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 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. The Soldotna technician will also test for the aquatic pest control category.
• 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.