Conservation Field Technician – Rare Plants

Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative is an Alma, Colorado based non-profit organization working to unite communities to steward natural areas, inspire learning, and safeguard our shared mountain legacy. MRHI’s Conservation and Rare Plant program primarily gathers field data to provide to US Forest Service and scientific partners to inform long-range studies related to species health and climate change, informing land management decisions. In addition, this program supports community education and wider conservation and stewardship efforts across South Park.

Overview

Under the direction of the Conservation Field Lead, the Conservation Field Technician is part of a 2 to 3-person field crew, primarily responsible for undertaking field monitoring and mapping of rare plants in the Mosquito Range and surrounding area, utilizing GPS and GIS technology.

Conservation field crew members will be provided training in local rare plant identification. This role is physically demanding, requiring long field days working at altitudes from 9000-14,000ft. Applicants should be in excellent physical shape and confident working in high alpine environment, and navigating off-trail. This position requires a strong conservation ethic, team skills, and a desire to work in a challenging but beautiful backcountry area.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the creation of a detailed botanical survey of rare plant communities
• In field GIS data collection of plants using mapping devices such as a Cedar CT8 tablet, Juniper Archer 4, and ArcGIS field maps
• Download field data to ArcGIS Online for analysis
• Digital photography to document findings and link photos to GPS points
• Educate self and utilize knowledge of alpine ecology and Leave No Trace principles
• Daily and weekly compilation of field reports
• Use Google Suite for all project documentation
• Record time accurately on the MRHI timesheet and submit on time monthly
• Ensure that equipment handoff occurs when necessary
• Attend key events, including partner trainings and events
• Host Noxious Weed Pull events in the community, and educate on invasive species
• Educate community residents & visitors on our rare alpine plants and methods to preserve and protect them, through supporting workshops, social hikes, and working alongside field volunteers
• Complete safety check-ins throughout the day utilizing Garmin InReach
• Participate as requested in conservation field work alongside Trail Stewardship Team, including habitat restoration and illegal road closures
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Skills

• Good organizational and planning skills
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to last-minute changes, due to weather or other circumstances
• Excellent outdoor skills and proficiency in traveling (hiking and navigating), and safety in mountain backcountry environments, both on and off-trail
• Excellent physical condition, willingness, and ability to hike at high altitude (12,000+ feet) and hike for multiple consecutive days of distances up to 15 miles in remote locations
• Ability to work as part of a small team on a daily basis
• Strong knowledge or interest in botany, including utilizing plant keys, and excellent attention to detail
• Computer skills and knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and mapping software
• Comfortable with the use of a GIS/GPS unit
• Knowledge of rare plants in the Mosquito Range (can be gained through Rare Plant Monitor training)

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated experience with ArcGIS online and ArcGIS field maps, or the ability and willingness to learn the software.
• Botany/ecology background (through education and/or work experience)
• An interest in rare plants and trails of the Mosquito Range
• Experience/ability in habitat restoration, trail building, and maintenance
• An interest and enthusiasm for MRHI’s broader mission and programs, and willingness to support wider areas of work (Trails stewardship, Education, Land Conservation)
• Passion for the outdoors and a strong conservation ethic
• Team spirit, sense of humor
• CPR Certification
• Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid Certification (preferred) or current First Aid Certification

Essential Requirements

• A reliable vehicle with FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE to get to the work sites (mileage reimbursed)
• Outdoor equipment (pack, rain gear, )
• Physical examination and clearance by a doctor (if requested)
• Current health insurance
• Driver’s license and a clean driving record

Work Schedule and Salary

This seasonal position is expected to run from June 1st to September 11th 2026, weather dependent. Applicants are expected to be available to work the entirety of the season (or dates agreed during hiring) and are asked to limit leave/vacations during peak season (mid-June to mid-August). Please advise any schedule requirements in cover letter e.g early departure for college. Additional hours may be available late season (Sept-Oct) as part of our Trail Stewardship Program.

The weekly work schedule will be variable (averaging 30 – 40 hours/week), usually over 4 work days/ week. Position is expected to be 80% field and 20% office-based during the field season

Travel with a personal vehicle is required. MRHI will reimburse mileage for use of your personal vehicle.