Individual Placement - Invasive Weed Technician at Malheur National Forest
Student Conservation AssociationJob Details
Job Description
Position Summary
The Malheur National Forest of the Pacific Northwest Region of the USDA Forest Service is seeking individual placements to help restore recently-burned forests. The Malheur National Forest of 1.7 million acres is in the scenic and remote Blue Mountain ecoregion in Eastern Oregon. Forest Headquarters are in
John Day, Oregon, with three ranger districts. Selected placements will work on a variety of post-fire restoration projects, including invasive plant surveys and control and native plant seed collection.
Location
John Day, OR
- Schedule
June 1, 2026 - October 2, 2026 (18 weeks)
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Invasive surveys on foot and in a pickup truck or UTV along roads, trails,
and cross-country
- Invasive control using hand tools, herbicides, and biological controls
- Native plant seed collection
- Native plant seeding in fire-disturbed areas
- Data collection using provided electronic devices and Field Maps or Survey
123 apps
- Navigation using electronic devices and maps
Marginal Duties
- Development of ArcGIS online maps for field use
- Management of online data
- Assisting with other field data collection projects with botany, wildlife,
and other programs as needed
- Complete required trainings for vehicle use, field check out systems, and
related tasks
Required Qualifications:
- Driver's license
- Natural resources background
- Ability and desire to learn to recognize about 20 species of common roadside
noxious weeds and about 20 species of native plants targeted for seed collection
- Ability to safely operate a pickup truck on sometimes rough 4-wheel-drive
roads
- Must work well with a team and independently
- Ability to carry and load up to 50 lb bags of seed or ~4 gallon backpack
sprayer over rugged terrain
- Reliable and trustworthy, including proper safety management around
mechanical tools
There is an expectation of up to $2,000 of out-of pocket expenses for Duty-Related Travel. This is a tax-free reimbursement and receipts are required. Your SCA Program Coordinator, will assist you with the reimbursement process.
This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can
be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Personal vehicle highly recommended for travel to nearby areas outside of
work time (extremely limited public transportation options)
- Botany or plant or range related background or degree preferred
- Herbicide applicator license in Oregon or Washington
- Experience with technical botanical keys
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
Housing may be provided, but if not, a monthly housing allowance is provided to secure housing in the area.
Compensation:
- $1,100 to from travel allowance (one time)
- $550 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
- $50 weekly commuting allowance (paid bi-weekly)
- $500 monthly housing allowance (5 disbursements)
- All Weather Uniform Package
- 24-7 Incident Response
- Personal Program Coordinator
*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes
Personal Vehicle Information
Strongly Recommended
Additional Benefits
Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: May be an option, award availability depending
Equal Opportunity Statement
The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.
