Position Summary 

This individual placement is based in Boulder, Colorado and is for 16 weeks. The participant will be tasked with noxious weed management activities on Forest Service land within the Boulder and Clear Creek Ranger Districts. Treatment activities include mostly herbicide applications and occasional use of mechanical treatments usually through the use of volunteers and youth corps. Crew members will work with a crew lead in daily field activities with guidance from the FS Ecologist. The crew will occasionally work with and support volunteers and youth corps to complete project work. The crew member will be trained in basic native and invasive plant identification, invasive plant control techniques, safe herbicide use, record keeping and data collection methods; most work is performed outdoors and is physically demanding. The crew member will be required to work in remote locations, use herbicides in a safe manner, and operate 4x4 trucks. The crew will mainly use backpack sprayers to apply herbicides but may use truck or UTV mounted spray equipment. The crew member will be trained by and report directly to the FS Ecologist. Although permanent FS staff will occasionally participate in field activities, the Invasive Species crew will be expected to work independently and occasionally help oversee youth crews to accomplish tasks. Field vehicles, PPE, safety training, and equipment will be provided by the host forest.

Schedule 

May 12, 2025 - September 1, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Invasive plant inventory, treatment and monitoring including herbicide use, calibrating spraying equipment, and occasionally working with youth corps groups in weed management activities
• Helping keeping detailed herbicide treatment records
• Mapping of invasive plant populations and treatment sites
• Surveying rangelands and botanical projects based on needs

Marginal Duties 

Other work may include one or more of the following: Native plant identification and inventory; seed and native plant material collection; seeding and planting at previously disturbed sites to prevent invasion by weeds, improve soil health, and enhance wildlife habitat. Cross training may include working alongside range, recreation, timber, wildlife or fisheries staff.

Required Qualifications 

• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to complete strenuous field work and carrying heavy loads over rugged terrain
• Some experience in Rocky Mountain native and invasive plant communities and general ecology is beneficial
• Must be comfortable and be able to work safely with herbicides and spray equipment, knowledge of how to calibrate spray equipment and calculate herbicide rates is a plus. (Note: Herbicides used are approved by the Forest Service and are ranked with the Cautionary or Warning label, the Forest Service rarely uses any herbicides with the Danger label rating)
• Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads, work in burned areas, steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas
• Must be able to work with on a small crew and be a representative of the Forest Service

Preferred Qualifications 

• Plant identification of native and non-native plants, especially of the Rocky Mountain Region
• Invasive plant management experience using herbicide or mechanical means
• Enthusiasm working in remote settings and participating in strenuous activities

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Government housing in Nederland, CO may be available, otherwise crew member would need to find local living accommodations.

Compensation  

• Weekly Stipend: $460
• Government housing available or $400 monthly living allowance
• Travel/Gear allowance of $1,100
• AmeriCorps eligible ($1,956.35 education award) upon completion of 460 hrs
• Paid Federal Holidays
• Public Lands Corps PLC Eligible if under 30 and 35 for veterans

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.