Seasonal Invasive Species Management Intern

General Description

ACNC Seasonal Invasive Species Management Interns work onsite to remove Water Chestnut, an aquatic invasive species. Invasive Management Interns will work with the ACNC Volunteer Coordinator to recruit volunteers and oversee all hand-pulls and treatments of Water Chestnut within the ACNC property. Work to remove additional aquatic and land-based invasive species may also take place.

Additional responsibilities include properly maintaining ACNC equipment and cleaning up after hand-pulls. Assistants will also be asked to take photos of their progress, document the number of plants removed, and present an end-of-year synopsis to the Executive Director of ACNC.

Invasive species identification and removal information to be provided at the beginning of the season. Prior experience is not required, but is preferred.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• Able to work independently
• Understanding of and appreciation for safe methods to work around and in water
• In good physical condition, willing and able to work outside in all weather and in up to 4.5 feet of water while wearing chest waders
• Enthusiasm for learning and sharing information with others

Preferences

• Familiarity with Audubon Community Nature Center
• Experience overseeing, and or working with volunteers
• Detail oriented
• Previous Experience removing Water Chestnut, a floating aquatic non-native invasive species
• Experience and or comfortability using kayaks and or canoes
• Interest in, comfort in, and knowledge of the natural world

Timeframe: June through August; Hours will vary based on scheduled activities, weather, and intensity of Water Chestnut infestation.

Schedule: 200 – 250 hours in total. Some weeks of work will be more intense than others based on weather and scheduled volunteer Water Chestnut pulls.