A Return of the Natives Restoration Education Project Program
Return of the Natives Weed Associate/s
Short Term
I. STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW):
The Return of the Native Associates(s) will work to control invasive plants throughout the Fort Ord National
Monument (FONM). Work will be performed in both the BLM and the U.S. Army portions of the FONM. The
BLM portion of the FONM is part of the Hollister Field Office.
The Return of the Native Associates will work with the Supervisory Biological Science Technician and other
BLM staff who make up the FONM Weed Crew who will provide direction and guidance to the associates.
Work will be conducted in teams of 2 to 6 people and will primarily involve the removal of invasive plant
species using a variety of techniques including spraying herbicide. In almost all cases, BLM staff will be
working alongside the Associates to provide direction and ensure work is conducted in a safe manner on BLM
lands. While working in Army range areas, BLM staff and/or U.S. Army contractors will always be present.
Work will be conducted the range areas of FONM where an ongoing cleanup is being conducted to remove
unexploded ordnance and to ensure the area is safe to be transferred to BLM. In these areas work will only be
conducted where a surface or to-depth cleanup of the area has already occurred. Before working in these areas
associates will receive training and all work will follow protocols set by the U.S. Army.
This is a field position and most work will be performed outdoors, often off trail, and in all weather conditions.
When spraying it is required that the Associates wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
carry backpack sprayers which can weigh 25 – 30 lbs.
II. ROLES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
Sponsoring Youth Organization
The Watershed Institute will provide qualified candidates for the Associate position and pay them at an hourly
rate.
BLM-California
BLM will provide necessary tools and PPE. BLM staff will provide training, guidance and mentoring including
instructions on how to complete the work in a safe manner and following applicable laws and regulations.
BLM will provide Associates with an opportunity to obtain their Qualified Applicator Certificate from the
California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The Associates will not have access or use of BLM computers
unless they have completed a background check and completed all the required IT training for computer access.
Program Officer – The BLM will assign an employee to serve as the Program Officer to the youth organization.
This employee will represent the Grants Management Officer (GMO) for all technical matters that arise under
the agreement.
Environmental Coordination – The BLM will ensure it or the U.S. Army is in compliance with NEPA/CERLA
prior to performing any field work.
Continuing Education and Mentoring – The BLM will provide continuing education to Associates during their
service. The BLM will mentor team members concerning natural resource management and will inform team
members about the BLM mission and career opportunities that may be available to them in natural resource
management with the BLM or other federal land management agencies.
III.
STATEMENT OF WORK
Return of the Native Associates will:
1) Apply herbicide to invasive plants throughout the FONM but especially in areas owned by the U.S. Army
where ordnance cleanup work has recently occurred.
2) Utilize manual techniques to remove invasive plant species
3) Recognize sensitive plant species and ensure they are not harmed during treatment of invasive plants
4) Search for previously undiscovered invasive plant sites and use GPS to record their locations
5) Use GPS technology to relocate known invasive plant locations, monitor them, and where appropriate,
conduct treatment.
6) Clean and maintain equipment including conducting monthly vehicle inspections. Ensures correct tools and
other equipment are taken to the worksite and put away clean and in good working order at the end of the
project.
IV Details
Compensation: $14.00/hour
Time Frame: Interviews ASAP
Start Date: Immediately, and if additional funding becomes available, into the future.
Send Resume to:
Susan Hubbard shubbard@blm.gov and Laura Lee Lienk llienk@csumb.edu
For Information: Contact Susan Hubbard 831-394-8314