Invasive Plant Control Team Leader

~ Invasive Plant Control, Inc. was established in 1997 and has operated as an entity exclusively focused on the control of invasive species with projects ranging from the Virgin Islands to the hardwoods forests of northern Pennsylvania. ~

IPC's travel teams roam the United States targeting invasive species in fragile natural areas. Utilizing an Integrated Pest Management approach, IPC focuses on selectivity through proper timing and application methods. IPC also offers technologically advanced delineation, GPS/GIS & mapping of invasive species.

All IPC management plans and on the ground control projects have a strong emphasis on selectivity. Protection of desirable flora and fauna is of the utmost importance in all IPC projects. 

Position Overview

The primary function of this position will be to travel continuously throughout the eastern U.S. as a leader of an invasive plant management team and utilize a variety of techniques including chemical and mechanical methods to control invasive exotic plants. Applicants will have the opportunity to work in various natural areas. Term positions are available (April - December)

Invasive Plant Control, Inc. will provide you with the opportunity to conduct intensive habitat rehabilitation of many different native plant communities with the main emphasis in invasive plant management. IPC is a privately owned company considered one of the leaders in the invasive plant control market in the US.

Responsibilities

Functional Responsibilities: 

• Operates transportation equipment such as 4X4 truck with or without trailer for the purpose of traveling to work sites in a safe and courteous manner. 
• Operates field transportation equipment for the purpose of transporting him/herself and up to a ten member work crew. 
• Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of truck and equipment. 
• Conducts daily inspection and inventory of safety equipment for him/herself and crew. 
• Transfers, mixes, transports, and applies non-restricted use herbicides (NRH) and adjuvants or directly supervises <10 man crew for the application of NRH. All instructions must be followed as labeled for all activities. 
• Operates equipment as needed for the proper application of herbicides and adjuvants or directly supervises <10 man crew in the proper use of application equipment, including backpack sprayer, ATV, Argo, swamp buggy, airboat, skiff w/ outboard motor, and 4X4 truck. 
• Operates spray apparatus, including electric pump, gas powered pumps, and hand pumps or directly supervises <10 man crew. 
• Conducts daily inspections and maintenance of equipment and spray apparatus. 
• Assumes responsibility for crew safety, navigation, and training. 
• Properly completes daily work logs and reporting logs for equipment maintenance and delivers to Project Manager. 
• Properly completes Daily Progress Reports (DPR's) for each job for each day and delivers to Project Manager. 
• Communicates daily with Project Manager. 
• Conducts support duties such as errands, routine maintenance, and shop cleanup as directed by the Project Manager. 
• Maintains appearance and attitude in such a ways as to positively portray the company in the public's view. 
• Adheres to label instructions and IPC Safety Guidelines in all aspects of work. 
• Maintain driving record in compliance with insurance carrier's criteria. 
• Project planning and execution including material management (herbicides, biocontrol agents, equipment, tools) and mapping. 
• Prepares bi-monthly reports on project performance and progress. 
• Participation in marketing/educational activities. 
• Discuss goals and desires to passersby in an understanding way. 
• Ability to correctly identify all invasive plant with minimal review, and to discriminate invasive plants from any native vegetation of similar appearance. 
• Have a sound academic knowledge of ecological principles as they relate to vegetation management. 
• Have a working, current knowledge of resource management methods, biological processes and vegetation sample techniques. 
• Have knowledge of data organization, record keeping, and global positioning system (GPS). 
• Knowledge, ability, and willingness to handle herbicides in the course of vegetation management. 
• Ability to work under adverse physical and weather conditions, including high humidity and temperatures, inclement weather, exposure to poisonous plants, biting insects, and in difficult terrain. 
• Ability to operate and conduct field maintenance of vehicles and to recognize and avoid hazards associated with operating same. 
• Knowledge of treatment history of previously treated sites. 
• Familiarity with invasive plant data management protocols and requirements of the client.
• Ability to mix, handle, and apply herbicides in accordance with label directions and crew supervisor instructions. 
• Ability to handle and maintain tools, equipment, and supplies in good working order for daily operations. 
• Perform on-the-ground management. 
• Training of field workers, including tailgate safety training meetings on a weekly basis and reports to the Project Manager. 
• Participation in training activities. 

Qualifications 

Minimum Experience:

• Two to five years' experience in field techniques of mechanical and chemical treatment of Invasive Plants.  

Minimum Education/Degree Requirements: 

• Required minimum of being in the process of completing a B.S. or preferably holds a B.S. degree in one of the following disciplines: environmental science, natural resources, biological sciences, ecology, forestry, wildlife management, or related field. 

Training/Certification Requirements: 

• Ability to obtain an applicators license issued from the appropriate state regulatory authority listing the appropriate application category, current CPR card, and ability to train applicators working under his/her license. 
• Be trained in the operation of chainsaws, brushcutters, and gasoline powered spray. 

Travel 

• Lodging and transportation is provided. 
• Food is on your own. 
• There may be no opportunity to travel home during the course of this position other than on your own time.