What are the responsibilities and job description for the Individual Placement - Invasive Plant Control Members position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
The Cadillac/Manistee Ranger District is recruiting Student Conservation Association members to work alongside the district’s botany staff on the Huron-Manistee National Forests. The Forest is located in the northwest portion of the lower peninsula.
Members will control 20 species of invasive plants using a variety of techniques in diverse habitats. They will gain experience with GIS, Avenza, Survey123, and become State of Michigan Pesticide Applicators. Members will also have opportunities to work with other program areas and participate in plant, turtle, butterfly, snake, and piping plover surveys.
Location
Wellston, MI
Schedule
May 11, 2026 - August 2, 2026
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Members will spend most days outside controlling invasive plants using mechanical and chemical techniques; monitoring populations of Pitcher’s thistle, a federally threatened plant; collecting data; navigating to sites using Avenza or GPS; and learning how to identify plants
Marginal Duties
Studying for pesticide applicator exams; entering data; maintaining equipment; and assisting other program areas
Required Qualifications
Drivers license; ability to work outside; ability to hike to treatment sites, willingness to do actual on-the-ground, get your hands dirty, meaningful, physical work
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with plant identification, gardening, farming, invasive plant control, or habitat restoration
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Government housing is on the campus of the main office, in the town of Wellston, which has a couple restaurants, stores, and a gas station.; Wellston is a 20-minute drive from Manistee or Cadillac, which have multiple grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, etc.; Housing consists of a bunk house with semi-private rooms. Bathrooms, washer & dryer, and full kitchen are in an adjacent building.
Compensation
$500/week Living Allowance; $1,100 Travel Allowance, paid once with first paycheck; Housing on-site
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.