Mountain Steward Technician

Description

Are you passionate about restoring the role of native plants in our ecosystem? Do you enjoy working in the mountains and getting your hands dirty in conservation work? Does educating people on flora and fauna get you excited? If this sounds like you, then come join our Stewardship Team! Under the direction of the Sustainability & Stewardship Coordinator, Bogus Basin’s Mountain Steward Technician will perform invasive & noxious weed management, native seed collection, revegetation, erosion mitigation, and other restoration activities on both Bogus Basin and United States Forest Service Property (USFS). Additionally, the Mountain Steward Technician will engage with the public by assisting with teaching our environmental education programs, leading volunteer stewardship events, and assisting with sustainability education events. This position will also help manage our recycling system.

Essential Functions of the Job

• Identify native and invasive plants at all stages of growth
• Apply herbicide to control noxious weeds via backpack, four-wheeler, side-by-side, and truck sprayers
• Interpret, understand, and follow herbicide application rates, precautions, & restrictions (state & federal) set forth in documentation provided by the employer, USFS and manufacturer
• Use hand tools to dig or pull invasive weeds when spraying is not applicable
• Use mapping software to create polygons of application areas to ensure proper record keeping of all herbicide application on USFS and private property
• Plant seedlings and spread seed in disturbed areas
• Collect seeds from native plants throughout the year
• Assist with new and post construction noxious weed monitoring
• Perform native plant inventories
• Build and maintain single-track hiking trails
• Build and maintain erosion control structures and features around the mountain
• Assist with community sustainability and stewardship events

Non-Essential Functions of the Job

• Use hand and power tools to assist in brush clearing along snowshoe trails
• Assist with coordinating and communicating volunteers (if applicable)
• Sort and transport recycling materials to the recycling center
• Assist with youth environmental education programs
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education & Experience Requirements

• Some academic or professional background in ecology, environmental studies, rangeland management, botany/horticulture, conservation, outdoor education, leadership or similar field.
• Preferred- Degree in rangeland management, environmental studies, ecology, biology, botany/horticulture or similar field preferred.
• Preferred – Prior experience in habitat restoration work, trail work, noxious weed management, or similar related experience
• Preferred- Basic CPR/First Aid certification, Wilderness First Aid certification or higher.
• Ability to obtain ISDA Pesticide Applicators License

Additional Requirements

• Passion for the Bogus Basin Mission
• Excellent science communication skills (verbal & written)
• Willingness to learn about the flora and fauna at Bogus Basin
• Desire to care for open spaces and the environment
• Ability to thrive as a member of a team
• Able and willing to communicate with the public about their role at Bogus Basin
• Background check required.

Physical

• Consistently travel 2-12 miles per day on foot while transporting backpack sprayers weighing up to 50 lbs. on steep and uneven terrain (on and off trail)
• Operate vehicles including vans, trucks, four-wheelers and side-by-sides

Working Conditions and Schedule 

Environment

• Majority of the time is spent outdoors for long periods of time in all weather conditions. Proper PPE (provided by Bogus Basin) must be worn when required.

Schedule

• This position is 40 hours per week, generally Monday through Friday. Work will begin in May and continue through October. Occasional Saturdays and evenings are required to lead volunteer work groups.