Nonnative Invasive Plant Intern
Position Description:
MountainTrue has an in-depth Nonnative Invasive Plant (NNIP) program that involves inventorying and control treatments in targeted areas on public lands and conservation easements. These include Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest, among other areas. A number of NNIP species occur in these areas, which threaten to displace native species and harm western North Carolina ecosystems. MountainTrue works annually with interns who help restore these ecosystems under the direction and training of the MountainTrue Ecologist & Public Lands Director.
The Nonnative Invasive Plant Internship work involves working alone, and periodically coordinating/supervising volunteers to perform various control treatments on populations of non-native invasive plants in forested areas where MountainTrue works. The intern will train volunteers on invasive exotic plant identification, control methods, and safety. They will work with tools and equipment supplied by MountainTrue. The intern will communicate with the MountainTrue Ecologist as needed, regarding areas treated per week, and observations on any need for retreatment. The intern may also assist the MountainTrue Outings, Education & Forest Stewardship Coordinator in performing nonnative invasive plant inventories along trails or on other projects in public land areas of work.
Additional Information:
The intern will gain the following skills and have the following potential opportunities:
- Expertise in identifying, inventorying, and controlling various species of nonnative invasive plants that threaten Western North Carolina (WNC); first-hand expertise and solid field experience in controlling most of these species.
- Participation in MountainTrue hikes, river paddling trips, and other events geared toward involving citizens in the natural and recreational amenities of the WNC mountain region.
- Will be certified for 3 years by the N.C. Department of Agriculture in the use of herbicide application and hold a NC State Applicator’s License (which can be renewed annually).
- The intern may accompany the MountainTrue Ecologist in any presentations or workshops given during the internship.
- Opportunities to attend meetings involving local, state, and federal agencies, and NGOs regarding environmental policies such as land management, protection, and restoration.
Start date: Flexible: Fall/Spring: Beginning of semesters; Summer: Late May to first week in June
End date: Flexible: Fall/Spring: when required hours are met; Summer: End of July to Early August
Work schedule: Flexible: 2-3 days per week. All work will be outdoors, weather permitting. Hours per Week: Fall and spring: 10-20; Summer: 30 – 40
Location: This position will work with staff out of our Asheville office, however treatment areas could be at various sites across WNC.
Compensation: Mileage will be reimbursed at approximately $0.655 per mile
Please submit a resume and cover letter through this application form to apply for this position.