Field Leader Noxious Weed Management

Position Summary 

This position is based out of Boulder Colorado and will be leading a small crew of 1 to 2 individuals in Noxious Weed treatments on Forest Service land within the Boulder and Clear Creek Ranger Districts. Treatment activities include mostly herbicide applications and occasional use of mechanical treatments usually through the use of volunteers and youth corps. The crew lead intern will lead crew members in daily field activities with guidance from the FS Ecologist. The crew will occasionally work with volunteers and youth corps to complete project work. The crew lead will be trained in basic native and invasive plant identification, invasive plant control techniques, safe herbicide use, record keeping and data collection methods; most work is performed outdoors and is physically demanding. The crew lead will be required to work at remote locations, use herbicides in a safe manner, and operate 4x4 trucks. The crew will mainly use backpack sprayers to apply herbicides but may use truck or UTV mounted spray equipment and will be trained by and report directly to the 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 oversee youth crews to accomplish tasks. Field vehicles, PPE, safety training, and equipment will be provided by the host forest.

Schedule 

May 12, 2025 - September 29, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Invasive plant inventory, treatment and monitoring including herbicide use, calibrating spraying equipment, leading seasonal crew members and occasionally youth corps groups in weed management activities

• Keeping detailed herbicide treatment records and uploading data to the FS NRM database (Training will be provided)

• 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 have experience, 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 other people and lead at least one crew member

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 and crew lead experience

• Current or past herbicide applicators license or at least 1 year experience working with herbicide

• GIS experience (Field Maps, ArcMap/ArcPro, etc); NRM (FS Program) is a plus

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Government housing in Nederland, CO may be available, otherwise crew member would need to find local living accommodations.

Compensation  

• Weekly Living Stipend: $750

• $400 monthly living allowance (maybe used for Government housing)

• $1,500 Travel/Gear allowance • 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

Required

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

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.