Individual Placement - Botany Technician

Position Summary This position will support rare and native plant conservation and restoration. This FS unit spans from short grass prairie to alpine and thus includes a variety of distinct and complex vegetative communities, including several rare and endemic species. Field work will involve off trail hiking in many settings including prairies, forests, meadows, fens, and streams. Training in office, field, and safety protocols will be provided. Location Fort Collins, CO Schedule May 26, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026 Key Duties and Responsibilities • Rare plant surveys; o Field technician will assist with surveys for new and revisiting known populations of rare plants. You will learn to identify common and rare flora of the Colorado Front Range, as well as apply various methods for field survey, population monitoring, and data collection; • Native plant materials; o Field technicians will support native plant restoration work forest-wide by preparing seed mixes, scouting for and collecting native seed, and managing invasive species populations (this may include working with herbicides); • Data management; o Field technicians will be responsible for assisting the crew lead with data collection and data quality assurance. Marginal Duties There may be occasional opportunities to support other program areas including wildlife, hydrology, fisheries, archaeology, recreation, and timber management. Required Qualifications • Ability to spend long hours outdoors, often hiking over uneven terrain, with a heavy pack in various temperatures and weather conditions; • Must be willing to occasionally work with herbicides. Training on safe handling and use will be provided; • Ability to navigate in the field using a GPS unit or a tablet, field navigation apps, and/or paper maps and compass; • Driver's license and experience driving trucks on 4x4 roads; • Ability to work independently and as part of a crew; • Ability to work independently, organize, and problem solve; • Strong written and verbal communication skills; • A positive attitude, professionalism, and willingness to learn. 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 • Familiar with flora of the southern Rocky Mountains and/or experience identifying plants to species-level using a dichotomous key; • Ability to navigate in the field using a GPS unit or a tablet, field navigation apps, and/or paper maps and compass; • Experience with various desktop and mobile mapping software including Avenza, ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, AGOL, Field Maps and Survey123; • Degree or coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, or a related field. Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Government housing may be available. Rates vary across Districts and a $400 monthly housing allowance is provided to offset a portion of this cost. Compensation • Living Allowance - $600/week • One-time Travel Allowance - $1,100 • Housing Allowance - $400/month • Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off) All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Personal Vehicle Information Not needed Additional Benefits Defensive Driving Training First Aid/CPR Off-Road Vehicle Safety AmeriCorps: Not Eligible 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.

Created: 2026-03-10