Individual Placement - Invasive Species Management and Range Technician
About The Position
The crew will be working under a Crew Lead and the local Ecologist in weed management and range monitoring activities on Forest Service lands managed by the Sulphur, Clear Creek and occasionally Boulder Ranger Districts. The crew will be trained in basic native and invasive plant identification, invasive plant control techniques, safe herbicide use, record keeping and data collection methods. The crew will be required to work in remote locations, use herbicides in a safe manner, and operate UTVs and 4x4 trucks with a trailer safely across rugged two-track and 4x4 roads. Field vehicles, PPE, safety training, and equipment will be provided by the Ranger District. Most of the work will be tailored around weed management using herbicide with either a truck or UTV mounted spray rigs or backpack sprayers. Occasionally, manual weed treatments are used when practical, such as clipping and bagging flower heads. The Crew will be tasked with supporting several weeks of youth corps crews throughout the summer. Most youth corps crews involve backpack spraying of invasive weed species on post-fire and forested landscapes. Some work will be aiding the Ecologist in general rangeland and botanical surveys such as vegetation monitoring and utilization surveys. This position will focus on supporting native plant communities on Forest Service lands, however there is potential to help other resource crews depending upon interest and opportunities.
Requirements
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must be comfortable working with herbicides and spray equipment (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 complete strenuous field work, carry heavy loads over rugged terrain and work in hot, dry conditions or inclement weather
- Some experience in Rocky Mountain native and invasive plant communities and general ecology is beneficial
- Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks and UTVs on forest roads, work in burned areas, and carry out duties in steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas
- Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s Degree or working towards a degree in Ecology, Invasive Species Management, Rangeland Management or related fields
- Colorado or another state Pesticide License
- Knowledge of how to calibrate spray equipment and calculate herbicide rates
- Experience with conducting rangeland and vegetation surveys and using taxonomical keys.
Responsibilities
- Invasive plant species treatment and monitoring including herbicide use, calibrating spraying equipment, using spray pumps, driving UTVs to sites and maintaining equipment
- Supporting youth corps groups in weed management activities
- Collecting detailed notes and data in treatment and monitoring activities
- Mapping of invasive plant populations and treatment sites
- Surveying rangelands and botanical resources based on project needs
Benefits
- Living Allowance – $600/week
- One-time Travel Allowance – $1,100
- Housing Allowance - $400/month
- Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off)
- Defensive Driving Training
- First Aid/CPR
- Off-Road Vehicle Safety
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
