United States Forest Service - Vegetation Management Stewards at Ocala National Forest - AmeriCorps

Position Title:  United States Forest Service - Vegetation Management Stewards at Ocala National Forest – AmeriCorps

Number of Openings: Two

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Ocala National Forest Zones 1-7

17147 East Highway 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488

Terms of Service:

• Anticipated Start Date: 4/27/26
• Anticipated End Date: 9/25/26 (22 weeks)
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps Program which provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the conservation of natural areas. The Ocala National Forest’s Nonnative Invasive Species Program focuses on controlling and monitoring invasive plant infestations across seven management zones. For the past several years, the Forest has implemented a rotating treatment schedule to reduce invasive species impacts on natural areas. This summer, Forest Service staff plan to treat over 400 acres and monitor more than 600 miles of forest roads for new or recurring infestations. Stewards, in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and Ocala National Forest, is seeking two members who will serve alongside Forest Service staff, gaining hands-on experience in invasive species management and ecological restoration.

The Vegetation Management Steward is an AmeriCorps position which will provide support to the USFS and Ocala National Forest for restoration projects including longleaf pine reforestation, native plantings, surveying forest roads for invasive species presence, monitoring and follow-up treatments on previously treated sites, and aquatic eelgrass restoration among other opportunities. The AmeriCorps members will collaborate with Forest Service staff and gain hands-on experience managing invasive species and restoring natural areas, including surveying and treating infestation sites and supporting timber by conducting stand exams, cruising, and layouts. These projects will provide members with hands-on conservation experience to help gain field techniques, encourage future land stewardship, and opportunities to build and advance professional skills.

If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey with the USFS and Ocala National Forest, apply now by uploading your resume and cover letter, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the United States Forest Service!

To learn more about Stewards, please visit: Homepage | Stewards Individual Placement Program

To learn more about the USFS and Ocala National Forest, please visit: National Forests in Florida | Ocala National Forest | Forest Service

Description of Duties:

As an AmeriCorps Member serving with the USFS at Ocala National Forest, your responsibilities will include:

• Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) service. This includes survey, inventory, treatment, and monitoring.
• Timber projects including chainsaw use.
• Wetland restoration projects which may include off-site pine removal from wetland edges, eel grass planting, and submerged aquatic vegetation restoration plot monitoring and maintenance.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.
• Between the ages of 18 – 30, or up to age 35 with Veteran status.
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Degree or previous experience in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or Botany is preferred.
• Basic understanding of herbicide applications, compass and pacing, and map reading.
• Certification in herbicide application is preferred but not required.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:30am - 4pm EST, although exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.
• Serving on weekends and federal holidays may be required.
• The member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
• The member will serve in-person on-site.

Orientation and Training:

• The member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) training will include proper mix and spray applications along with how to read a label.
• Timber projects will include opportunities in gaining certifications in Timber Cruising, Common Stand Exams, and Chainsaw use.
• The member will receive training for AGOL, a Pro License for Avenza, a field day for plant ID of local natives and NNIS, practice using maps and compass, and an introduction to Herbicide application.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14.
• Living Allowance of $630 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $200 per week.
• One-time Relocation Stipend of $500.
• Approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) funds of $250.
• Local housing available.
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible.
• Loan forbearance if Eligible.
• Interest Payments if Eligible.

• Eligible for Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of term.
• Training and Professional Development Opportunities.

• Employee Wellness Program (connect with a licensed professional counselor and 24/7 support).

• Networking and Mentorship.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:

Meaghan Hall

Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator

[email protected]

681-666-3266

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.