Biological Field Technician

Work outdoors and help protect Alaska from harmful invasive plant species!

Invasive Plant Field Technicians

Summary

Under the supervision of a biologist, these seasonal positions will conduct invasive plant management projects throughout Alaska. Duties including various control techniques (manual, mechanical, and chemical), management of volunteers, educating the public about noxious and invasive plants, survey for invasive plants, and data collection. Invasive plant management duties take place in parks, greenbelts, forestlands, natural areas, wildlife refuges, other public lands, military bases, industrial sites, right-of-ways, and private properties. The majority of the work is outdoors regardless of weather and often physically demanding.

Example of Duties

• Perform a variety of invasive plant abatement duties including manual removal, application of herbicides, and operation/maintenance of weed whips and chain saws.
• Properly identify (training provided) noxious and invasive plants, document control measures, collect GPS coordinates, and other field site data.
• Lead and supervise volunteers in invasive plant control projects.
• Conduct community outreach/education about invasive plants including how to prevent their spread and what citizens can do about it.
• Work collaboratively with multiple agencies, communities, citizens, and private landowners.
• Ensure public and personal safety during field projects.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to organize and safely conduct vegetation control projects, including physically demanding tasks outdoors in forested, remote, and/or public settings regardless of weather.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to use and maintain hand tools, weed whips, chain saws, chippers, etc.
• Skill and ability to identify invasive plants (training provided), ability to collect accurate data, ability to find specific sites, and collect location data with GPS.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to convey a positive impression to agency partners, the general public, clients, and community volunteers.
• Knowledge and understanding of ecological interactions and ability to explain to the public how invasive species can disrupt ecological processes.
• Computer skills such as word processing, email communication, database applications, and Internet research. GIS and mapping experience is helpful.
• Physical fitness, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and ability to perform physically strenuous work outdoors in adverse conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to work unsupervised and perform complex tasks.
• Field Tech 1 – Applicant has baseline knowledge, skills, and abilities for strenuous work outdoors in Alaska and to learn to correctly observe and respond to invasive plant occurrences in natural areas. Ability to achieve Alaska DEC - Pesticide Applicator Certification by June 1, 2024.
• Field Tech 2 – More advanced knowledge, skills, ability, and experience related to field work in Alaska. Supervisory experience. Ability to achieve Alaska DEC - Pesticide Applicator Certification by May 15, 2024 required
• Girdwood Field Tech – Specialized position with part-time hours based in Girdwood. If interested, additional hours are available on projects in Anchorage, Kenai, and Fairbanks.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent. College degree preferred especially with a degree or course work in botany, biology, chemistry, natural sciences, or resource management. Following training, must be able to identify noxious and invasive plants in Alaska. Invasive Species management or other relevant experience may be substituted for education. Scientific field crew, landscaping, forest firefighting, trail building, or other outdoor labor oriented jobs would be great experience for this position. Supervisory and/or volunteer management experience is highly desirable.

• Current Certification or ability to become a Certified Pesticide Applicator by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) is required for our Field Technician positions. Successful applicants should plan to complete an independent study or attend (in person or zoom) training course April 23-25 to prepare to successfully pass the ADEC Certification Exams.
• https://dec.alaska.gov/eh/pest/certified-applicators/
• Special Requirements -- must possess a valid driver's license, personal transportation, and have a clean driving record.

401k retirement plan and employer matching provided for all positions after six months of employment

Field Technician 1: base pay rate at hire is $15-20/hour - depending on knowledge, skills, ability, and experience. That will immediately jump to $20-25/hour once you complete your Certification as a Pesticide Applicator with ADEC. Getting this Certification is challenging and takes some time. We have had previous employees start their first day at the higher rate after successfully completing the DEC Certification. Raises are given regularly throughout the summer following strong job performance. Per diem is paid for out-of-town, overnight work travel ($100/day).

Field Technician 2: Strong skills, knowledge, and experience relevant for invasive plant management work. Supervisory, leadership, data collection, GIS, project management, herbicide, and chain saw experience. Alaska DEC Certification required. Contact us for additional details and to let us know about your relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. Pay: $25-35/hour DOE.

Job hours and duration -- General job hours are during the regular workday (i.e., M-F 9am-5pm) with occasional weekend or evening work. Work hours will vary from week to week (typically 37 to 55 hours) depending on projects and funding. There will be longer field days (typically ~10 hours) while out of town and corresponding overtime.

Start date: mid May

End date: late September to October (weather and project dependent with some flexibility depending on your schedule). We can typically accommodate an early end date for students returning to school.

Job Locations: positions are based in Anchorage with some projects outside of Anchorage (e.g., Girdwood, Kenai Peninsula, Fairbanks, north of Fairbanks, and Beluga/Tyonek). Willingness and ability to travel out of Anchorage overnight required (lodging and travel paid with per diem provided). We also have a part-time position based in Girdwood.

To apply -- please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references (names with phone numbers, email address, and their relation to you) via email.

Application deadline -- Open until filled. Ongoing review of applicants.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $15.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 38 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Overtime

Application Question(s):

• Describe your knowledge of Alaska's plant ecology and threats of invasive species.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• plant ecology: 1 year (Preferred)
• outdoor field (work or recreation): 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Certified Pesticide Applicator (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Anchorage, AK: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: Multiple locations