Invasive Plant Technician (NPS, Joshua Tree National Park)
About The Position
The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at Joshua Tree NP, is recruiting two (2) Invasive Plant Technicians to assist with JOTR Vegetation Branch operations. The technician will assist program leads to monitor and control invasive plants and other weeds, restore native plant communities, propagate native plants, monitor rare plants and other vegetation, implement treatments to reduce fuels and promote post-wildfire vegetation recovery, implement treatments to repair and prevent illegal off-road vehicle incursions, and other duties as assigned. As part of the Vegetation Branch Team, the technician may assist park staff with invasive plant inventory and control and Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR), vegetation monitoring, fuel break maintenance, restoration of degraded plant communities, and reclaiming damages caused by vehicles traveling off-road. Restoration and rehabilitation will involve digging holes to plant container-grown plants, caging to protect from herbivory, and periodically watering restoration plantings. Monitoring could include collecting plant cover, height, frequency, and density data, including identification to genus-species-variety level. Off-highway vehicle damage reclamation may include inventory of incursion tracks, construction of barricades, installation of signage, installation of vertical and horizontal mulch and raking out vehicle tracks. Plant propagation tasks can include collecting and cleaning seed and tasks typical of plant nursery work (germinating, transplanting, watering, weeding, pruning). Should the technician choose to, this position will support the technician obtaining a California Applicator’s Certificate so long as the certificate is obtained in the first six months of employment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or higher degree in plant science, weed science, botany, range, restoration ecology, biology, environmental science or related discipline.
- Knowledge of California desert invasive plants and control techniques.
- Experience in the safe application of herbicides to control invasive plants for natural resource management.
- Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data.
- Experience in restoration of plant communities.
- Experience using tablets or similar devices for data collection and navigation.
- Ability to work well in a team as well as work independently.
- Willingness and ability to work outdoors, hike long distances (up to 15 miles round trip) carrying 20-30 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable desert conditions, including in extreme heat and near freezing temperatures.
- Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends.
- Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record.
- Must meet PLC requirements.
- 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
- Experience driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads and pulling trailers is desirable.
Responsibilities
- Apply herbicide to control invasive species.
- Assist with invasive plant control, including EDRR, by surveying for invasive plants and performing manual (hand pulling, clipping, mowing) and chemical (herbicide) treatments to eliminate weeds.
- Operate a 4x4 truck pulling a 500 to 800-gallon water trailer, including backing the trailer and negotiating tight turns and rocky roads.
- Lead volunteer groups conducting manual treatment of invasive plants.
- Perform other vegetation duties as needed (rare plant surveys, restoration activities, etc.).
- Assist program leads to monitor and control invasive plants and other weeds.
- Restore native plant communities.
- Propagate native plants.
- Monitor rare plants and other vegetation.
- Implement treatments to reduce fuels and promote post-wildfire vegetation recovery.
- Implement treatments to repair and prevent illegal off-road vehicle incursions.
- Assist park staff with invasive plant inventory and control and Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR).
- Assist with vegetation monitoring, fuel break maintenance, restoration of degraded plant communities, and reclaiming damages caused by vehicles traveling off-road.
- Dig holes to plant container-grown plants, cage to protect from herbivory, and periodically water restoration plantings.
- Collect plant cover, height, frequency, and density data, including identification to genus-species-variety level.
- Inventory incursion tracks, construct barricades, install signage, install vertical and horizontal mulch, and rake out vehicle tracks for off-highway vehicle damage reclamation.
- Collect and clean seed and perform tasks typical of plant nursery work (germinating, transplanting, watering, weeding, pruning).
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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
