AmeriCorps Botany Crew Member; USFS, Willamette National Forest

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with US Forest Service at Willamette National Forest, is recruiting two or three (2 or
3) Ameri Corps Crew Members to participate in invasive plant identification, population mapping, and invasive plant control work using manual, mechanical, or chemical methods, native plant seeding and seed collection. There may be opportunities for rare plant population monitoring, meadow inventories, and the opportunity to learn about other botanical resources throughout the field season.

Priority Noxious weed species list includes: knapweed species, false brome, cheat grass, ventenata grass, Medusahead rye, shiny geranium, Robert’s geranium, knotweed species, and purple crownvetch.

The team will primarily work on the McKenzie River and Middle Fork Ranger Districts, on the southern portion of the forest, adjacent to and in areas burned during recent wildfires. Occasional activities may occur on the two northern districts on the Willamette NF (Sweet Home and Detroit) if time and work tasks allow.

Members of this team should be prepared to routinely car camp, 4-5 days at a time through the summer and face the challenges of weather, insects, and wildlife typical to Oregon. Project schedules will vary throughout the summer depending on partner needs. Members can expect to use basic hand tools throughout the summer. This crew will be housing primarily in a government bunkhouse with potential of some camping during the field week with the program provided vehicle.

The workgroup will consist of 3 to 4 members (1 Crew Lead, 2-3 Crew Members, and this group will remain together for the entirety of the season. They will work closely with the District Botanists and potentially other departments on the Willamette National Forest. In addition to learning various invasive plant control techniques, plant identification skills, and population mapping techniques, members will be challenged to reflect upon and practice leadership in a variety of ways.

Applicants should be flexible, willing to share space with their team, and invest in their personal growth.

Candidates with current OR Pesticide Applicator licenses will be prioritized.

“Public pesticide applicator license certification may be available for interested Crew Members: it requires the Laws and Safety exam and a second category which we recommend the Right of Way exam (it is easier than many of the other categories and the most applicable) – (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Directory/License Detail/571”

• Surveys for invasive weeds on foot along roads, trails, and cross-country hiking;
• Invasive weeds control using hand tools, mechanical pulling, herbicides*, and biological controls;
  • Candidates must be willing and able, if not already in hand, to obtain the OR Pesticide Applicator Licenses within the first 3 weeks of employment. (Exam fees paid by GBI);
• Native plant seed collection;
• Data collection using provided electronic devices with Field Maps and AGOL; and
• Navigation using electronic devices, maps, and compass.

• Management of ArcGIS online data;
• Assisting with other field data collection projects with botany;
• Seeding and native planting;
• Complete required trainings for vehicle use, field check out systems, safety, and related tasks; and
• Possible work with UTV, brush mowers or other gas powered equipment if able to complete certifications.

• Term dates;
  May – Oct 2026; 26 weeks; and
• Full Time (40 hours/week).

The project sites will be in multiple locations on the McKenzie River and Middle Fork Ranger Districts of the Willamette National Forest. The crew will receive orientation, field and on-line training from the USFS at McKenzie for the first two to three weeks, and then begin the field work. The crew will remain in Willamette National Forest until the season ends around October 30, 2026.

Middle Fork Ranger District is located at 46375 Hwy 58, Westfir, OR 97492. FS vehicles, supplies and equipment will be located at either the Middle Fork or McKenzie Bridge offices.

Living Allowance: $720/weekly stipend (before taxes); not to exceed $18,720.00.

Sega…