Natural Resources Technician (Invasive Species)

Homer Soil and Water Conservation District (HSWCD) seeks two part-time seasonal natural resources technicians to support the district’s Invasive Species Program. One position will be based in Homer and one in Soldotna, Alaska.

As a seasonal technician, you will work closely with the HSWCD invasive species team and partners from the Kenai Peninsula Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (KP-CISMA) to assist with planning and implementing terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant management projects, including surveys, monitoring, and control work. You will also support Alaska’s Certified Weed-free Gravel Program through gravel inspections and may assist with other program priorities, such as public outreach. The Homer-based tech will work primarily on the Southern Peninsula, and the Soldotna-based tech on the Central Kenai Peninsula. However, both positions will involve daily travel to field sites across the peninsula.

What you’ll do:

• Obtain an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Certified Pesticide Applicator license to conduct herbicide applications. This is required.
• Assist with terrestrial and aquatic (elodea) invasive plant projects, including surveys, manual (hand-pulling) and chemical (herbicide application) control, data management, and planning for fieldwork. Projects may involve work in remote (fly- and/or hike-in) locations, boat-based work, and overnight travel.
• Engage with landowners on plant identification, management strategies, and prevention practices
• Become a Certified Weed-free Products Inspector, inspect gravel pits and material storage sites for potential weed-free gravel certification, and maintain inspection records
• Participate in weekly team meetings, the KP-CISMA’s spring training, and other field staff trainings as offered (e.g., bear safety, chainsaw, first aid/CPR)
• Assist with postseason data QA/QC

What we’re looking for:

• Ability to obtain Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicator license (Costs associated with training and exam fees covered by HSWCD). This is a requirement of the job - passing the exam is a condition of continued employment.
• Educational background in natural resource management, ecology, botany, environmental science, or a related field
• Ability to collect data and maintain accurate records of surveys and herbicide treatments
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team to complete complex projects and remain adaptable in dynamic field conditions
• Reliable transportation - the job will require extensive travel across the Kenai Peninsula (mileage reimbursed at the State of Alaska’s 2026 rate)
• Willingness to participate in multi-day field trips. Overnight stays may include remote camping or staying in shared quarters (e.g., cabins or bunkhouse).
• Strong oral and written communication skills, and comfortable communicating with private landowners, contractors, gravel pit operators, and agency partners
• Solid plant identification skills
• Comfort working in inclement weather, remote locations, and variable conditions, including operating canoes and packrafts and flying in small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a federal background check.

Bonus skills (not required):

• Current Alaska DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License and/or herbicide application experience
• Experience with digital data collection (e.g., Field Maps) or basic GIS skills
• ATV, boat, and/or chainsaw operation experience
• Public presentation or outreach experience
• Experience working in remote areas of Alaska
• First Aid/CPR certification
• Grant reporting, performance tracking, or budget management experience

What you can expect from us:
We anticipate the job to start with approximately 10-15 hours/week in late February, increasing to an average of 30 hours/week in June through September. The exact number of hours worked each week may vary (e.g., 40+ hours one week and 20 the next) based on workload, funding, and weather conditions. Pay is $22/hour.

** Visit our website for the full job description and application requirements: https://homerswcd.org/employment/

** To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Abby at abby@homerswcd.org. Please specify in your application if you are applying for the Homer or the Soldotna position, or if you would like to be considered for both. Applications are due February 2nd, 2026.