Position Title: National Park Service – Invasive Plant Management Steward - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements

Site Location: Stones River National Battlefield

3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Terms of Service:

• Anticipated Start Date: 09/21/2026
• Anticipated End Date: 05/21/2027 (35 weeks)
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1200 Hours

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements is an AmeriCorps Program which provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and protect our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting the conservation of natural areas. For nearly a century, Stones River National Battlefield has actively protected its historic areas to deepen visitor experience and foster meaningful engagement. Although the natural area has changed over time, the park’s present-day vegetation patterns closely resemble those present during the historic events associated with the Battle of Stones River, fought during the American Civil War. These natural communities continue to influence how the battle is interpreted and understood, guiding the way visitors move through, learn from, and connect with the site. Stewards, in partnership with Stones River National Battlefield, are seeking an AmeriCorps member who will assist with the implementation of established natural resource and invasive species management to protect the cultural and natural resources of the park.

The Invasive Plant Management Steward is an AmeriCorps position that will serve closely with Natural Resource Management (NRM) staff to support the implementation of established natural resource management. The Invasive Plant Management Steward will assist NRM staff by following standardized field procedures, collecting and organizing ecological data, managing invasive and noxious plant species, and developing, testing, and evaluating treatment methods to improve long term vegetation management outcomes. The Invasive Plant Management Steward will also have the opportunity to help provide essential capacity to focus on priority invasive species using an integrated suite of management tools. The Invasive Plant Management Steward will serve alongside experienced National Park Service employees supporting the park’s ability to protect both natural and cultural resources, maintain ecological integrity, and protect historically significant viewsheds.

If you are ready to embark on a fulfilling journey with Stones River National Battlefield, apply now by uploading your resume and cover letter, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with the National Park Service!

To learn more about Stewards, please visit: Homepage | Stewards Individual Placement Program

To learn more about Stones River National Battlefield, please visit: Stones River National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service)

Description of Duties:

As an AmeriCorps volunteer serving with Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, TN, your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with park staff, volunteers, interns, and partner organizations to accomplish service projects efficiently and safely.
• Reducing targeted invasive plant populations within priority management zones.
• Contributing to natural area conservation activities that maintain historic views and improve visitor experience.
• Assisting with the maintenance and improvement of trails, especially when related to vegetation management.
• Collecting, organizing, and maintaining high-quality field data to support adaptive management and reporting requirements.

Qualifications:

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien.

• Between the ages of 18 – 30, or up to age 35 with Veteran status.

• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

• Must have a valid Driver’s License and insurable driving record.

• Demonstrates high motivation and can serve both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Experience with invasive plant management or restoration, and the identification and management of native and non-native plants.
• Bachelor's degree or relevant experience in subject areas such as botany, ecology, biology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field is preferred.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours a week Monday-Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. This position will also be required to serve one Saturday a month for volunteer events with a regular weekday off. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service. Occasionally, service plans may change unexpectedly due to weather conditions or training opportunities.
• The volunteer may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
• The volunteer will serve fully in person on site.

Orientation and Training:

• The member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• The member will receive training in herbicide applications, operation of brushblades, polesaws, UTVs, tractors, bushhoggs, and sprayer equipment.
• The member will receive training in the safe identification of hazards including fallen trees, limbs, debris, poisonous plants, and standard data collection methodology.
• Additional training opportunities available to the member will include Operational Leadership, First AID CPR/AED, and ArcGIS mapping.
• The member will also have a broad range of professional development opportunities including shadowing NPS staff across different work groups to gain exposure to cultural resource management, resource stewardship, interpretation, facilities, and natural resources operations.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,176.50.
• Living Allowance of $580 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $100 per week.
• Housing Stipend of $450 per week.
• Professional Development Funds of $1,000.
• AmeriCorps Health Insurance if Eligible.
• Student loan forbearance if Eligible.
• Student loan interest Payments if Eligible.
• Eligible for Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority upon successful completion of term.

• Training and Professional Development Opportunities.
• Employee Wellness Program (connect with a licensed professional counselor and 24/7 support).

• Networking and Mentorship.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps volunteer, performance will be evaluated on whether the volunteer has completed the required number of hours, the volunteer has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the volunteer has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Recruiter & Program Coordinator Contact Information:

Meaghan Hall

Stewards Individual Placements Program Coordinator

mhall@conservationlegacy.org

681-666-3266

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.