Invasive Plant Technician Lead (NPS, Joshua Tree National Park)
About The Position
The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at Joshua Tree NP, is recruiting one (1) Invasive Plant Technician Lead to participate in leading invasive plant inventory and control efforts. The technician will be responsible for leading an Early Detection, Rapid Response program for invasive plants, for continuing ongoing manual and chemical control treatments of weed infestations, for treating new infestations, and for monitoring treatment effectiveness with the goal of protecting native plant communities in Joshua Tree NP. The technician will be responsible for properly applying herbicides to control invasive plants in accordance with product labels and for maintaining application records in conformance with federal and state law and National Park Service policy. As part of the Vegetation Branch Team, the technician may also assist park staff with vegetation monitoring, native plant restoration projects, and reclaiming damages caused by vehicles traveling off-road. Monitoring tasks may include but are not limited to collecting plant cover, height, frequency, density, and population demography data, including identification to genus-species-variety level. Restoration projects may include but are not limited to digging holes by hand or using augers to plant seeds and container-grown plants, constructing wire cages around plants, and watering plants for an extended period. Off-highway vehicle damage reclamation may include but are not limited to inventory of incursion tracks, construction of barricades, installation of signage, installation of vertical and horizontal mulch and raking out vehicle tracks.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in weed science, plant science, botany, restoration ecology, biology, environmental studies/science or related discipline.
- Experience in the safe application of herbicides to control invasive plants for natural resource management.
- Experience in preparing pesticide use proposals and pesticide application records.
- Hold a current State of California Qualified Applicator Certificate or License, or succeed in obtaining a certificate within three months of starting the position (failure to obtain a certificate will result in termination).
- Knowledge of California desert invasive plants and control techniques.
- Ability to identify plants to genus, species, and, when applicable, variety level using botanical dichotomous keys.
- Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data.
- Experience using tablets or similar devices for data collection and navigation.
- Experience using ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS Pro and Field Maps.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience.
- Familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads and pulling a trailer.
- Must meet PLC requirements.
- Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record.
- Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position.
Nice To Haves
- If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.
Responsibilities
- Properly applying herbicides to control invasive plants in accordance with product labels and for maintaining application records in conformance with federal and state law and National Park Service policy.
- Assisting in maintaining fuel breaks using herbicides.
- Maintaining and updating a geodatabase of infestation locations, treatments, and treatment effectiveness.
- Leading groups of volunteers that assist with monitoring and controlling invasive plants within the park.
- Providing training for park staff, volunteers, and cooperators on invasive plant identification and best management practices for reducing the spread and establishment of invasive plants.
Benefits
- Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance
- $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
- Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays
- Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match
- Access to Pro Deals
- Camping per diem provided per night in the field
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
