Vegetation Survey Technician (BLM Redding, CA)

Working collaboratively with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Redding, CA, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting (1) AmeriCorps member to assist the BLM Ecologist with a wide variety of field and office tasks that will prepare them for success with future academic endeavors and a career in rangeland or natural resources management. The member will aid the BLM ecology program staff with vegetation surveys and monitoring, vegetation treatments, rangeland/grazing management projects, chemical/manual treatment of invasive species, and post-fire stabilization treatments. The member will also have opportunities to support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, with particular focus on preparing sections of technical documents and working within the BLM’s geographical information system (GIS).

The member will be responsible for field work activities associated with rangeland monitoring, botanical surveys, and conducting vegetation treatments. Vegetation treatments will include activities like native species planting and invasive species control.

Outcomes of these activities will inform the development of maps and reports related to environmental (NEPA) compliance, vegetation treatments, and other BLM actions. This position will require moderate to strenuous physical exertion, including operating common hand tools (e.g., power drill or backpack sprayer), and hiking over uneven terrain. The member must be prepared to serve in a variety of weather conditions and recognize that they will be confronted by environmental hazards, such as lightning, poison oak, insects, cattle and other livestock, and other potential hazards commensurate with land management activities.

This project is authorized by the Public Land Corps Act, which supports opportunities for young people (aged 16-30) to work on conservation projects on public lands. Those who successfully complete the PLC requirements are then eligible to use, for 2 years, a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive federal service positions.

• Full time, 40 hours/week; 19 weeks in length

• Terms of service commencing as soon as possible through Mid October; upon availability and completion of AmeriCorps and BLM/Department of Interior background checks

The BLM Redding Field Office is located in the BLM Northern CA District and is home to an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, mountain biking, hiking/backpacking, and skiing/snowboarding. Redding is located between Shasta-Trinity and Lassen National Forests and on the I-5 corridor, making points in Oregon and central/southern California easily accessible. Redding is a town of approximately 90,000 people and is the major service center for the surrounding areas. The town has restaurants and stores to meet most needs.

• Total Living Allowance: $12,240.00 (approx. $1,220 biweekly before taxes)

• Education Award: $2,474.27

• Housing stipend: $75/week

• No-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Rangeland Management, Natural Resources Management or related field, or combination of related education and field experience;

• Dedication to the position with a displayed interest in and knowledge of rangeland and resource management, plant conservation, and National Service;

• Possess strong written and oral communication skills and high degree of comfort interacting with various stakeholders, including agency representatives, GBI and BLM colleagues, and the general public; 

• A high level of proficiency and comfort working independently outdoors in remote field settings;

• Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented;

• A high level of proficiency and comfort traveling in rough terrain by foot or four-wheel drive vehicle;

• Ability to use Microsoft Office Programs;

• Possess clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license; and 

• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to BLM human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.