LAVO Botany Technician

Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute), in cooperation with Lassen Volcanic National Park (LAVO), is hiring one Botany Technician to work with ecological restoration projects. The Botany Technician will work closely with the Lead Botany Specialist to carry out an array of activities. The work includes but is not limited to: monitoring, mapping, and treatment of invasive species to assist with the Parks robust Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) program; parkwide monitoring of native plant populations, Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) monitoring and cone collection; restoration of disturbed areas; seeding and seed collection, and assistance with other resource stewardship activities. Whitebark pine work is dependent on many factors, such as snow melt, weather conditions, and cone crop availability. The applicant should be capable of hiking up to eight miles daily while carrying a pack weighing up to forty pounds. This field-based position offers a unique opportunity to work within the 106,000 acres of the park and includes work in some of the most sensitive and beautiful areas within its boundaries. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation of an important high-altitude tree species, learn the plants of the southern Cascades and northern Sierra Nevada, as well as brush up on plant identifi cation skills using dichotomous keys. There will be opportunities to join other resource management crews and gain experience in numerous other tasks. This position is part of an exciting partnership between Sierra Institute LAVO to complete a variety of important restoration planning and implementation activities in the National Park.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

● Assist the Lead Botany Specialist with an array of botanical resource management activities.
● Conduct a range of botanical surveys for both native and non-native species.
● Collect and distribute native seeds.
● Utilize manual, mechanical, and herbicide methods to treat invasive plant populations.
● Assist with Whitebark Pine monitoring and cone collection.
● Assist with preparation for and restoration of disturbed areas.
● Collaborate with both Sierra Institute and LAVO staff to achieve project goals.
● Maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
● Practice situational awareness, directly addressing and/or raising safety concerns as they arise.
● Be eager to learn new skills and assist with an array of activities.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications:

● Minimum of a high school diploma; preferred college or community college experience.
● Must be a minimum of 18 years old to apply.
● Demonstrated interest in forest or other natural resource management, this may include but is not limited to botanical research and survey work, land conservation, wildland fire, etc.
● Ability to perform physically taxing work in all weather conditions in rugged mountainous environments (i.e hike 5+ miles a day with a 30lb pack).
● Knowledgeable and profi cient in backcountry travel.
● Suffi cient equipment to perform the work, including sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing for a range of environments.
● Good communication skills to effectively interact with the public and co-workers.
● Interest in, or familiarity with, principles of vegetation management, botany, or invasive plant biology.
● A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
● Willingness to live in a small rural community.

Preferred Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in related fi eld.
● Knowledge of, or familiarity with botany and plant identifi cation in California or other western states.
● Current wilderness medical training certifi cation (e.g., WFA, WFR, WEMT);
● Leave No Trace or other backcountry ethics training.
● Interest in, or familiarity with, forested ecosystems of the northern Sierra and southern Cascades.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The LAVO Botany Technician will be expected to walk 4-8 miles per day with a fi eld pack, ample water, and tools over rough terrain and in variable weather conditions. This position requires the ability to recognize and mitigate safety hazards in the fi eld and adapt to inclement weather conditions (heat, smoke, thunderstorms, snow etc.). Treatment of invasive species will include manual and mechanical methods as well as the use of herbicide. Training will be provided for herbicide application. Strenuous and repetitive physical effort will be associated with invasive plant management, botanical surveys, and long days of hiking in beautiful places.