Invasive Species Technician Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources

Summary

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources is seeking ONE Invasive Species Technician to contribute to natural resource management efforts alongside staff.

For more information about ACE please visit our website.

Local candidates encouraged to apply!

Start Date: July 6 2026

Estimated End Date: September 25 2026

*a 12-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description:

This position is with Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources. It reports to the Land Stewardship Division of Parks Maintenance. Raleigh has roughly 6540 acres of undeveloped property either as designated nature preserves FEMA purchased lots greenway parcels wetlands or other areas. These all serve as irreplaceable resources for all life in the city. Maintaining them at their highest ecological value is one of the goals of the Land Stewardship Program.

Ideal candidates will be comfortable outside in all weather conditions have basic understanding of ecosystem functions and strong curiosity for the natural world. Candidates will work as part of a team collaborating and contributing to resource management plans and prescriptions.

For more information about Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources please visit their website.

Position Overview:

Create and implement invasive species management plans (60%) Position will create a comprehensive checklist to monitor past current and future invasive species management projects. There will be support from internal experts.

• Visit past present and future worksites
  • Survey the property for treatment effectiveness
• Record photo and GIS documentation of site
  • Use of cell phone for data collection; no previous GIS experience needed
• Complete natural area scorecard
  • Identify native and non-native invasive species of plants and animals
  • Identify significant natural and/or cultural elements
  • Identify areas where previous management has proven ineffective
• Collect and analyze data
  • Create user friendly data visualizations
• Invasive species management
  • Learning to identify non-native invasive plants and native look-alikes
  • Cutting/felling woody shrubs & trees
  • Pulling grasses vines or shrubs
  • Use of herbicide i.e. cut stump treatment
  • Hauling debris for disposal

Natural resource support and planning (30%) Working as part of a team to develop strategies record data and evaluate past management for efficient use of resources. Support city-wide efforts to restore quality natural resources.

• Surveying and inventory
  • Physical surveys in uneven or slick terrain to collect species data
  • Collect organize and analyze wildlife and habitat survey data using GIS and other tools
  • Compile data to create infographics for public consumption
• Native plant support
  • Collecting seeds from targets species
  • Identifying source populations for harvesting
  • Greenhouse/nursery work
  • Watering plantings
• Stormwater management
  • Identifying problem areas impacted by stormwater runoff
  • Redirecting stormwater by building water bars dams or swales
• Prescribed fire preparation
  • Establishing fire control lines
  • Reducing vegetation and/or fuels from burn unit(s) prior to burn

Outreach opportunities (10%) Help develop community relations to encourage future volunteer participation. Assist with outreach efforts and materials.

• Volunteer events
  • Provide volunteer orientations and safety demonstrations
  • Guide volunteers during workdays
• Tabling events
  • Public engagement and education
  • Development of educational materials

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 3:30pm

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources.

Housing Assistance: ACE members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $50/week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures clear guidance on prohibited activities and networks for support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional positive and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone and be a positive contributing member of a group.
• A current and valid form of ID (will be required to provide copies of IDs upon hiring)
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets beginning of term feedback forms end of term evaluations and for longer terms a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can be pursuing or hold a degree in Natural Resources Forestry or similar and/or have relevant experience in natural resource management.
• Knowledge of invasive species management.
• Ability and willingness to explore wild forests meadows and wetlands.
• Deep interest and curiosity of the natural world.

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting standing walking hiking carrying using hands to handle or feel reaching with hands and arms talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop kneel climb stairs and/or crouch.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close distance peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs. ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Mainly indoor office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain swamp or wetland conditions biting insects and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties one will be provided by the Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) typically provided by the Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Raleigh Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources and ACE equipment training certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACEs online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Senior Member Manager Caris Hill at

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability qualifications attitude and job-related factors. Every qualified employee member or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment hire training transfer promotion compensation demotion termination benefits employee activities and general treatment without regard to race color religion age sex creed national origin pregnancy ancestry citizenship status genetic information veteran or military status physical or mental disability sexual orientation medical condition marital or parental status political affiliation ethnicity hair texture or style arrest record caste hereditary status endogamy or any other classification protected by applicable local state or federal law.

Required Experience:

IC