Service Learning OpportunitiesAt — National Park Service Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Introduction Southern California is one of five places in the world that have Mediterranean-type ecosystems. The Santa Monica Mountains contain over 900 native plant species that occur in over 200 vegetation associations. This unique assemblage of plants is threatened by direct and indirect effects of urban encroachment, particularly impacts from establishment of introduced invasive species and unnaturally high fire frequencies. The volunteer in this position will support the park’s habitat restoration program under the supervision of the restoration ecologist, a restoration biological technician, or other qualified National Park Service or Santa Monica Mountains Fund staff. Work performed under this position will support the park in accomplishing restoration program objectives. The volunteer will work on projects that return native cover to damaged and degraded areas. They will assist in invasive plant control efforts of highly competitive weeds that threaten restoration sites, sensitive vegetation, increase fire frequency, produce toxins harmful to local fauna and the public, and degrade recreational opportunities by crowding out trails and obstructing wildlife viewing opportunities. The volunteer will lead and guide the public in restoration and invasive plant control events. Major Duties General duties may include: - Installing, watering, mulching, monitoring and maintaining native plants at restoration sites - Using hand tools (McLeods, pick mattocks, loppers, shovels, etc.) and mechanical equipment (augers, brush cutters, mowers, etc.) to prep restoration sites by clearing brush, digging holes and cultivating soil - Operating equipment to water restoration plantings (gas-powered water pumps, tanks, etc.) - Using hand, electric and mechanical tools to maintain supplies and equipment - Sowing native seed in restoration sites, along trails and in weed treatment areas - Invasive plant control including manual (hand pulling, hand tools – grass whips, shovels, etc.), mechanical (brush cutters and walk behind mowers) and chemical methods (foliar applications via backpacks and spray tanks, cut/stump treatments via hand saws, etc.) - Vegetation surveying, monitoring and data collection - Supervision of volunteers in restoration out-plantings and invasive plant control events Benefits The volunteer will gain valuable skills and experience in a variety of restoration operation duties. Duties include vegetation surveys and identification, field navigation, data entry, restoration outplantings and invasive plant control. The volunteer will receive multiple safety trainings and orientations to perform their duties safely and properly. The volunteer will receive instruction on the building of a federal resume in which to include skills, experience and training learned during their time at the park. Additionally, the volunteer may be offered ancillary courses and training, special wildlife encounters, park tours and off-site field trips to broaden their knowledge and enhance their experience. We hope the volunteer will enjoy working in one of the most scenic areas of southern California. Physical Demands and Work Environment Tasks vary in physical demands and require that the volunteer is in good physical condition and is willing to work outdoors in uneven terrain. Invasive plant control projects and native plant installation projects can be physically strenuous. The volunteer may encounter insects, snakes and poisonous plants in the field. In addition, field conditions may be hot, cold or wet. Tasks may require the volunteer to stand, bend, stoop or kneel for extended periods of time. The volunteer may be required to hike long distances (sometimes 5 miles or more) while carrying equipment and supplies (up to 30 lbs.). Some heavier lifting (up to 50 lbs.) and short distance movement (<100 meters) may be required at project sites. Safety training appropriate to duties and environment will be provided. Knowledge and Skills Required The volunteer is expected to follow safety protocols and carry out work using the specific methods and techniques presented to them by park leads. A comfort with portable technology (GPS units, smartphones/tablets) is a plus. The volunteer should be detail-oriented, capable of recording accurate field data, organized and resourceful, as well as personable. Most work will occur in a team environment, while some will be independent. Minor level of skill is required for most tasks. Training Required NPS will provide training in the following: • Field Safety and Orientation (extreme weather, hazardous plants and animals) • Radio Communications • Tool and Mechanical Equipment Operations • Herbicide Application Training Time Requirements The service-learning student must commit to a three- to six-month period of service. The service-learning student may serve no less than three days a week (five days/week max) and up to eight hours per day (10 hours/day max). The service-learning student will not exceed 40 hours in a week. We are more flexible with service-learning students, although consistency and more workdays per week generally help both parties. Uniform Requirement The volunteer will receive direction on appropriate clothing for assigned duties and will be offered NPS t-shirts and headwear. For the purpose of official identification, this uniform clothing should be worn when working in the field. Clothing not provided by NPS should be appropriate to the working conditions. Additional equipment and resources will be provided by NPS, with the exception of food and standard field attire (including hiking boots and hydration pack).