American Conservation Experience
Botany Technician
American Conservation Experience, Nevada City, California, United States, 95959
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Botany Technician
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American Conservation Experience .
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Botany Technician
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Botany Technician - Tahoe National Forest, Westzone Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, is seeking Botany Technicians to contribute to botanical survey projects alongside Tahoe National Forest Staff.
Start Date:
April 20, 2026 (04/20/26)
Estimated End Date:
Fall 2026
Start and end dates are flexible but a 16‑week minimum commitment is required.
Location Details / Description Tahoe National Forest, Westzone (Nevada City, California). The Tahoe National Forest is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850,000 acres of public land interspersed with 350,000 acres of private land in a checkerboard ownership pattern. Rivers, snow‑capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year‑round.
Nevada City is a vibrant town alongside Grass Valley, CA with excellent access to trails, ski resorts, and world‑class rafting and swimming holes. The Sacramento metro area is within an hour's drive for urban amenities.
For more information about this area, please visit the Tahoe National Forest website.
Position Overview The Botany Technician position will take direction from Lead Botany Technicians and U.S. Forest Service Botanists in conducting botanical surveys, weed management, field data documentation, and data entry. All Technicians on the Botany crew will work both independently and as a team to coordinate work efforts, conduct botanical field surveys, summarize survey findings, manage field equipment, discuss technical problems encountered or anticipated during project work, and create a safe work culture.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
Botanical Survey Responsibilities (75%)
Conduct floristic surveys and targeted surveys for rare and invasive plants within project areas, typically covering one to three thousand acres per person in a season.
Collect survey and inventory data to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions and factors affecting the vigor and extent of the species and their 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 obtained from surveys, inventories, biological evaluations and monitoring, and produce reports that summarize findings, which are used in Forest Service Botanists’ analysis of projects occurring on Forest Service lands.
Use computer systems and associated software for recording, organizing, storing, and summarizing data.
Use GPS, aerial photographs, topographic maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or compass in navigation.
Perform physical labor and daily hiking, often to remote locations in rugged terrain, sometimes under adverse weather conditions.
Enter data and track data entry using MS Word, MS Excel, ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, and U.S. Forest Service databases.
Invasive Plant Management Responsibilities (25%)
Assist with a full range of technical assignments related to seasonal invasive plant management activity on U.S. Forest Service lands.
Assess invasive plant population parameters, including size, distribution, and phenology to inform decisions about appropriate control tactics and treatment prioritization.
Perform manual invasive plant treatments such as hand‑pulling, using hand tools, and using power tools.
May assist with herbicide application under the supervision of the U.S. Forest Service Botanist, a California certified pesticide applicator.
Schedule Work schedule will be Mon‑Thur 7:00 am – 5:30 pm during the field season. During training and data entry seasons (early spring and fall), work schedule may differ. Personal schedule adjustments will be limited and granted upon approval of the District Botanist.
Position Benefits Living Allowance The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $895/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 (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.
Housing Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE. However, housing may be available at a daily bunk rate of approximately $7‑20 per day by the Forest. Barracks housing provided by the Forest is typically located 30‑45 minutes from the daily reporting location and are typically in remote locations with limited connectivity. A housing allowance of up to $280/week will be available. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.
Gear Allowance New ACE members will have up to $500 to spend on eligible gear purchases, and returning members or FS employees will have up to $250. Eligible gear for this position may include boots, work pants, hiking socks, and must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.
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. All ACE Botany team members will receive training on performing U.S. Forest Service Survey and data entry protocols, and may receive Wilderness First Aid training. ACE members will have up to $500 to spend on eligible training/professional development opportunities, which must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.
Qualifications Required
Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
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.
Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.
Preferred
Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in a natural resource field and/or have relevant experience with botany, either in the field or through coursework.
Knowledge of botany and plant identification and willingness to learn additional key skills.
Knowledge of basic taxonomic principles and characteristics of major plant families and experience using taxonomic keys.
Knowledge of the technical processes, procedures and techniques related to biological science samples, measurements, and analysis.
Ability to navigate in remote areas using GPS, mobile devices, and digital and paper maps.
Ability and willingness to work as part of a team to meet project goals, as well as independently to complete survey tasks.
Experience hiking over remote, steep, and rocky terrain in adverse weather conditions (cold/hot temps, light rain, etc.).
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel/Word, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and AGOL applications.
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 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.
Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 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 to high noise such as gas‑powered weed whackers and other hand and power tools.
Travel: This position does not require unique 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. Potential hazards include hot summer temperatures, bees/stinging insects, poison oak, rough and slippery terrain, wildlife (bears, mountain lions, etc.), beetle‑killed and/or fire‑killed trees, and wildfire‑prone landscapes.
Vehicle and Equipment Use / Safety If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the Forest Service or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Forest Service. ACE members may, if they possess or obtain certification and training required by the State of California and the U.S. Forest Service, operate a gas or electric powered chainsaw to remove dead and downed trees obstructing work areas as permitted by their qualifications and comfort. Members may be asked to remove dead or downed trees or limbs from work areas using a non‑powered saw. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Forest Service, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Forest Service 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Tahoe Project Director, Al Richert, arichert@usaconservation.org.
ACE participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job‑related factors. Every qualified employee, member, 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, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, 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.
Salary: $895 per week
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Botany Technician
role at
American Conservation Experience .
4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants.
Join to apply for the
Botany Technician
role at
American Conservation Experience .
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Botany Technician - Tahoe National Forest, Westzone Summary American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, is seeking Botany Technicians to contribute to botanical survey projects alongside Tahoe National Forest Staff.
Start Date:
April 20, 2026 (04/20/26)
Estimated End Date:
Fall 2026
Start and end dates are flexible but a 16‑week minimum commitment is required.
Location Details / Description Tahoe National Forest, Westzone (Nevada City, California). The Tahoe National Forest is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850,000 acres of public land interspersed with 350,000 acres of private land in a checkerboard ownership pattern. Rivers, snow‑capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year‑round.
Nevada City is a vibrant town alongside Grass Valley, CA with excellent access to trails, ski resorts, and world‑class rafting and swimming holes. The Sacramento metro area is within an hour's drive for urban amenities.
For more information about this area, please visit the Tahoe National Forest website.
Position Overview The Botany Technician position will take direction from Lead Botany Technicians and U.S. Forest Service Botanists in conducting botanical surveys, weed management, field data documentation, and data entry. All Technicians on the Botany crew will work both independently and as a team to coordinate work efforts, conduct botanical field surveys, summarize survey findings, manage field equipment, discuss technical problems encountered or anticipated during project work, and create a safe work culture.
This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
Botanical Survey Responsibilities (75%)
Conduct floristic surveys and targeted surveys for rare and invasive plants within project areas, typically covering one to three thousand acres per person in a season.
Collect survey and inventory data to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions and factors affecting the vigor and extent of the species and their 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 obtained from surveys, inventories, biological evaluations and monitoring, and produce reports that summarize findings, which are used in Forest Service Botanists’ analysis of projects occurring on Forest Service lands.
Use computer systems and associated software for recording, organizing, storing, and summarizing data.
Use GPS, aerial photographs, topographic maps, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), or compass in navigation.
Perform physical labor and daily hiking, often to remote locations in rugged terrain, sometimes under adverse weather conditions.
Enter data and track data entry using MS Word, MS Excel, ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, and U.S. Forest Service databases.
Invasive Plant Management Responsibilities (25%)
Assist with a full range of technical assignments related to seasonal invasive plant management activity on U.S. Forest Service lands.
Assess invasive plant population parameters, including size, distribution, and phenology to inform decisions about appropriate control tactics and treatment prioritization.
Perform manual invasive plant treatments such as hand‑pulling, using hand tools, and using power tools.
May assist with herbicide application under the supervision of the U.S. Forest Service Botanist, a California certified pesticide applicator.
Schedule Work schedule will be Mon‑Thur 7:00 am – 5:30 pm during the field season. During training and data entry seasons (early spring and fall), work schedule may differ. Personal schedule adjustments will be limited and granted upon approval of the District Botanist.
Position Benefits Living Allowance The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $895/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 (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.
Housing Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE. However, housing may be available at a daily bunk rate of approximately $7‑20 per day by the Forest. Barracks housing provided by the Forest is typically located 30‑45 minutes from the daily reporting location and are typically in remote locations with limited connectivity. A housing allowance of up to $280/week will be available. Local candidates are encouraged to apply.
Gear Allowance New ACE members will have up to $500 to spend on eligible gear purchases, and returning members or FS employees will have up to $250. Eligible gear for this position may include boots, work pants, hiking socks, and must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.
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. All ACE Botany team members will receive training on performing U.S. Forest Service Survey and data entry protocols, and may receive Wilderness First Aid training. ACE members will have up to $500 to spend on eligible training/professional development opportunities, which must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff prior to purchase.
Qualifications Required
Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
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.
Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.
Preferred
Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in a natural resource field and/or have relevant experience with botany, either in the field or through coursework.
Knowledge of botany and plant identification and willingness to learn additional key skills.
Knowledge of basic taxonomic principles and characteristics of major plant families and experience using taxonomic keys.
Knowledge of the technical processes, procedures and techniques related to biological science samples, measurements, and analysis.
Ability to navigate in remote areas using GPS, mobile devices, and digital and paper maps.
Ability and willingness to work as part of a team to meet project goals, as well as independently to complete survey tasks.
Experience hiking over remote, steep, and rocky terrain in adverse weather conditions (cold/hot temps, light rain, etc.).
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel/Word, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online (AGOL) and AGOL applications.
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 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.
Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 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 to high noise such as gas‑powered weed whackers and other hand and power tools.
Travel: This position does not require unique 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. Potential hazards include hot summer temperatures, bees/stinging insects, poison oak, rough and slippery terrain, wildlife (bears, mountain lions, etc.), beetle‑killed and/or fire‑killed trees, and wildfire‑prone landscapes.
Vehicle and Equipment Use / Safety If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the Forest Service or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Forest Service. ACE members may, if they possess or obtain certification and training required by the State of California and the U.S. Forest Service, operate a gas or electric powered chainsaw to remove dead and downed trees obstructing work areas as permitted by their qualifications and comfort. Members may be asked to remove dead or downed trees or limbs from work areas using a non‑powered saw. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Forest Service, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Forest Service 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 ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Tahoe Project Director, Al Richert, arichert@usaconservation.org.
ACE participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job‑related factors. Every qualified employee, member, 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, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, 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.
Salary: $895 per week
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