Invasive Plant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description of Duties:

The Crew Leader I position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples' lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water.

Standard schedulegenerally consistsof Monday - Friday,8 hourwork days, plus occasional overtime. Crew Leaders may alsobe requiredto come into the office to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff.

The Crew Leader I position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, anda high levelofcompetence in theoutdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is duein a timely mannerto supervisors. Finally, crew leaders mustexhibitthe ability to effectively work on diverse teams and those from a variety of populations and communities.

Service Project:

Southeast Conservation Corps (SECC)and theCity of Chattanooga have partnered to host an In-town(day crew)Urban Forestry Crewwith funding for this project provided by the USDAForest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program.TheUrban Forestry Crewwill be managed by the City of Chattanooga's Natural Resources Departmentwho will collaborate with crews to complete their conservation projects.

The crew will engage in strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions. Crew members will combine training and education to support impactful conservation service projects throughout the City of Chattanooga.

Service projects will vary depending on seasonal factors and safety considerations, with a primary focus oninvasive plant species management, native vegetation restoration, and streambank stabilization. While SECC and partners strive to provide consistency throughout the season, personal flexibility is expected and should be prepared for when entering the term as schedules, times, and project locations are subject to change perprojectand weatherneeds. However, tasks may also include, but are not limited to:

• Riparian buffer restoration

• Invasive plant species removal

• Seeding for native plant species

• Erosion Matting installation

• Limbing up/pruning trees

• Litter removal

• Streambank stabilization

• Grading

• Coir log installation

• Live stake installation

• Native species planting

• Tree, shrub, and perennial planting

• Assistin container tree planting in parks

• Learn proper tree planting techniques

• Potential to plant native plant plugs in stream buffers

• Tree maintenance (watering, pruning,etc)

• Weekly watering, weather permitting

• Weekly tree health inspections

• Weeding mulch rings

• Refreshing mulch rings when necessary

• Staking trees

• Invasive species removal

• Identification of invasive plant species

• Mechanical removal of invasive plants will beaccomplishedprimarilythrough the use oftools and hand pulling

• Larger shrub species will be managed with the use of loppers and weed wrenches to remove the entirety of the root system

• Smaller vine species will be hand pulled or individuals will be dug up to remove the entirety of the root system

• Herbicide treatment will be applied to larger shrub individuals that cannot be removed mechanically through a cut and spray method or direct leaf application

• Herbicide treatment willbe potentiallyapplied to large areas of ground cover or vining species through foliar foam or wipe application.

• Herbicide application willoverseenby an individual certified in herbicide application

• Plant and Wildlife Identification

• Become familiar with local flora and fauna

• Identifycommon invasive plant species to the area

• UtilizeiNaturalistand contribute to citizen science data collections

• Planting procedures

• Hand weeding

• Gardening/landscaping

• Bank stabilization

• Working with volunteers and engaging with the public

• Assistancewith volunteer tree plantings or invasive species removals

• Work beside and engage with volunteers

• Assistin events such as City Nature Challenge that may occur at theParkduring the term

• Assistvolunteers with plant identification and/or proper tree planting techniques

• Potential to help in volunteer day instruction and safety talks prior to the event

• While working in public parks, citizens will ask questions and want to know about the work being done, you will be expected to engage and talk about the project

AdditionalDuties:

• Learn and apply conservation, restoration, and outdoor skills

• Active participation in educationalactivities

• Practiceappropriate safetymeasures in all assigned tasks

• Use,maintain, and repair hand and power tools as necessary

ProjectSkillsAcquired Through the Program:

• Plant Identification

• Invasive plant species management practices

• Young tree care

• Volunteer management

• Proper planting techniques

• Erosion control

• Understanding ofvegetative practices used for stormwater management and improved stream health.

• A foundational understanding of conservation careers, inparticularly natural resource management within an urban park setting.

• Proper use/maintenance of hand and power tools.

• Communication and outreach with the public.

• Teamwork and collaboration in a field setting.

• Problem-solving and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

These skills are highly transferable to careers in urban forestry, environmental education, natural resource management, park services, conservation nonprofits, and more.

***Note:Many waterways across Chattanooga are impaired forvarious reasonsincluding, butnot limited to potentially harmful bacteria likeE.coli. All crews will be equipped with theappropriate PPEto work in water that maycontainthesecontaminants,howeverindividuals will be expected to practice best management practices while working in the field.

Crew Life:

• Crew Structure:This crew consists of4crew members and2crew leaders who will provide projectexpertise, mentorship, training, and support to ensure the success of all participants.

• Schedule:Crew members will report to the SECC office at 7:30am Monday-Friday and will end each day around 4:00pm. Members will have evenings and weekends off. The day includes two fifteen-minute breaks and an unpaid half-hour break for lunch.

• Camping:This crew will not be camping, as crew members will go home at the end of the day.

• Housing:Housing IS NOT provided. Crew membersare responsible forsecuring their own housing during off time.

• Food:Crew members will provide their own snacks and lunches. SECC will provide jugs for members to refill their water.

• Chores:Crew members collaborate to manage chores (putting away tools, cleaningtools,etc.) andparticipatein any group discussions.

• Gear:Members must supply their own personal outdoor gear (day pack, water bottle, work pants, hiking/work boots). SECC has a limited supply of loaner gear available for crew members to borrow, but it may not fit personal preferences or specific needs. SECC will provide tools, group equipment, and personal protective equipment

• Transportation:SECC will provide transportation between SECCofficeand project sites.

***Note: transportation needs will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis.Please contact our Recruitment Coordinator (contact information listed below) with any questions or concerns you may haveregardingyour personal transportation needs.

Responsibilities:

Leadership& Mentorship

• Mentor assistant crew leader (or Crew Leader in Development Program CLDP): provide valuable feedback, give opportunities for growth, delegate responsibilities, and encourage technical and leadership skill development.

• Implement skills training on worksite andfacilitateintentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew's personal growth and group dynamics.

• Promote individual corps member development and a safe, healthy, cohesive, other-centeredand team-oriented community.

• Follow and enforce all policies,maintainprofessional boundaries, and appropriately represent the program. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program.

• Contribute to a positive and safe culture, free from harassment.

• Demonstrate teamwork and respect for fellow members, partners, the public, and the land. This may require problem-solving on an interpersonal or group level and a willingness to accept differences.

Project Management & Implementation:

• Train, motivate and supervise a crew of young adults to efficiently complete tasks andobjectivesoutlined in conservation projects, while working long hours and managing highquality ofwork and crew morale.

• Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems, requesting assistance or help when needed.

• Communicate & coordinatelogisticswith project partners,Assistant Crew Leader (or Crew Leader in Development), & staff.

• Be punctual, hardworking, and flexible.Appropriately represent SECC to the public and project partners at all times.

Safety & Risk Management:

• Monitor, manage, and promote the holistic health of the crew, including physical and emotional (intimidation free community environment) safety.

• Exhibit strong situational ...