Member – Noxious Weed Management – Sulphur Ranger District

Position Summary

This position will be working with a crew lead in Noxious Weed treatments on Forest Service land within the Sulphur Ranger District in Granby, Colorado. Treatment activities include mostly herbicide applications and occasional use of mechanical treatments usually through the use of volunteers and youth corps. The crew member would work with the lead in field operations and will be trained in basic native and invasive plant identification, invasive plant control techniques, safe herbicide use, record keeping and data collection methods. The Invasive Species crew will be required to work in remote locations, use herbicides in a safe manner, and operate 4x4 trucks with trailer and UTVs safely across rugged two-track and 4x4 roads. Truck and UTV mounted spray equipment as well as backpack sprayers are used regularly. The crew will report directly to the local FS Ecologist. Although permanent FS staff will often participate in field activities, the Invasive Species crew will be expected to work independently and occasionally help support youth corps crews to accomplish tasks. Field vehicles, PPE, safety training, and equipment will be provided by the host forest.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 - September 8, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Invasive plant inventory, treatment and monitoring including herbicide use, leading seasonal crew members and occasionally youth corps groups in weed management activities
• Data collection and entry
• Mapping of invasive plant populations and treatment sites
• Surveying rangelands and botanical projects based on needs

Marginal Duties

Other work may include one or more of the following: Native plant identification and inventory; seed and native plant material collection; seeding and planting at previously disturbed sites to prevent invasion by weeds, improve soil health, and enhance wildlife habitat. Cross training may include working alongside range, recreation, timber, wildlife or fisheries staff.

Required Qualifications

• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be able to complete strenuous field work and carrying heavy loads over rugged terrain
• Some experience in Rocky Mountain native and invasive plant communities and general ecology is beneficial
• Must be comfortable and be able to work safely with herbicides and spray equipment, knowledge of how to calibrate spray equipment and calculate herbicide rates is a plus. (Note: Herbicides used are approved by the Forest Service and are ranked with the Cautionary or Warning label, the Forest Service rarely uses any herbicides with the Danger label rating)
• Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads, work in burned areas, steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas
• Must be able to work with on a small crew and be a representative of the Forest Service

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Plant identification of native and non-native plants, especially of the Rocky Mountain Region
• Invasive plant management experience using herbicide or mechanical means.
• Enthusiasm working in remote settings and strenuous labor

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Two-person shared house is likely available for this position in Grand Lake, Colorado. Weeds crew will report to either the work center in Grand Lake or the District Field office in Granby, Colorado

Compensation

• Weekly Living Stipend: $460
• $400 monthly living allowance (may be used for Government housing)
• $1,100 round trip travel allowance
• AmeriCorps eligible ($1,956.35 education award) upon completion of 460 hrs
• Paid Federal Holidays
• Public Lands Corps PLC Eligible if under 30 and 35 for veterans

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
Off-Road Vehicle Safety
AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.