Rainforest Assistance - Crew Member @ National Park of American Samoa

INTRODUCTION

This is a full time position located in the KUPU Organization but stationed at the National Park of American Samoa. The incumbent has an important role in the program to preserve and restore native forest ecosystems by controlling alien invasive trees, build pig proof fence, maintain cultural sites, trails and provide general laboring duties and other maintenance help as required. The work leader supervises the incumbent with overall supervision by the park GS-11 Terrestrial Ecologist.

MAJOR DUTIES

(85%) Assists crew leader in the construction and maintenance of pig fences, trails, reforestation plots and controls targeted alien invasive plants/trees by manually girdling, pulling, weed eating, cutting using machete, or chainsaw. Sometime applies herbicide on cut stems using a trigger spray bottle or brush. Follow safety procedures by consistently wearing protective equipment or PPE. Help read rainforest study plots.  Help deliver education and outreach programs to schools and village communities.

(5%) Provides basic maintenance assistance for day-to-day activities primarily involving a variety of laboring tasks that require physical abilities as well as some of manual skills gained by prior experience or training. Work assignments cover a broad spectrum of general maintenance requirement.

(5%) Walks or rides on vehicles to and from various work sites to load or unload a variety of materials, supplies, or rubbish.

(5%) Uses power mowers; adjust blades, cleans, and oils; cuts trees and bush with hand tools or chainsaw; set up tools and supplies at work sites; cleans area, tools and equipment. Lifts and moves heavy and bulky objects.

FACTORS

Knowledge and Skill Required  

a.     Ability to identify native Samoan plants & invasive/exotic trees w/ the help of park botanist.

b.     Ability to cut roots, girdle, and target alien invasive plants/trees. Maintaining native planting areas targeted weeds species by manually pulling, cutting, or spraying. Help build and maintain pig fences.

c.     The incumbent must use safety equipment (shoes, safety glass, gloves & helmet) while performing work.

d.     Ability to deliver education and outreach programs to schools and village communities

e.     Utilizes a variety of tools, equipment, and supplies and is expected to know their functions and proper uses. Must be able to operate, control, and perform preventive maintenance on power equipment’s such as weed eater, back pump, chainsaw, chipper, and loppers.

f.      Help promote and foster team work spirit.

g.     Ability to propagate, plant native trees and crops to restore disturbed lands.

h.     Knowledge of data collection techniques including installation, operation, and assess natural resources condition by various means. I.e. GPS units, DBH tapes, stream sampling tools, digital cameras, etc.

i.      Ability to work, hike, backpack, and camp under harsh environmental conditions and in remote backcountry

2.Responsibility

Employee works alone or as a member of a work crew. The park’s GS-11 Terrestrial ecologist or work leader assigns tasks, provides initial instructions and checks methods and procedures of work being done. Much of the work is routine and is accomplished with a minimum amount of direction. Instructions may be written, but are more often oral. Is responsible for the safe operation of all equipment and use of tools. Leader demonstrates established work practices and corrects deficiencies immediately.

3.Physical Effort

The work requires a great amount of physical activity such as walking to and from remote sites over rough terrain and climbing over rocks, frequents bending at the waist and constant use of hands. Work is also accomplished in hot, humid conditions wearing full personal protection equipment (PPE).

4.Working Conditions

The incumbent works out-of-doors in weather that is always hot and humid and is often wet. While working outside, is exposed to bright sun, rain, wind, and biting insects. Required hiking over rough terrain daily to accomplish daily tasks. Work generally involves moderate risks, discomforts, or unpleasantness, such as noise, dust, foul order, extreme weather, etc. The incumbent will be required to operate all tools and equipment in rugged terrain where vegetation may be non-existent, sparse, or dense, or on slippery forest floor, and where the aspect of the land is rolling, bumpy or steep. Must maintain safety awareness, take special awareness, take special precautions, and use protective clothing and equipment (PPE).

Program Dates:

January 7, 2019 - November 22, 2019 (11 months, full time)

Application deadline: Oct 31, 2018

Benefits:

• Up to $1,600 monthly living allowance* and a $5,920 Education Award- through Kupu's largest supporter, AmeriCorps

• Opportunity to gain extensive knowledge about a single/handful of worksites (as members work with one agency for the duration of the program)

• An extremely in-depth learning experience and further awareness of specific environmental issues

• Opportunity to work side-by-side with a supervisor and potential employer who works in an environmental field you are interested in

• Child care, health care, and loan deferment available for eligible applicants

• Week-long Service Trip with other Kupu CLDP members

• Valuable job and life skills

• And most of all, the opportunity to protect Hawaii's natural resources and make a positive impact in your community

Applicant Requirements:

1. Age - Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the start date of the service term (due to AmeriCorps regulations).

2. Diploma - Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

3. Citizenship - Applicants must be one of the following: a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien (due to AmeriCorps regulations).

5. Housing/Transportation - Applicants must have their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.

This position is available through Kupu's Conservation Leadership Development Program.

Apply Here before October 31, 2018