FLCC Project A.N.T. members are stationed within one of the 2 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 exotic 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 exotics using different methods such as herbicide, hand removal, and prescribed fire
- surveying different zones within members host park, flagging invasive exotics
Education of Park Visitors and Local Community
- education of visitors and local community on the benefits of invasive exotic removal
- offering native alternatives to invasive exotic plants
Volunteer Recruitment and Management
- recruiting volunteers to participate in workdays and park events
- managing volunteers while in the field treating invasive exotics
Community Need Addressed
A.N.T. members will serve to treat and remove invasive exotic plant species within our state parks.
Position Outcomes
To control the spread of invasive exotic 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
Some parks offer housing to their members
Free access to all 175 Florida State Parks
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 exotic plants and educating the community on the benefits/impacts of plants and their native substitutions.
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