Plant Technician (NPS, Mojave National Preserve)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at the Mojave National Preserve, is recruiting a Plant Technician to serve under the direction of the Preserve botanist.  

Primary duties will include 1) Conduct invasive plant management and Joshua tree restoration within the York Fire burned area, 2) Water and monitor survival rates of plants salvaged along Kelso-Cima Road and S. Kelbaker Road, 3) Collect native plant seed for revegetation post roadway construction, 4) Collect forage utilization data and monitor grazing allotment fence lines for breaks and needed repairs.  

*Please note: This position is currently pending funding approval*

Primary Responsibilities:

Manage invasive plants within the York Fire burned area including:

• Surveying roadways, low-lying areas and previously treated locations for Russian knapweed, Russian thistle and other non-native plants;
• Surveying drainages within the York Fire burned area for tamarisk;
• Coordinating with youth crews to assist with invasive plant management work;
• Treating invasive plants with both manual and chemical methods; and
• Documenting all work done and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments in reducing invasive plant populations.

Conduct Joshua tree restoration within the York Fire burned area including:

• Out planting Joshua trees onto selected sites within the York Fire burned area; cage plants and provide supplemental water;
• Documenting Joshua tree planting locations, watering dates, and monitor percent survival of plantings;
• Collecting seed of Joshua tree nurse plants and Joshua trees when available;
• Documenting seed collection locations, species and amounts collected;
• Providing seed to the Lake Mead nursery for propagation;
• Coordinating volunteers to assist with Joshua tree planting and other tasks related to Joshua tree recovery;
• Documenting post-fire conditions, survival and resprouting rates of Joshua trees using the Interagency Standardized Protocol for Joshua Tree Monitoring; and
• Accurately and thoroughly complete field data collection forms.

Perform tasks related to the revegetation efforts along Kelso-Cima Road and S. Kelbaker Road including:

• Monitoring phenology of plants from which seed is to be collected along both roadways;
• Collecting seed along both roadways when ripe;
• Cleaning seed and properly storing seed until ready to be broadcast on disturbed areas post roadway construction;
• Documenting all seed collections and relevant location information;
• Providing seed to LAKE nursery for grow-out;
• Watering salvaged plants held in the temporary nursery and those outplanted outside the construction zone; and
• Documenting survival rates by species of salvaged plants.

Perform tasks related to grazing management:

• Following established protocols, collect forage utilization data; and
• Monitoring grazing allotment fence lines for breaks and making repairs when needed.

Timeline:

• July 2025 – July 2027, 104 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: 4 10’s, Monday – Thursday, 6:00am – 4:30pm or 7:00am to 5:30pm. 

Location:

Mojave National Preserve is located in southeastern California between Interstate 15 and Interstate 40.  Its western boundary begins approximately 7 miles west of Baker, CA and extends east to the border with Nevada.  Park headquarters are in Barstow, CA.  Mojave National Preserve has a diverse array of vegetation communities including Creosote – Burrobush scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland and Pinyon-Juniper Woodland and a diverse array of landscapes including cinder cones, lava fields and the Kelso Dunes.  For more information see: https://www.nps.gov/moja/index.htm.

This position may be stationed in the Preserve at either Kelso Depot Visitor Center or Hole-in-the-Wall Visitor Center, or, if the selected candidate lives locally, the position may be stationed at the headquarters in Barstow, CA.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $24.50 hourly;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Dormitory housing is available within the Preserve at no additional cost to the selected candidate.  Dormitory housing includes a private room with bathroom, kitchen and common areas shared with other residents of the dorm. There are two dormitory locations, at Kelso Depot or at Hole-in-the-Wall.

Travel: Not-to-exceed $2020.

Relocation: Not-to-exceed $1000.

Gear: Not-to-exceed $200.

Training: Not-to-exceed $320.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, botany or related discipline, or a combination of relevant education and field experience;
• Enthusiasm about the position and a keen interest in botany;
• Familiarity with native and invasive plants of the Mojave Desert;
• Ability to safely navigate to field sites using maps/compass and handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) devices;
• Ability to work out-of-doors in all types of weather conditions (heat, wind, cold) and to hike up to 8 miles per day carrying up to 30 lbs;
• Experience with data entry and quality assurance/ quality control (QA/QC) procedures;
• Possession of a clean, valid state-issued driver’s license; and
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Preferred: 

• Reliable, a team player;
• Excellent organizational skills; and
• Experience using hand tools. Experience with power tools a plus.

Physical Demands:
The Plant Technician will be required to hike and navigate rugged, steep terrain for extended periods, often carrying up to 30 lbs of gear. The position involves working in varying weather conditions,

including temperatures ranging from 95°F to exceeding 100°F in summer and cold conditions in winter. The technician will need to stand, kneel, crouch, or bend for long periods during surveys and equipment setup, as well as camp overnight in rustic conditions. The role also involves working in remote environments and driving safely on unpaved roads. The technician must be adaptable to physically demanding field conditions and be capable of working both independently and as part of a team, requiring flexibility, stamina, and focus.

How to Apply: 

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application. 

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: 

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.

Note: 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs. 

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: 

Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.