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Vegetation Technician (Americorps, NPS, Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve)

Great Basin Institute
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The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, is recruiting 2 AmeriCorps members to serve as Vegetation Technicians. The selected AmeriCorps members will serve under the direction of the assigned Park Service Staff. Project activities may occur at other southern Idaho parks (Minidoka National Historic Site, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, and possibly City of Rocks National Reserve).

Individual placements will have the opportunity to serve with park staff on resource projects for the purpose of providing the broadest range of experiences and exposure to the NPS and natural resource management. 

The Vegetation Technicians will assist with and support a variety of botany-related efforts; and will identify, inventory, map, and as necessary, treat noxious and invasive weeds or non-native populations.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

 

Vegetation Management Duties:

  • Actively participate in training sessions that include invasive plant and noxious weed identification, herbicide safety (including applicator certification if interested), technical training with associated software, UTV and 4WD operation, and first aid; 
  • Treat noxious and invasive weed populations by hand, mechanical treatment, or through chemical application of herbicides; 
  • Monitor and inventory wilderness and non-wilderness public lands for noxious and invasive weeds, and non-native plant populations;
  • Map treatment areas and plant populations using a hand-held PDR (personal data recorder) and/or GPS unit;
  • Survey and map threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) plant species in order to refine population boundaries for species of management concern, including updates to program database(s), GIS files, and related documentation;
  • Forest health monitoring including hazard tree surveys;
  • Serve in a team setting; and
  • Maintain equipment;

     

Restoration:

  • Native seed collection in an effort to facilitate increased availability of local plant genotypes for reclamation of surface disturbances on public lands:
    • Analyzing collecting and propagation needs;
    • Maintaining program database and documents;
    • Seed dispersal in restoration sites; and
    • Planting seedlings in disturbed areas.


Other duties:
• Preparing print and/or oral information to educate the public about invasive species;
• Assist wildlife team, as needed.


 

 

Timeline:

  • May 5th – September 19th, 2025, 20 weeks in length;
  • Full time (40 hours/week);

 

Location:

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is located in the high desert of southern Idaho.

The scenic area, managed cooperatively by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land

Management, encompasses lava fields with many volcanic features, and sagebrush steppe grasslands.

Opportunities for hiking and exploring unique geologic features, wildlife, and cultural history abound.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

Living Allowance: approximately $1400 biweekly (before taxes); not to exceed $14,000;

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (675 hours): $2817.14 upon successful completion of term;

Benefits:

  • Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
  • $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
  • Access to Pro Deals;
  • Housing:  $50 housing stipend/weekly;
  • Training opportunities.

 

Segal Education Award:

After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Award varies based on term of service. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

 

Student Loan Forbearance:

If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.

 

Interest Accrual Repayment:

As an AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.

 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:

AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

 

 

Required:

(This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 17 or older)

  • Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, botany, or related discipline, or a combination of relevant education and field experience (current students welcomed);
  •  Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of botany and invasive species monitoring;
  •  Familiarity with native and invasive plants of the PNW and/or Great Basin;
  •  Proficiency using dichotomous keys, such as the Jepson Manual or Flora of the PNW to identify vascular plants;
  • Experience with ArcGIS applications such as Field Maps and/or Survey 123;
  • Ability to safely navigate to field sites using maps/compass and handheld GPS devices; 
  • High level of proficiency leading field work in dynamic field settings; 
  •  Excellent organizational skills;
  •  Experience with data entry and QA/QC procedures;
  •  Reliable, team-player with strong leadership and communication skills;
  •  Possession of a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license.

 

 

  • Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record.
  • Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS 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.
  • AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (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.

 

How to Apply:

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

 

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.