Ecological Restoration Technician; NPS, Lava Beds National Monument

Ecological Restoration Technician (NPS, Lava Beds National Monument)

Position Title:

Ecological Restoration Technician (NPS, Lava Beds National Monument)

Position Type:
Temporary Position

Application Review Begins:
Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Final date to receive applications:
Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Department/Division:
Research Associate Program

Field:
Restoration

City:
Tulelake, California, United States

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at Lava Beds National Monument (LABE), is recruiting two Ecological Restoration Technicians to participate in Burned Area Restoration activities. Responsibilities include invasive species monitoring and management, vegetation monitoring, native plant propagation & nursery maintenance, and native plant seed collection.

These field-based technicians will support post-fire restoration to promote the monument’s native sagebrush steppe ecosystems, suppress invasive species, and contribute to a multi‑year restoration plan. Work is supervised by the park’s Ecological Restoration Lead.

• April 2026 – October 2026 (24 weeks)

• Full time, 40 hours/week

• Monday‑Thursday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (10 hours/day)

Location:

Lava Beds National Monument, northeastern California. Housing is provided internally.

Hourly wage: $19.25 per hour.

• Company‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost.
• Personal leave and holidays.
• Access to Pro Deals.

The role requires regular hiking across rugged lava rock terrain up to 4 miles, carrying up to 40 lb of equipment in hot and dry weather (90‑95 °F). Field work is 70% of duties; office work (30%) includes computer and tablet use. Hazardous conditions such as biting insects, inclement weather, and uneven terrain are common. Reasonable accommodations are available for employees with disabilities.

Required:

• Enthusiasm for native western ecosystems or a desire to learn ecological restoration of semi‑arid landscapes.
• Strong teamwork and safety‑conscious attitude.
• Experience carrying equipment up to 40 lb in a backcountry setting.
• 0‑1 year(s) of biological field work and ecological restoration experience.
• 0‑1 year(s) of native plant identification experience.
• Experience using chemical herbicides under supervision of a certified applicator.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• U.S. citizenship and meeting PLC age requirements.
• Completion of a fully adjudicated DOI Background Investigation (BI) prior to starting.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 1‑2 years of biological field work in backcountry settings.
• Knowledge of sagebrush steppe ecosystems in the western U.S.
• Familiarity with plant phenology, invasive plant treatments, seed collection, and dichotomous keys.
• Proficiency with ESRI GIS and Microsoft Office for data collection and reporting.

• Assist with invasive plant management and targeted chemical treatments.
• Plant and seed native species to restore burned areas.
• Collect post‑fire revegetation survey data (species diversity, percent cover) using mobile devices or paper datasheets.
• Process native plant seed for revegetation efforts.
• Maintain the park’s native plant nursery.
• Enter and validate spatial and tabular data using ArcGIS Pro, Survey
  123, Field Maps, and Microsoft Office.

Apply online using the provided application link. Submit an up‑to‑date resume, a one‑page cover letter detailing your interest, and relevant qualifications. Include contact information for three professional references. Complete all preliminary questions and sign the application.

All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment background check. This position is offered under the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority.