Organization and Program Description:

The Kenai Watershed Forum (KWF) is an environmental non-profit located in Soldotna, Alaska whose mission is “Working together for healthy watersheds on the Kenai Peninsula”. For over a decade, the Invasive Species Program at KWF has played a vital role in preventing the spread of invasive species and addressing research and educational needs pertaining to non-native species on the Kenai Peninsula. Through this program, KWF focuses on the most harmful aquatic and terrestrial non-native species threatening salmon habitat on the Kenai Peninsula. For more information on KWF’s projects and programming, visit www.kenaiwatershed.org.

Position Summary:

The Invasive Species Technician is a field-heavy, seasonal position (April- September, with potential to extend) reporting directly to the Invasive Species Specialist. The technician will assist the Kenai Watershed Forum’s Invasive Species Specialist with a variety of tasks related to invasive species management and will be assisted in the field by an Invasive Species Intern. Field work will include surveying and monitoring for novel aquatic and terrestrial invasive species; treating known infestations of non-native species with a variety of tactics including the use of herbicide; engaging in community outreach/education activities as it relates to invasive species and ecosystem health; and assisting with assorted biological field work pertaining to other KWF projects and programming. The Invasive Species Technician will be expected to work independently and to become a Certified Pesticide Applicator through the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Appropriate training and resources will be provided by KWF during this certification process.

Location:

The Kenai Watershed Forum is located in Soldotna, Alaska, a small city in the central Kenai Peninsula, three hours south of Anchorage. Known as “Alaska’s Playground”, the Kenai Peninsula is home to mountains, glaciers, and rivers sure to satisfy any outdoor recreationists desires.

Essential Job Functions:

Field activities related to invasive species eradication (60%)

• Make use of a variety of tactics related to integrated pest management (IPM) including but not limited to manual, mechanical, and chemical methods
• Safely and effectively use, transport, and store a variety of herbicides
• Travel long distances to complete fieldwork on a daily basis
• Make use of a variety of manually powered watercrafts including packrafts and canoes
• Assist the Invasive Species Specialist in developing a work-plan for the 2021 field season
• Travel via float plane to remote waterbodies to conduct early detection surveys within aquatic environments

Data and Equipment Management (10%)

• Maintain accurate records of field work and collect data using Arc Collector (ESRI supported data collection software) and iPads
• Take photos of project work and treatment sites for use in monitoring records and project reports
• Record herbicide data in accordance with standards established by AK DEC
• Maintain field equipment related to invasive species management

Community Outreach and Education (20%)

• Communicate regularly with community members, volunteers, and project partners concerning invasive species projects on the Kenai Peninsula
• Assist in the organization and implementation of community weed pulls within various communities on the Kenai Peninsula
• Develop and implement outreach and educational social media content for the KWF invasive species program

Other duties related to KWF’s mission and project work (10%) 

• Become familiar with KWF’s projects and programs and assist in their implementation as needed
• Attend and assist with KWF sanctioned events outside of normal work hours
• Participate in regularly scheduled KWF staff meetings

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• 1-3 years of experience in the following or closely related fields: botany, biology, environmental science, natural science, forestry, invasive species management
• Excellent professional communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to be organized and to work independently and as a team
• Hold a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and have the ability to drive multiple hours for work on a daily basis
• Current or ability to obtain a State of Alaska Pesticide Applicator’s License within two months of start date
• Comfort working outside in bear country for multiple hours in varied weather and terrain
• Willingness and flexibility to work long days (up to 10 hours)
• Compliance with Kenai Watershed Forum and partner policies and procedures
• Ability to work outdoors and walk 2+ miles and have the physical skills to perform restoration activities involving lifting (50lbs), bending, digging, working with tools, etc.
• Comfortably and safely operate paddle-crafts such as canoes, kayaks and pack-rafts

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with integrated pest management strategies and early detection and rapid response (ED&RR) tactics
• Plant identification skills and knowledge of Alaskan plant communities (aquatic and terrestrial)
• Familiarity with a variety of ESRI software (ArcGIS Online, ArcCollector, ArcMap) and experience using GIS to collect, manage, and present field data
• Experience operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in a variety of terrain and conditions
• Positive, professional and enthusiastic attitude
• Sense of humor, flexibility, and ability to exercise independent judgement
• Enthusiasm for KWF’s mission and invasive species management

Hours: 40 hours/week, April-September (with possible extension)