Seasonal Natural Resources Technician – Invasive Species

Along with the Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF), Homer Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) seeks a part-time seasonal natural resources technician to support the Kenai Peninsula Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area’s (KP-CISMA) invasive species 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. The KWF, based in Soldotna, serves as the KP-CISMA field coordinator.

As a seasonal natural resources technician, you will assist with planning for and implementing invasive plant projects and provide support for Alaska’s Certified Weed-free Gravel Program. You may also assist with other program priorities, such as outreach. You will work closely with other members of the HSWCD Invasive Species Team and the KWF’s environmental scientist, under the general guidance of crew leaders in the field. This shared position with the KWF offers an excellent opportunity to work with two forward-thinking, community-driven conservation organizations on meaningful work, while enjoying the outdoors.

What you’ll do

• Assist with terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant projects, including surveys, mechanical and chemical (herbicide application) control work, data management, and planning for field work. This will involve boat-based work, fly-in trips to remote lakes, and overnight travel to locations around the peninsula.
• Engage with private landowners regarding plant identification, 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
• Engage with gravel producers, gravel pit operators, and federal land managers regarding the weed-free gravel program and availability of weed-free gravel for projects on the Kenai Peninsula. Outreach efforts may include phone calls, letter-writing, hosting booths at events, or in-person Q&A sessions.

What we’re looking for

• Educational background in natural resource management, ecology, environmental science, or similar
• 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 involving diverse partners and stakeholders
• Reliable transportation – the job will require substantial travel across the Kenai Peninsula (mileage will be reimbursed at the State of Alaska’s 2024 mileage reimbursement rate)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to obtain Department of Conservation Certified Pesticide Applicator License (Costs associated with preparation, materials, and test fees to be paid by HSWCD)
• Must be able to maintain flexibility and creatively adjust to unexpected situations in the field (they happen!) and be comfortable conducting field work in inclement weather, working in remote locations, operating canoes and packrafts, and flying in small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
• Comfortable communicating with private landowners, contractors, gravel pit operators, state and federal partners, and the public
• 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

• State of Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicator license
• Some experience with digital data collection (e.g., Field Maps) and simple GIS exercises
• Basic plant identification skills
• Familiarity with Alaska’s Certified Weed-free Products Program
• Experience working in remote areas of Alaska
• First Aid/CPR certification

What you can expect from us

We anticipate the job to be an average of 30 hours/week from April 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 and weather. There is flexibility to be based out of the KWF’s Soldotna office or HSWCD’s office in Homer, but we anticipate most of the work to be on the central Kenai Peninsula (Kenai/Soldotna area). Rate of pay will depend on your experience.