Vegetation Management Technician

Overview

The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute), in cooperation with Lassen Volcanic National Park (LAVO), is hiring four Vegetation Management Technicians (Vegetation Technicians) to work with and assist the LAVO Vegetation Management Team in all tasks associated with native plant monitoring and restoration as well as non-native plant control in the park. The work will include surveys for native and invasive plants, invasive plant control, restoration of disturbed areas, seeding and seed collection, and preparing additional sites for restoration. Invasive plant control will be done using both manual and chemical control techniques, which will include the spraying of herbicide. This is a great opportunity to learn about the diverse flora species that inhabit the park and surrounding areas while honing plant identification skills through hands-on monitoring, control, and restoration. The applicant should be capable of hiking up to six miles daily while carrying a pack weighing up to forty pounds.
The position offers a unique opportunity to visit a large area of the park and includes work in some of the most sensitive and beautiful areas within its boundaries. The Vegetation Technicians may also participate in similar activities to advance other collaborative restoration projects in Plumas and Lassen Counties. There will be opportunities to join other resource management crews and gain experience in numerous other tasks. This position is part of an exciting partnership between Sierra Institute and Lassen Volcanic NP to complete a variety of important vegetation management activities.
Responsibilities
Implementation
The Vegetation Technician works as team member to safely apply herbicide, utilize mechanical and non-mechanical control methods for a range of invasive plant species to perform fundamental vegetation management tasks to preserve and protect native plant communities. Invasive plant management is essential to all native plant conservation and this project will provide an incredible opportunity for the Vegetation Technician to gain critical skills that may lead to future work in national parks throughout the western US. The position is considered a developmental opportunity and will train the individual in proven and common methods of invasive plant control as well as provide additional training in systematic botany and plant identification.

Operations and Safety
The work required of the incumbent involves objective hazards to post-fire, alpine, and sub-alpine environments. The incumbent is expected to practice situational awareness, directly addressing and/or raising safety concerns as they arise. Training will be provided to ensure the incumbent’s ability to safely execute job functions. The incumbent will assist in equipment management, including tool repair, and maintenance.

Compensation
Compensation is $19 per hour for up to 26 weeks. Health benefits through Sierra Institute are not available for this position

Tagged as: Conservation

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree, Associates degree, or professional certificate in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Ecological Restoration or related field(s);
Experience working as part of a field crew or team, experience with safety management, and experience collecting and managing field data;
Knowledge of, or familiarity with botany and plant identification in California or other western states;
Any current wilderness medical training certification (e.g., WFA, WFR, WEMT);

Required Skills:

Minimum of a high school diploma with educational, professional, or volunteer experience in natural resource management, wildlife conservation, or related fields;
Must be 18 to apply;
Demonstrated interest in wildlife or other natural resource management, this may include but is not limited to biological research and survey work, land conservation, wildland fire, etc.;