POSITION OVERVIEW
The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute), in cooperation with Lassen Volcanic National Park (LAVO), is hiring up to three Vegetation Management Technicians (Vegetation Technicians) to work with and assist the LAVO Resource Management Team in all tasks associated with non-native plant control as well as native plant monitoring and restoration in the park. 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. 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 LAVO to complete a variety of important vegetation management activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

● Assist Project Leads with botanical resource management activities primarily targeting invasive species.
● Conduct a range of botanical surveys for both native and non-native species.
● Utilize manual, mechanical, and herbicide methods to treat invasive plant populations.
● Assist with preparation for and restoration of disturbed areas.
● Assist with other resource management activities as needed.
● Collaborate with both Sierra Institute and LAVO staff to achieve project goals.
● Maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
● Practice situational awareness, directly addressing and/or raising safety concerns as they arise.
● Be eager to learn new skills and assist with an array of activities.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications:

● Minimum of a high school diploma; preferred college or community college experience.
● Must be a minimum of 18 years old to apply.
● Demonstrated interest in forest or other natural resource management, this may include but is not limited to botanical research and survey work, land conservation, wildland fire, etc.
● Ability to perform physically taxing work in all weather conditions in rugged mountainous environments (i.e hike 5+ miles a day with a 30lb 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.
● Willingness to live in a small rural community.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree or work experience in related field.
● Knowledge of, or familiarity with botany and plant identification in California or other western states.
● Wilderness medical training experience (e.g., WFA, WFR, WEMT);
● Leave No Trace or other backcountry ethics training.
● Interest in, or familiarity with, forested ecosystems of the northern Sierra and southern Cascades.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The LAVO Vegetation Management Technician will be expected to walk 4-8 miles per day with a
field pack, ample water, and tools over rough terrain and in variable weather conditions. This position requires the ability to recognize and mitigate safety hazards in the field and adapt to inclement weather conditions (heat, smoke, thunderstorms, snow etc.). Treatment of invasive species will include manual and mechanical methods as well as the use of herbicide. Training will be provided for herbicide application. Strenuous and repetitive physical effort will be associated with invasive plant management, botanical surveys, and long days of hiking in beautiful places.