Botany Technician

Overview

Botany Technician - Tahoe National Forest, Westzone. American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Forest Service, is seeking Botany Technicians to contribute to botanical survey projects alongside Tahoe National Forest Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: April 20, 2026 (04/20/26)

Estimated End Date: Fall 2026

Location: Tahoe National Forest, Westzone (Nevada City, California) – Nevada City is located alongside Grass Valley, CA with access to trails, ski resorts, and rafting holes.

The Botany Technician will take direction from Lead Botany Technicians and USFS Botanists in conducting botanical surveys, weed management, field data documentation, and data entry. Technicians will work both independently and as a team to coordinate work, conduct botanical field surveys, summarize findings, manage field equipment, discuss technical problems, and contribute to a safe work culture. This placement is intended to facilitate professional development and exposure to land management agencies and networks.

Responsibilities are divided into categories below.

Note:

See original for detailed tasks.

• Conduct floristic surveys and targeted surveys for rare and invasive plants within project areas, typically covering 1,000 to 3,000 acres per person per season.
• Collect survey and inventory data to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, and factors affecting vigor and habitat.
• Use botanical keys and field guides to identify plants encountered during surveys.
• Collect and maintain detailed documentation of field data.
• Compile and summarize data from surveys, inventories, biological evaluations and monitoring; produce reports for Forest Service analysis.
• Use computer systems and software for recording, organizing, storing, and summarizing data.
• Use GPS, aerial photographs, maps, GIS, or compass in navigation.
• Perform physical labor and daily hiking to remote locations in rugged terrain, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Enter data and track data entry using MS Word, MS Excel, ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, and USFS databases.

• Assist with a full range of technical assignments related to seasonal invasive plant management on US Forest Service lands.
• Assess invasive plant population parameters to inform control tactics and treatment prioritization.
• Perform manual invasive plant treatments such as hand-pulling and use of hand tools; may assist with herbicide application under supervision.

Work Monday–Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm during the field season. During training and data entry seasons, schedules may differ. Personal schedule adjustments require approval from the District Botanist.

Living Allowance: ~40 hours/week with a living allowance of $895 per week, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Eligible for federal hiring authority after completion of term and 640 hours of service. Eligibility requirements include age (16–30, with some agencies extending to 35) and citizenship. See ACE website for details.

Housing: Housing is the member’s responsibility; limited on-site bunk housing may be available at $7–$20 per day. Housing allowance up to $280/week may be available. Local candidates encouraged to apply.

Gear Allowance: New members up to $500 on eligible gear; returning members or FS employees up to $250. Eligible gear includes boots, work pants, hiking socks, with prior approval.

Provided Training/Orientation: Position-specific training and orientation; all Botany team members receive USFS survey/data entry protocol training;
Wilderness First Aid may be offered. Training funds up to $500 for eligible professional development with prior approval.

70% Rule: If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

• Authorization to work in the United States. ACE does not sponsor visas.
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic representation of ACE and partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Val…