in the field. Most of the field work will be on the Central Peninsula, but you will likely also travel to field sites in other locations, such as Homer, Seward, and Cooper Landing. Please note: While HSWCD is based in Homer, AK, this position will be located in the Kenai/Soldotna area.

What you’ll do

• Assist with terrestrial and aquatic (Elodea) invasive plant projects, including surveys, manual (hand pulling) and chemical (herbicide application) control work, data management, and planning for field work. Projects may involve work in remote (fly- and/or hike-in) locations, boat-based work, and overnight travel. To perform the job duties, you will be required to pass the Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicator exam.
• Engage with private landowners regarding plant identification, invasive plant management, and prevention practices
• Become a Certified Weed-free Products Inspector, inspect gravel pits and material storage sites for potential weed-free certification through Alaska’s Certified Weed-free Products Program, and maintain records related to gravel inspections and certifications
• Participate in the KP-CISMA’s annual spring training and other field staff trainings as offered
• Assist with post-season reporting and data QA/QC

What we’re looking for

• Educational background in natural resource management, environmental science, ecology, or similar
• Good plant identification skills
• Ability to collect data and maintain precise records of surveys and herbicide treatments
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to complete complex projects
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfortable communicating with private landowners, contractors, gravel pit operators, and state and federal partners
• Comfortable conducting field work in inclement weather, working in remote locations, operating boats (e.g., canoes and packrafts), and flying in small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and the ability to remain flexible and act creatively to unexpected situations in the field (they happen!)
• You must have reliable transportation – the job will require travel across the Kenai Peninsula (mileage will be reimbursed at the State of Alaska’s mileage reimbursement rate).
• You must be able to obtain an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Certified Pesticide Applicator License (Costs associated with preparation, materials, and test fees to be paid by HSWCD).
• You must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a federal background check.

Bonus skills – these are not required but are a plus

• Current State of Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicator license (Category 6, aquatic pest control is an extra bonus!)
• Herbicide application experience
• Experience with: ATVs, chainsaw operation, boating, other field equipment and tools
• Knowledge of and experience with native and invasive plants on the Kenai Peninsula
• Experience with digital data collection (e.g., Field Maps) and simple GIS exercises
• Experience working in remote areas of Alaska
• First Aid/CPR certification

What you can expect from us

We anticipate the job to start with approximately 10-15 hours/week in April, increasing to an average of 30 hours/week in June through mid- to late-September. The exact number of hours worked each week may vary (e.g., 40+ hours one week, and 20 the next) based on workload, funding, and weather. This position will be based in the Kenai/Soldotna area, with the option to work from home or an office space provided by the Kenai Watershed Forum in Soldotna, when you’re not in the field.

If you think this job might be a good fit for you, please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Jen Chauvet at jen@homerswcd.org. The job will remain open until filled, and qualified applicants invited to interview as applications come in.