Lead Botany Technician

Lead Botany Technician

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, seeks Lead Botany Technicians to conduct botanical survey and invasive plant management projects at Tahoe National Forest, Westzone (Nevada City, California).

Start Date:

April 6, 2026 (flexible). Term:
Fall 2026. Minimum 16‑week commitment required. The role plans and trains Botany Technicians, coordinates with U.S. Forest Service Botanists, and summarizes field data for habitat and species analyses.

• Conduct floristic and targeted surveys for rare and invasive plants covering 1,000–3,000 acres per season.
• Collect survey and inventory data to determine species identity, population characteristics, and environmental conditions.
• Use botanical keys and field guides to identify plants encountered during surveys.
• Collect and maintain detailed documentation of field data.
• Compile and produce reports summarizing findings for use by Forest Service Botanists.
• Use GPS, aerial photographs, topographic maps, GIS, or compass for navigation and record data using MS Word, MS Excel, ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, and U.S. Forest Service databases.
• Perform physical labor and daily hiking to remote locations in rugged terrain, sometimes under adverse weather conditions.

• Assist with seasonal invasive plant management activity on U.S. Forest Service lands.
• Assess invasive plant population parameters to inform control tactics and treatment prioritization.
• Perform manual invasive plant treatments such as hand‑pulling using hand tools and power tools.
• Assist with herbicide application under the supervision of a U.S. Forest Service Botanist, a California certified pesticide applicator.

• Plan botanical surveys using spatial data and habitat information.
• Train Botany crew and volunteers in protocols, botanical identification, and data management.
• Manage and quality‑check data collected by Botany crew throughout the season.
• Manage daily safety, planning, and logistics of crew.
• Enter finalized data into U.S. Forest Service database.
• Take direction from U.S. Forest Service Botanists and set work priorities in collaboration with other Botany Lead Technicians.

Mon‑Thu 7:00 am – 5:30 pm during the field season. Training and data entry seasons may differ. Personal schedule adjustments limited and require approval of the District Botanist.

Living allowance: $1,010 / week (bi‑weekly). Housing allowance: up to $280 / week. Gear allowance: up to $500 / year for eligible purchases. Training and professional development: up to $500 / year. All benefits are through the ACE Member program.

• Authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship.
• Willingly represent ACE and partner organization professionally.
• Self‑directed, can work alone and as a team member.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record (21+ years).
• Pass required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complete bi‑weekly timesheets and evaluations as required.
• Abide by the member service agreement and prohibitions.

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field;
  Master’s welcomed.
• Experience with botany, plant identification, and botanical surveys.
• Knowledge of taxonomic principles and major plant families.
• Proficiency with GIS (ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online) and Microsoft Office.
• Experience driving 4x4 or all‑wheel‑drive vehicles in off‑road conditions.
• Experience hiking over steep, rocky terrain in varied weather.
• Leadership experience in safety and conflict resolution.

• Frequent walking, hiking, carrying, and manual dexterity required for tools and computer equipment.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and crouch.
• Moves up to 25–40 lbs. regularly.
• Work outdoors in weather extremes and rugged terrain.
• Moderate to high noise from chainsaws and power tools.

Submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the ACE online application page. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. The position may close at any time. Contact Tahoe Project Director Al Richert at arichert for inquiries.

Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualification, attitude, and job‑related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, or any other protected classification.

$1,010 per week