Location: Mineral, CA - with project work in Lassen Volcanic National Park Season

Dates: May/June to September/October (season dependent on weather conditions; start/end dates may be flexible for those with scheduling conflicts)

Compensation: $21 - $25/hr Benefits: paid sick, holiday, and wildfire mitigation leave

Housing: Shared housing may be available for rent at the Park.

Training: systematic botany, plant identification, survey methodology, herbicide application, ICS courses, and Wilderness First Aid.

Position Description

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 Resource 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 eight miles daily while carrying a pack weighing up to forty pounds. The position offers a unique opportunity to work within the 106,000 acres 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 achieving goals for the Resource Management division that relate to wildlife monitoring, post-fire habitat surveys, and other office tasks as needed. 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 eradication can look like hiking to a fire devastated area, manually collecting plants, and carrying them back to proper disposal. Visited areas are mapped to quantify populations and provide insight on future management practices. 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 Pacific West Region. 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.

Qualifications Required

• 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.;
• Interest in building knowledge of invasive and native plant species in the southern Cascade and northern Sierra as well appropriate management tactics;
• Ability to perform physically taxing work in all weather conditions in rugged mountainous environments (i.e hike 8+ miles a day with a 40lb pack);
• Knowledgeable and proficient in backcountry travel;
• Sufficient equipment to perform the work, including sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for a range of environments;
• Good communication skills to effectively interact with the public and co-workers;
• Interest in, or familiarity with, principles of vegetation management, botany, or invasive plant biology;
• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation;
• Proof of full COVID-19 Vaccination (vaccinations and up to date boosters)

Preferred

• 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;
• Familiarity with FieldMaps online mapping tool, ArcGIS software, and Survey123
• 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);
• Leave No Trace or other backcountry ethics training;
• Familiarity with plant species of the southern Cascades.

Skills or experiences that can fill in for qualifications will be considered. We invite all interested parties to apply including those belonging to Tribal communities, women, POC, and LGBTQ+ persons.

Compensation

Compensation is $21-$25 per hour for up to 26 weeks. Health benefits through Sierra Institute are not available for this position, but may be obtained through Covered California (http://www.coveredca.com/). Field staff will be provided monthly sick time, paid holidays, and a set number of paid wildfire mitigation leave. Paid wildfire mitigation leave is intended to mitigate work days impacted by wildfire and smoke. Necessary training will be provided, including systematic botany, plant identification, survey methodology, herbicide application, ICS courses, and Wilderness First Aid. 

Housing may be available for a fee in Lassen Volcanic NP staff housing quarters. Specific rent rates depend on housing selection and assignments. Rent can range from $250-$450 per month. Housing locations are relatively remote, so transit for amenities like gas and groceries are necessary.

About the Sierra Institute

The Sierra Institute promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities by investing in the well-being of rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource management. Our work supports initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape. Sierra Institute is located in Taylorsville, CA (population 154), and lies within an area referred to as “Indian Valley” that includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Indian Valley offers uniquely rural community events and is surrounded by public lands including Plumas and Lassen National Forests