U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) - National Park Service (NPS) - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Vegetation Management Technician

Detailed listing

Delivery

In person source value: In-Person

Length

About 13 to 17 weeks source value: 91 - 120 days

Branches

Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Navy, Space Force

Target MOCs

NA

Summary

The National Park Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, is entrusted with administering approximately 84,000,000 acres of land throughout nearly 400 national park units in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. This is accomplished through a deeply committed workforce of approximately 17,000 employees (both permanent and temporary) and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and private industries. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM) covers 522,427 acres, divided almost evenly between the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. Elevations in the park range from approximately 875 feet at the mouth of Abrams Creek to 6,643 feet at Clingmans Dome. The park has 10 frontcountry campgrounds, 11 picnic areas and more than 100 backcountry campsites including shelters. Approximately 850 miles of trails, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail run through the park. There are 384 miles of roads as well as 342 structures that are maintained in the park. GRSM has the highest visitation of any national park with approximately 12 million recreational visits, and it is one only a few national parks that does not charge an entrance fee. GRSM has approximately 190 permanent and more than 80 seasonal employees, as well as over 2,600 volunteers.

Eligibility

Desired Skills and Qualifications Interest in natural resource management, ecology, or plant science Ability to follow detailed protocols and collect accurate field data Experience working outdoors in variable conditions Comfort hiking and working in rough or uneven terrain Basic familiarity with plant identification or willingness to learn Ability to work as part of a team and take direction from supervisors Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Experience with data entry or basic computer programs preferred

What the work involves

The Vegetation Management intern will support natural resource management projects in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This position provides hands-on field experience assisting with vegetation monitoring, invasive species management, and habitat restoration efforts. Interns will work alongside resource management staff to implement established projects, collect field data, and support ongoing research and monitoring efforts. The position offers exposure to the day-to-day work of managing plant communities in a high-visitation national park. Primary Responsibilities Assist with invasive plant management, including identification, removal, and monitoring Collect and record field data following established protocols Support vegetation monitoring efforts, including plot surveys and condition assessments Operate and maintain field equipment used for sampling and resource management Assist with restoration projects, including planting, site preparation, and maintenance Support data entry, organization, and basic analysis of collected information Assist staff with logistics for fieldwork and research projects Provide general information to visitors about resource management work when appropriate Field Work and Conditions Work is primarily performed outdoors in a variety of environments, including forests, fields, and remote areas. Interns should expect exposure to heat, cold, rain, uneven terrain, biting insects, and poisonous plants. The position requires hiking, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment (up to approximately 50 pounds).

Locations

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN