Vegetation Technician (NPS, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area)

Responsibilities: * Assist with both manual and herbicide treatments of invasive plants under the training and supervision of park staff;

• Properly identify vascular plant species and utilize dichotomous keys;
• Assist with field data collection, data organization, data entry, processing and QA/QC (Office tasks are about 5% of role);
• Estimate cover of vascular plants;
• Collect and process seed of native plants for habitat restoration efforts;
• Maintain field equipment and tools;
• Be a productive member of the WHIS rare & invasive plant team;
• Participate in GBI or partner-sponsored training opportunities;
• Monitor site-specific conditions and report safety concerns to the crew lead;
• Walk long distances over uneven terrain, off-trail, often in dense vegetation;
• Navigate off-trail with map compass and GPS;
• Collect vegetation data using established procedures;
• Ensure the consistency of data quality during the field season;
• Treat invasive vegetation; and
• Maintain safety awareness and practices. Application Instructions (submission methods, etc.): Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.

Notes: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

• Undergraduate degree in botany, ecology, or a closely related field is preferred, ideally with;
• Coursework in plant taxonomy and/or systematics, botany, or forestry;
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants of California and the Pacific Northwest;
• Willingness to assist with invasive plant management using herbicide treatments and manual methods;
• Willingness to work long days and hike long distances in rugged terrain under variable weather conditions, including extreme heat (> 100F) and in raining conditions;
• Exhibit strong communication skills, both written and oral, with a diverse audience;
• Experience with data entry, data management, and GIS software is preferred;
• Experience using hand-held GPS for navigation; and
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver's license and clean driving record.

Preferred:

• Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, particularly with unimproved roads;
• Possess a commitment to personal and team member safety, and communicate perceived safety threats immediately;
• Ability to work independently to accomplish goals;
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public;
• Possess good organizational skills;
• Possess a favorably adjudicated background clearance; and
• Must be motivated, self-directed, organized, and detail oriented in order to balance multiple tasks simultaneously.

• April to October 2026; 26-week appointment;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: The weekly field schedule follows a 9-hour day schedule from Monday to Thursday, with a 4-hour day on Fridays. Changing conditions may require flexibility in set schedules., * Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays; and
• Access to Pro Deals. Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Whiskeytown NRA was directly impacted by the 2018 Carr Fire, which burned 97% of the park. Work completed by the rare & invasive plants team will help to address recovery of vegetation after this fire and aid in the management of park vegetation going forward. Read more about Whiskeytown NRA and the Carr Fire here: https://www.nps.gov/whis/carrfire.htm