FLCC Project A.N.T. members are stationed within one of the available state parks allotted to the program at the beginning of the year. These members will work side by side to treat and remove invasive plant species and educate the public on the impact of these plants on the natural habitat. Members will use different methods of treatment such as herbicide (all members receive training), hand removal, and prescribed fire.
Service Activities
Treatment, Removal Survey
- treatment of invasive plants using different methods such as herbicide, hand removal, and prescribed fire
- surveying different zones within members host park, flagging invasive plants
Education of Park Visitors and Local Community
- education of visitors and local community on the benefits of invasive plant removal
- offering native alternatives to invasive plants
Volunteer Recruitment and Management
- recruiting volunteers to participate in workdays and park events
- managing volunteers while in the field treating invasive plants
Community Need Addressed
A.N.T. members will serve to treat and remove invasive plant species using various methods such as herbicide, manual and mechanic, and prescribed fire within Florida's State Parks. Members will also work to interpret and educate the public about the harm invasive plants do to our natural habitats, and have the opportunity to recruit volunteers to assist in the initiative of managing invasive plants.
Position Outcomes
To control the spread of invasive plants, restore natural habitats within our state parks, and educate the public on the negative impact of these plants.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
***Housing/RV site available at some locations
Monetary Benefits
• Loan deferment
• Childcare Assistance through AmeriCorps
• Full Term Members receive $6,895.00 Education award at the completion of service
• Half Term Members receive $3,447.50 Education award at the completion of service
• Monthly Living Stipend: $1,550.00 for both half term and full‐term members
• Free health insurance
• Access to Member Assistance Program
• Free access to state parks
Trainings/Benefits Available
• Interpretation
• Leadership
• Professional Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Disaster Response
• CPR/First Aid/AED
• Effective Communication
• Resume/Cover Letter Workshop (Life After AmeriCorps)
• Trail tools training
• Hatchet and Machete training/use
• Herbicide Application Training
• Use of large equipment
• Hauling trailers
• Park/District Specific
o S‐130/S‐190 (Wildfire Training)
o ATV/UTV Certification
o DEP Boater safety
o Scuba certification
o Tractor Training
o S‐212 (Wildland Fire Chainsaw Training)
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
CPR/ First Aid
Dependent on Park:
- Prescribed Fire
- Boaters Safety
- Scuba Certification
- Chainsaw Certification
- ATV/UTV training
Skills you will gain
Identifying and treating invasive plants and educating the community on the benefits/impacts of plants and their native substitutions. Opportunities for outreach, interpretation, and volunteer recruitment. Opportunity for project management, prescribed fire participation, and disaster response.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment