Individual Placement - Invasive Species and Prairie Management Specialist

Student Conservation Association; Valentine (NE); On-site; USD 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living allowance $600/week

Relocation allowance $1,100

AmeriCorps education award eligible

Defensive driving training

Off-road vehicle safety

Job summary

Student Conservation Association is seeking an Invasive Species and Prairie Management Specialist for Valentine National Wildlife Refuge in Valentine, NE. The role focuses on controlling invasive Eastern Red Cedar, mapping treatments with GPS/GIS, and supporting habitat conservation for migratory birds and wildlife.

The position runs 6 months with a bunkhouse option, a $600/week living allowance, and additional relocation and AmeriCorps education benefits; drivers license is required and GIS

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• PLC/ Public Land Corps eligibility: US citizen or permanent resident; ages 16–30 (or 35+ for veterans).

Responsibilities

• Document locations and treatments on invasive trees using GPS/GIS.
• Monitor rare plants and grassland grazing effects.
• Invasive species control and habitat mapping.
• Assist with other biological surveys and maintenance as needed.

Skills

Valid driver's license

GIS experience

Tools

GIS

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Valentine National Wildlife Refuge(NWR) Invasive Species and Prairie Management Specialist will carry out much needed control of invasive Eastern Red Cedar trees threatening Sandhill Prairie, wetland and marsh habitats, which are critical to migrating and breeding birds, as well as other species of wildlife. Control methods include cutting and digging with hand tools, ATV-mowing equipment and herbicide application. Experience using GIS is a plus. All positions(depending on qualifications of applicants) may also help with other biological duties as assigned. Technicians and aids should have the ability to work independently and as part of a team, tolerate working outdoors in all conditions (heat, cold, rain, insects, etc.), physical ability to hike while carrying tools, and have a valid driver’s license. Training in driving ATV/UTV’s will be given and a bunkhouse is available, with shared kitchen and living space. Positions are expected to last 6 months.

Location

Valentine, NE

Schedule

January 4, 2027 - July 2, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Documenting locations and treatments applied to invasive trees using GPS and GIS technology. (60%)

Marginal Duties

Conducting annual monitoring of rare plants; monitoring effects of the grassland grazing program; Invasive species control and habitat mapping. (20%); Other biological surveys and maintenance projects.(20%)

Required Qualifications

Valid drivers license

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience using GIS is a plus.

Living Accommodations

Bunkhouse is available, with shared kitchen and living space

Compensation

• Living Allowance: $600/week; Relocation Allowance, paid once: $1,100
• AmeriCorps Education Award Eligible/Optional upon successful completion of position and 900 minimum service hours. Education award valued at $ 3697.50

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits

• Defensive Driving Training
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.