Invasive Management Specialist

Description

Blue Ridge Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Blue Ridge PRISM partners with federal/state/local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and landowners to manage invasive plants over a nearly 3.5 million-acre area of public and private land in the northern Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

PRISM seeks two Invasive Management Specialists to promote and enhance the work of our organization through direct work with our partners and landowners within our 12-county service area. Each Invasive Management Specialist serves a strategic role in expanding PRISM’s reach into Fauquier and Loudoun Counties and providing direct expert assistance to partners and landowners. One position will cover the northern part of PRISM’s service area with a focus on developing PRISM’s work in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties. The second position will support PRISM’s current work in the remaining 10 counties.

Reporting to the Program Director, the Invasive Management Specialists will be PRISM’s on-the-ground team maintaining PRISM’s brand as a respected authority on invasive plants. Influenced by their interactions on the ground, they will bring a strategic perspective and fresh ideas on how to best further PRISM’s mission and diversify our audience. These positions will work closely with the Communications and Outreach Coordinator, our Leadership Team, key partners, and individual landowners. These positions will be the public face of PRISM, developing and conducting landowner invasive education events, meeting with individual landowners and groups, cultivating partnerships on behalf of PRISM, and representing PRISM at public events or other engagements.

These positions are both full-time, exempt positions based on 40 hours per week. The work will be done remotely (PRISM does not have a central office) and high-speed internet connectivity is a must. Travel will be necessary within the 12-county region to facilitate in-person meetings with partners and landowners. Access to reliable transportation is required and travel expenses will be reimbursed. 

Blue Ridge PRISM offers a competitive benefit package. Salary is commensurate with experience.  

Location is negotiable with a strong preference for candidates that will live in the area they will cover. 

Job Duties

• Provide technical assistance to individuals or groups to help them understand what invasive plants are present and what management strategies should be considered 
• Strengthen PRISM relationships with existing partners and actively seek and cultivate new partnerships
• Plan and lead invasive plant education and outreach activities for PRISM, including but not limited to Seasonal Invasive Plant Workshops, Invasive Plant Field Sessions, and tabling at public venues
• Serve as the public face of Blue Ridge PRISM speaking at local conferences and to interested groups
• Work directly with volunteers, e.g. to lead invasive control work events, train volunteers to use EDDMapS, and identify/train volunteers to assist in PRISM’s invasive education and outreach activities
• Lead field operations and meet with contractors as needed for EDRR (early detection, rapid response) work in the region
• Stay up to date on current invasive plant issues, research, and control methodologies 

Skills Required

• Demonstrated passion for Virginia’s native plants, concern about the threats posed by invasive plants, and interest in preserving Virginia’s natural heritage
• Two or more years of experience working in land management, natural areas restoration, invasive management, botany, and/or forestry preferred, including knowledge of invasive plants common to Virginia and hands-on experience controlling them
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to effectively engage a diversity of audiences and people
• Excellent writing, verbal, and presentation skills 
• Interest in working with the general public (individuals, groups, partners) and willingness to explore innovative approaches in working with the public and PRISM partners to manage invasive plants
• Proactive and highly motivated with demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision
• Apt attention to detail, organization, long-term planning, time management, and follow through on commitments
• Ability to become a Virginia Certified Pesticide Applicator
• MS Office software. Ideal candidate will have experience in PowerPoint, Google Workspace, and Zoom
• Experience with GPS/GIS and mapping software a plus

Work Schedule

Generally Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00 pm; however, there is some flexibility in the schedule. Some weekend hours will be required for PRISM events.

Additional Info

To Apply

Please send resume along with a cover letter detailing salary requirements and location preference to Elizabeth Mizell by email, info@blueridgeprism.org. Include ‘Invasive Management Specialist’ in the subject line. 

No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.