Project Leader: Native Plant Corps, CWMA

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national force of conservation volunteers is seeking an experienced conservation leader to manage a 4 member Native Plant Corps in the Washington DC Metro Area for a 3 month period. The team will work in partnership with the District Department of the Environment and various land management agencies to implement integrated pest management practices for invasive/exotic plants on various sites throughout the DC Metro Area. The project will include mapping sites with GIS, using hand tools and chainsaws, applying herbicides, and public outreach. The team is part of the DC Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) which was established in 2011 through a Forest Service Grant that was provided to SCA to manage invasive species in the district.

Primary Responsibilities:
Crew Manager

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

Technical Advisor

• Supervise and assist the work skills training of corps members
• Manage the quality & technique of the work performed
• Actively manage project/member risk to maintain a safe work environment
• 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

• Assist SCA Program Manager to complete required program reporting and documentation
• Assist SCA Program Manager in budget management and reconciliation
• Ensure compliance with all SCA Risk Management policies & procedures
• Represent SCA and CWMA in a positive and professional manner

Qualifications:

• 21 years of age or older.
• Previous experience working with invasive plants and knowledge of integrated pest management.
• Wilderness First Responder/CPR certification
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, strong work ethic are required.
• Self-starter ability to work independently and as part of a team.   
• Able to carry heavy loads up to 50 pounds and be able to work in outdoor environment exposed to the elements including hiking for extended periods of time.  
• Have a valid driver’s license, good driving record, clean background check and be approved to drive through SCA standards.
• Have working knowledge of safely operating power and hand-tools.  
• Chainsaw experience and certification preferred
• Experience managing a program budget preferred
• Completion of an SCA Work Skills Session preferred
• Current resident of the DC Metro Area preferred

Program Dates: Positions begin April 22nd and end mid-August 2013.

Compensation: Salary $545 per week, paid biweekly.  Leader is responsible for their own housing.

* Health and Dental * Basic Life Insurance * Short Term Disability * Long Term Disability * Flexible Spending Account * 403(b) Savings Plan * Generous Paid Time Off * Community Service Leave * Casual Dress

To Apply: Login or Sign-up. Select Crew/Project Leader when prompted.  Please be sure to upload your cover letter, resume & 3 references.  Once your application is submitted, please email leaders@thesca.org with“CWMA Native Plant Corps” in the subject line.