Apprentice Botanist

Apprentice Botanist

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) California Invasive Plant Management Team (CA-IPMT) is seeking 4 botany apprentices to contribute to native plant materials development and restoration projects alongside NPS Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: Staggered depending on location from Mid-April - early June, 2025

• Golden Gate National Recreation Area - April/May Start, 24 weeks
• Point Reyes National Seashore - April Start, 20 weeks
• Lassen Volcanic National Park - May Start, 20 weeks
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - TBD, 24 weeks

Estimated End Date: 20-24 weeks after start date, depending on location

Location Details/Description:

The CA-IPMT and its network of parks are looking to place 1 botany apprentice at each of the following NPS units:

• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Point Reyes National Seashore
• Lassen Volcanic National Park
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

For more information about all of these locations, please visit the NPS Website.

Project Background and Objectives:

ACE members will join a coordinated seed collection effort to support NPS ecological restoration goals. These are developmental positions in the botanical sciences and will work closely with NPS vegetation staff and learn directly from other practitioners. ACE members will gain direct technical training in the botanical systematics of California and techniques for seed collection and curation. Project work will increase NPS development of native plant materials for targeted restoration activities on public land across California.

ACE Members will gain work and technical experience as well as have educational opportunities throughout the project duration. Work activities across all four NPS units will center on native plant materials development, but specific project tasks will vary based on location. This work may include botanical surveys to locate target populations of management interest, seed evaluation and collection, and seed curation. This project supports the seed collection that is essential to vegetation management in NPS units by providing the necessary native plant materials to promote the restoration of native plant communities.

CA IPMT Program Overview:

One of the many ways the NPS is addressing invasive species is through the Invasive Plant Management Program (IPMT). The California IPMT supports 17 partner park units located within the California Floristic Province in California and Southern Oregon. Regarded for its exceptionally high concentration of endemic plants, this region is one of 36 world biodiversity hotspots. Of the more than 4,600 species of vascular plants found in California, one-third of the species are endemic to the region, along with over 1,000 non-native species. The California IPMT provides technical assistance directly to parks to identify programmatic needs, develop strategic goals, and provide support for ongoing park projects. The California IPMT provides resources to parks for staff to complete treatments, survey and map invasive plant populations, and complete native plant restorations through an annual proposal process. The California IPMT works with state and federal agencies to integrate partner parks into statewide and national networks, while building multi-jurisdictional collaborations that support successful vegetation management both within and around national parks.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development, promote exposure to land management agencies, and provide networking opportunities with professionals. This may include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule:

A typical schedule is eight, ten-hour days followed by six days off OR four ten-hour days with three days off. Schedule has flexibility but will be at the discretion of NPS units and phenological conditions.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: Park units will provide housing at no cost.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training may include plant systematics, botany, seed collection and curation, Seeds of Success technical protocol, voucher specimen collection and curation, as well as other relevant local trainings relevant to each NPS unit including, but not limited to, safety and first aid, defensive driving, NPS Operational Leadership, and risk management.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required three-part criminal history check for AmeriCorp positions / two-part criminal history check for non AmeriCorp positions.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement or as defined by AmeriCorps.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position will hold or be pursuing a minimum of a bachelor's degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as botany, plant ecology, biology, wildlife, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of botany and plant identification and expressed interest in furthering a career in botany
• Experience with the identification and management of both native and non-native plants, including in horticultural, agronomic, or nursery settings
• Experience using GPS and GIS software
• An ability to hike long distances carrying a pack in National Park units to the "office"
• Deep interest in fieldwork and a respect for nature

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for seed collecting, the use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus, often for long periods when cleaning seed.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 30 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic, sounds of nature while wandering in national parks.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Hazards will vary by park unit and may include but are not limited to, extreme heat and cold, lightning, risk of wildfire and evacuation in rare circumstances, and exposure to wildfire smoke.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Park Service will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Current Openings for Apprentice Botanist Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC