Location of Service: Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg
About Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
The National Park Service preserves natural and cultural resources for future generations. More than 14 million visitors per year come to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited U.S. national park. The park straddles the TN/NC state line encompassing more than 522,000 acres of the southern Appalachian mountains with more than 95% forested area. Bounded by the Cherokee, Pisgah, and Nantahala national forests, the area encompasses more than two million acres of federally managed forests. The mission of the Vegetation Management branch of Resource Management and Science is to protect, support and restore native plant communities in fields and forests of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Position Summary:
- Utilize Integrated Pest Management techniques to control a variety of invasive plant and insect species
- Use chemical and biological controls to manage hemlock woolly adelgid on eastern hemlock trees
- Use mechanical (hand pull) and chemical controls (backpack sprayers, spray bottles and cutting tools) to manage 50 species of invasive shrubs, trees, vines, and forbs
- Use chemical controls to manage emerald ash borer on ash trees
- Use GPS receivers to navigate to and track treatment areas
- Restore native grassland plants in prairies and high-elevation ‘grassy balds’ using mowers and string trimmers
- Hike up to ten miles per day to access treatment areas
- Assist with managing volunteer groups helping to remove invasive plants
- Provide information and assistance to visiting public
- If desired, train and assist with search and rescue operations
The member(s) in this position will have the opportunity to gain the following skills/credentials:
- Plant and insect identification
- Safe pesticide handling and use
- Field data collection
- Radio communications skills
- Mower and string trimmer operation
- First aid/CPR
- Leave No Trace backcountry use principles
- NPS Operational Leadership safety awareness
- USDA Forest Service tree crown condition rating
- Optional pesticide applicator license, NPS chainsaw operator, search and rescue, GPS/GIS
Site Preferences/Qualifications:
- Experience or desire to work outdoors in hot/cold, wet environment, both on and off trail, in mountainous wooded terrain
- Ability to safely hike and nagivate several miles per day in a mature forest environment
- Experience with forestry, botany, horticulture, entomology, pesticide and hand tool use is a plus
- Ability to carry and hike with 10+ lbs plus day pack
- Ability to follow instruction and work as a team member to accomplish goals
- Ability to keep accurate records
- Valid driver’s license and ability to pass background check required
Equal Opportunity Statement: AmeriCorps prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment based on the protected categories of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, generic information, military service, or reprisal.