Herbicide Technician
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
| Job Type | Temporary |
| Salary | $4,800 - $5,100 per month |
| Benefits | Healthcare, Retirement |
| Deadline | May 31, 2026 |
| Min. Experience | 2 - 4 years |
Invasive Plant Control, Herbicide Technician-Grand Canyon NP (UNLV)
Project location: North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
Salary: $4,800-$5,100/mo (DOE) + benefits
Start date: 1 June 2026 - 5 June 2026
Applicant must be willing to participate in June 9, 2026 online training and be willing to travel to Phoenix for testing following training if they do not hold a current pesticide applicators license in Arizona
End date: 30 September 2026 – 15 October 2026
Number of positions: 1
This position will remain open until filled.
Prior herbicide application experience preferred.
This project supports invasive plant monitoring and treatment efforts on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park within the Dragon Bravo Fire (ignition date: 07/04/2025). Activities include conducting non-native, invasive plant surveys, documenting infestations and native plant community conditions, collecting species‑level scientific data, and treating invasive plant infestations. Work is entirely field‑based and requires strong navigation skills, botanical knowledge or plant identification skills, and substantial outdoor experience.
The Herbicide Technician will provide support to the Invasive plant monitoring crew (2 people). The crew will navigate to survey locations within the Dragon Bravo Fire, often requiring off‑trail travel to locate infestations or conduct surveys and invasive plant treatments. Both driving navigation and field navigation (GPS, maps, compass) are essential components of the work. The terrain can be rugged, exposed, and highly variable, and prior experience hiking and working outdoors is necessary to safely and effectively complete project objectives.
The Herbicide Technician will assist with documenting infestations and will lead invasive plant treatments, either using hand tools for smaller infestations or herbicide treatments for larger infestations. The Technician will operate herbicide application equipment, apply treatments according to label and regulatory requirements, and maintain detailed records of completed treatments. This role requires strong attention to detail, respect for safety protocols, and an ability to coordinate with NPS and UNLV staff.
The field schedule is hitch‑based, 8 days on / 6 days off (Wednesday–Wednesday). The herbicide technician will follow the same schedule as the survey crew or a treatment schedule as discussed with UNLV research staff.
The crew will camp or stay in NPS housing each hitch. A meals per diem is provided for all field days during scheduled hitches. Field vehicles are provided for all project‑related travel.
Physical capabilities and proficiency:
- Walking 5 to 15 miles per day
- Carrying up to 25 lbs for long distances
- Limited lifting material up to 50 lbs
- Able to work 10-12 hours a day
- Comfort working in semi-remote conditions
Additional responsibilities include:
- Conduct rapid‑response invasive plant treatments
- Use hand tools for small infestations and apply herbicide for larger infestations
- Document treatment areas, species detected, estimated density or cover, and all required treatment information for NPS, the State of Arizona, federal agencies, and funding partners
Requirements:
- Current U.S. State driver’s license; no at-fault accidents in the past five years; clean driving record
- Completed BA/BS in natural resource management, environmental science, biology, ecology, botany, or related fields
- 2+ years outdoor experience (on/off-trail, primitive/non-primitive camping, field navigation with GPS/maps/compass, and 4WD driving and navigation)
- 2+ years professional/academic experience in field-based research or data collection, plant community or invasive plant plant infestation surveys, or field plant identification
- Willingness to complete June 9, 2026 online training and take in-person test in Phoenix, Tuscon, or Yuma, Arizona following training, or current certification/license to apply herbicide in Arizona
- 1+ years GIS experience
- 2+ years computer database experience (Microsoft Office, Open Office, Google Suite, etc.)
- Able to arrive on the UNLV Maryland Campus on or before contract start date for in-person I-9 verification
Before Applying
Please review the position description, benefits, and climate conditions for the work region. This position is a full‑time, temporary‑limited (no more than 24 months) Letter of Appointment Research Assistant position within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and include benefits. All positions require mandatory participation in the FICA Alternative Plan, per university policy (see: https://www.unlv.edu/hr/benefits/retirement/fica). We encourage applicants to review this information. Meals per diem is project‑ and trip-dependent and administered according to university policies governing off‑campus travel.
To Apply
Email your application materials to lindsay.chiquoine@unlv.edu. Use the subject line: '2026 Herbicide Technician, GRCA.’ Emails without this subject line may be missed. Please include:
- A resume or CV
- A brief cover letter describing your relevant background and skills as they relate to the position
- In your cover letter, clearly identify the position you are applying for and your availability dates
- 2–3 references (names and contact information)
Applications will be shared with PIs and project partners prior to interview selection. We anticipate conducting interviews until the position is filled with qualified personnel.
On-boarding Requirements
Applicants must be willing to communicate by email or phone 2–3 weeks before the contract start date to initiate the hiring process. All hires must report to the UNLV Maryland Campus on or before their first contract day, and on a business day, to complete in‑person I‑9 verification. Please review the I‑9 form in advance to ensure you qualify and have the required documentation. All applicants without a current Arizona pesticide license will need to participate in the June 9, 2026 online training course and travel to Phoenix, Tuscon, or Yuma, AZ after training to take a test in person. All applicants must be willing to begin field work in late June 2026 through early July 2026 and work with us to determine a final field schedule.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
| Category | Outdoor Recreation , Restoration |
| Tags | Trail Maintenance , GIS |
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