Vegetation Management Member- Wenatchee Field Office

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Bureau of Land Management, is seeking Two Vegetation Management Members to contribute to Wenatchee Field Office Vegetation Management project alongside Bureau of Land Management Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: ASAP; May 2024 (Contingent upon passing a government background check)

Estimated End Date: 26 weeks after the start date

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Central Washington state is the home of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wenatchee Field Office (WFO), part of the Spokane District. The Spokane District manages nearly 450,000 acres of public lands across the state of Washington. The WFO is responsible for BLM lands ranging from the Canadian border to the north, to the Oregon state line to the South. Botanically, plant communities range from extensive shrub-steppe habitats to dry forests and riparian areas.

For more information about Wenatchee Field Office, please visit https://www.blm.gov/office/wenatchee-field-office and for more information on what the Wenatchee area has to offer, visit www.wenatchee.org.

Position Overview: The members will work with the Noxious and Invasive Species Specialist on the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Approximately 30-40% of time is expected to be spent in the office, and 60-70% of time in the field. Office work will include mastering the vegetation management computer programs to submit current and historic infestation and treatment data. The members will have the opportunity to work in ArcPro and use multiple mobile applications. Field work will include conducting surveys, inventory, treatment and monitoring of invasive plant species. The members will be expected to obtain their Washington State herbicide applicators license and will assist in chemical and mechanical treatment of invasive species. Chemical treatments are expected to be approximately 30% of field work time. Field work will be conducted throughout central Washington primarily in the shrub-steppe Columbia Plateau.

Every opportunity will be given for the members to express their interests and obtain experience with other specialists in the office. This may include working with the wildlife biologist, range specialist, restoration specialist, botanist, forester, or recreation specialist.

The participant will work out of the Wenatchee Field Office in Wenatchee, WA. Fieldwork will be done in a remote backcountry setting and requires strenuous exertion. Most field sites will require 1-3 hours of driving one way from the office.

Project expected outcomes include monitoring and treating weeds in multiple counties, and submitting 30 treatment records through the Vegetation Management Action Portal (VMAP).

Members may be asked to spend overnights 1-2 times per month due to the travel time to some field sites.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: 40 hour work week, typically 10 hours days, Monday – Thursday, generally 7 AM to 5:30 PM. The daily schedule is variable according to project needs and applicant desires.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the Bureau of Land Management and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or Bureau of Land Management.

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $175 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. BLM will provide basic training such as First AID/CPR, safety, and radio training before completing tasks, and training to complete tasks as assigned (i.e.. monitoring techniques, plant id, navigation). Training may be virtual, self-paced online training, or in-person depending on availability. Applicants will be enrolled in the Washington State Pesticide Applicators license training, which will include taking a pesticide exam.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Botany, or Ecosystem Management degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as agriculture or farm management.
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Knowledge of plant ID.
• Ability and willingness to learn and implement noxious weed control
• Deep interest in land management, interdisciplinary work, and understanding the impacts of policy and protocol in on-the-ground actions.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Bureau of Land Management, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Bureau of Land Management and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.