National Park Service – National Capital Regional Office – Weed Warrior Intern

Stewards Individual Placement Program (SIPP) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.

The administrative unit of National Capital Parks – East (NACE) contains thirteen park units and parkways in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Overall, the unit consists of 98 locations and more than 8,000 acres of recreation areas, historic homes, natural areas, farms, parkways, historic forts, and archeological sites. The sites provide important greenspace and recreation areas amongst dense urbanization and educate visitors through stories and historical information related to the area.

NACE's volunteers-in-parks program is growing and many of the park sites substantially benefit from the necessary contributions of volunteers. Volunteer events are planned by park rangers, partners, and affiliated organizations and generally involve litter cleanup, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, special events, and various park improvement projects.

This 52-week position is housed within the Resource Management Division at National Capital Parks-East’s (NACE) central office. The intern will learn from and work directly with the park’s Resource Management and Partnership Volunteer and Youth divisions, as well as the regional Invasive Plant Management Team (IPMT). The intern will also have an opportunity to present and interface with the senior management team on specific projects and accomplishments. The position will require becoming familiar with the Resource Management and Volunteers-In-Parks programs and the many sites within NACE. The scope of work will largely focus on creating and building up the Weed Warrior program, volunteer event planning and organization, community engagement, and scoping and mapping of invasive species.

Position Responsibilities will include:

· Assist in reducing invasive plant species and restoring native plant communities across NACE.

· Become familiar with the NACE parks and receive training on invasive species of the parks, plant identification, and use of tools and herbicides.

· Attend Weed Warrior training; interface with regional IPMT and other parks in the region with Weed Warrior programs.

· Learn the processes and protocol of the Volunteers – In – Parks program

· Aid the park in developing long-term Weed Warrior volunteer plans aligned with park and community needs

· Help control invasive plant species using mechanical and chemical control methods (brush cutters, hand saws, pruners and/or loppers, and herbicide application; may have an opportunity to receive pest)

· Use GIS to plot invasive species, collect data and/or perform data analysis, and assist in the development of communication materials

· Help recruit and train future Weed Warrior leaders and Weed Warrior volunteers.

· Plan and host invasive species removal volunteer events. This includes giving a safety talk, explaining equipment, and teaching about the target species and removal techniques.

· Photograph invasive species and volunteer events

Benefits:

· Pay: $20/hour

· $750 in Professional Development funds to be used for travel and training

· Health, Vision and Dental insurance

· Government vehicle provided for work

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Time and project management, oral and written communication,

Background in botany, knowledge of invasive species, leadership, experience with meaningful community engagement, GIS experience, leading and/or training volunteers and partner groups, passion for parks and outdoors