Native Plant Corps Project Leader, Indiana Dunes

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national force of conservation volunteers is seeking an experienced, quality oriented outdoor leader to work in partnership with the National Park Service and the US Forest Service to control the spread of invasive species, and restore native habitat on conserved lands.  SCA’s Native Plant Corps will train and deploy a 5 person team (1 project leader and 4 corps members) to work at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore conducting wetland restoration projects.  Indiana Dunes NL is located on the Lake Michigan shore an hour east of the Chicago area.  Project work will focus on planting native plants, collecting seed, applying herbicide, removing shrubs and trees, monitoring and recording planting data (90%); community outreach and educational activities (10%).  Field mapping, condition assessments, data processing, and the daily promotion of safety will be integrated throughout project work.

Primary Responsibilities:

Crew Manager

• Lead and manage work outcomes and crew dynamics
• Facilitate team operations: food planning/purchasing, tools & equipment, vehicles, housing arrangements
• Actively manage project/member risk to maintain a safe work environment

Technical Advisor

• Assist in the technical skills training of corps members
• Manage the quality & technique of work performed
• Promote leadership development within team and evaluate success & potential

Partnership Representative

• Manage relationship with agency partner
• Work collaboratively with agency on program logistics
• Ensure successful and timely completion of work project

Program Administrator

• Communicate with SCA field support staff as required
• Complete required program reporting and documentation
• Manage budget and necessary purchasing for crew and project
• Ensure compliance with all SCA Risk Management policies & procedures

Qualifications:

• Minimum 21 years of age
• Minimum 2 years prior experience supervising young adults in an outdoor setting
• Current Wilderness First Responder/CPR certification
• Bachelors degree, or equivalent work experience
• Strong computer skills and background in GIS
• Valid driver’s license and MVR that meets SCA standards required
• Ability to meet SCA’s criminal background check standards
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to hike up to 4 miles per day/ 8 hours per day on varied terrain.
• Ability to work and live in the outdoors exposed to the elements for extended periods of time
• Preferred skill set: Prior experience with education, outdoor recreation, botany, plant restoration, forestry, geography, GIS, GPS and/or related subjects; public speaking and community outreach experience; plant identification; map & compass skills; minimum impact camping skills; chainsaw certification; budget management; enthusiasm for the outdoors; and a sense of adventure.

Program Dates: Position begins April 9th with Project Leader Orientation for one week in Boise, ID to cover technical field skills and SCA processes.  Corps members arrive mid to late May.  Project Leader end date is late August, 2012.  Dates are subject to change.

Compensation: Salary $545 per week, paid biweekly with some seasonal benefits.

To apply: Login or Sign Up. Create a profile, complete the basic application and then select the Field Leader Application when prompted.  Please be sure to upload your cover letter, resume & 3 references.  Once your application is complete, please email leaders@thesca.org with your interest so we may review your application.

SCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to workforce diversity.