Individual Placement - Invasive Weed Technician at Olympic National Forest in Washington State

Position Summary

Members hired for these positions will work as a two-person team on the Olympic National Forest in Washington State to complete work related to invasive plants. These are 26-week positions (May 4 – October 30, 2026) that primarily involve inventory, treatment, and monitoring of invasive plant species, which includes

herbicide use. Other work may include one or more of the following: Native plant identification and inventory; seed and native plant material collection; seeding and planting at previously disturbed sites to prevent invasion by weeds, improve soil health, and enhance wildlife habitat; data collection and monitoring of

wildlife species, which may include bumblebees, butterflies, amphibians, and bats. Members will be trained in basic native and invasive plant identification, invasive plant control techniques, safe herbicide use, and data collection methods; most work is performed outdoors and is physically demanding. Members

will be required to work at remote locations, use herbicides in a safe manner, and operate field trucks safely across rugged two-track and four-wheel-drive roads. Members will be trained by, and often work directly with permanent FS staff, but Member teams will also be expected to work independently and with

larger groups and/or partner agencies to accomplish tasks. Field vehicles, PPE, safety training, and equipment will be provided by the host forest. Work will be completed across the Olympic NF, so overnight travel will be required; Members will be reimbursed* for costs associated with work-related travel. Members will

also have the opportunity to obtain a WA State herbicide applicators license at no cost to them. Housing is available for these positions.

*There is the expectation of up to $2,500 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.

• Schedule

May 4, 2026 - October 30, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Invasive plant inventory, treatment and monitoring including herbicide use
• Data collection and entry
• Mapping of invasive plant populations and treatment sites
• Planting and seeding of native plants at previously disturbed sites

Marginal Duties

Native plant materials (seed, live stakes, etc) collection; Data collection and

• monitoring of wildlife species; Equipment maintenance

Required Qualifications:

• Must have a valid drivers license
• Must be capable of long-distance driving and physically demanding field work

sometimes in adverse conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc)

• Some experience in natural resources, which may include college level course

work or work experience

• Must be comfortable with using herbicides (we will train you!)

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:

• Plant identification skills of native and non-native plants, especially of

the PNW flora

• Invasive plant management experience
• Current or past licensed herbicide applicators
• GIS experience (Field Maps, ArcMap/ArcPro, etc)

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Shared housing is available for these positions at our Hoodsport field station.

Compensation:

$1,100 Travel Allowance (paid one time)

$550 Weekly Living Allowance (Paid Bi-weekly)

$25 Weekly Commuting Allowance (Paid bi-weekly)

$400 Monthly Housing Allowance (Paid to Member and Member pays USFS for on site housing)

PLC Eligible

All Weather Uniform

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Car Required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: NOT eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles 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.