Invasive Plant Management Team Lead

The Alaska Center for Conservation Science (ACCS) at the University of Alaska Anchorage seeks a dynamic and experienced Invasive Plant Management Team Lead to support to support documenting and assessing field conditions, trends, and ecological correlations of invasive plants. The position focuses on carrying out field studies on plants and plant ecology using a variety of methods in remote natural settings; inventorying and monitoring invasive plants and seed collecting projects; leading field crews in invasive plant eradication, and developing improved methods of controlling weeds and plant diseases.

The selected candidate will be responsible for the following job duties:

Plant identification and field documentation: Identify plant species and document their occurrence and distribution. Record and assess field conditions, trends, and ecological correlations.

Invasive Plant Management: Apply appropriate methods for invasive plant eradication and problem-solving. Safely store, handle and apply herbicides to target species.

Field Equipment & Safety: Operate and maintain resource management tools and monitoring equipment. Follow wilderness safety protocols and Leave No Trace principles.

Geospatial & Data Skills: Collect and manage GPS and GIS data using ESRI software. Conduct quality control and assurance for geospatial datasets. Statistical software and selecting appropriate statistical analyses.

Management & Project Leadership: Plan, organize, and oversee project logistics to meet outlined goals. Independently determine appropriate methods and procedures for assignments. Ensure timely delivery of reports, data products, and operational outcomes in alignment with National Park Service standards.

This position involves conducting field studies in remote natural areas, leading invasive plant eradication efforts, and developing improved weed control methods. The IPMT Lead will manage logistics, coordinate travel, and collaborate closely with ACCS staff and the NPS IPMT Liaison to plan fieldwork, select sampling techniques, and ensure operational success. This position requires strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

In addition to the required experience, the ideal candidate will have prior experience with applying herbicides to target invasive plants, working in remote field locations in Alaska, and has served as field crew leader or manager of a team or has administrative and management skills. Understanding of public land management framework, processes, and topical issues. Experience related to collaborative decision-making on land use/land management activities. Strong demonstration of plant identification skills and report writing.

During the summer season (June – August) the field work involves 10-day hitches, often in remote settings that are sometimes inaccessible by road and may require travel via bush plane, boat, or helicopter. No cell service and no internet access are typical. Expect tent camping or rustic cabins with minimal amenities. The work performed in the field involves regular and recurring exposure to extreme weather conditions and terrain, biting insects, and wild animals. The incumbent is required to use protective clothing such as gowns, coats, boots, goggles, gloves. May be required to hike several miles in a day.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree and two years research experience at the postgraduate level in a field relevant to the research (e.g. science, math, business), or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Applicable Fields: botany, ecology, biology, environmental science, or related.

Incumbent must have or obtain a State of Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicator within 60 days of hire.
Incumbent must pass a background check performed by the Department of the Interior.
Incumbent must posses a valid drivers license and pass background check and safety courses by University of Alaska and Department of the Interior.

Position Details:

This position is located on University of Alaska Anchorage campus, in Anchorage, Alaska, and flexible on-site/hybrid work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. This is a full-time, term-funded, exempt, externally funded position with an initial 3 month appointment with a possible extension of up to an additional 3 months contingent on funding and available tasks to complete assignments, with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 80, based on education and experience.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified. Review of application materials will begin immediately. Search and selection procedures will be closed when a sufficient and viable number of qualified candidates have been identified.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Justin Fulkerson, Lead Botanist & Collections Manager
Alaska Center for Conservation Science, at jrfulkerson@alaska.edu.  

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.