Botany & Weeds Members

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, is seeking Two Botany & Weeds Members to contribute to the Noxious Weed and Botany Programs of Land Management Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: April 2025 (contingent upon passing a government background check)

Estimated End Date: 26 weeks after the start date

*a 26-week minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Coos Bay District, OR

The BLM office is located in North Bend, Oregon. The Coos Bay District includes a wide variety of habitats such as, shady old growth forests, sand dunes, and coastal meadows. Recreation sites are scattered throughout the district and include the Coos Bay North Spit, Bastendorff Beach, New River; Loon Lake, Sixes, Edson and other campgrounds that lie between the Pacific Ocean and crest of the Coast Range from approximately Reedsport to the Oregon-California border.

For more information about the Coos Bay District, please visit the BLM website.

Position Overview:

Weed Management Duties:

• The Member will conduct surveys, collect data, control invasive plants, and manage survey data.
• The Member will have the opportunity to assist the Northwest Youth Crew in manual control projects in a variety of habitats with an emphasis on recreation areas where visitors inadvertently introduce or spread invasive plants.
• While assisting with weed management, the Member will be required to walk long distances, while carrying up to 45 pounds.

Botany Duties:

• Members will assist District Botanists with rare plant monitoring, rare plant vegetation management and seed collections in a variety of coastal habitats.

Hinsdale Garden Duties:

• Primary duties at the garden will include learning about various pruning techniques, learning how to install and maintain water systems and weeding.
• The Member will take photographs of the garden plants and add information to the database.
• In addition, the Member will help create and promote public information materials for the garden, work on existing trails, and help the Friends Group with public tours of the garden.

The Member will wear appropriate personal protection equipment while in work status. This position may be exposed to a variety of seasonal weather conditions while working outdoors and requires frequent interactions with the public.

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.

Schedule: The member will be expected to serve most commonly while in the position, Mon-Fri, with potential for weekend service between an 8-10 hr day. The days/hours served will vary throughout the position and flexibility will be required.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the Bureau of Land Management and ACE and is not flexible.

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 and citizenship. Please see the ACE website for more information on PLC eligibility. Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in BLM Coos Bay provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term. Housing is shared by both ACE Members during the duration of the term.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $600 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $300 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes, good hiking boots, quick dry clothing, personal backpack, tent and rain gear, and must be approved by ACE 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. Specific training may include field work and risk assessment training, non-motorized watercraft training, UTV and may include professional development training as available.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Applicants for this position must hold a bachelors degree and/or have work experience in environmental science, botany, horticulture, natural resource management, park management, recreation, wildlife biology, or a related discipline while enrolled in a related college or university program.
• 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).
• 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.
• The Members must be resourceful, adaptable, and able to work reliably and productively alone or in a group.

BLM Requirements:

• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals and demonstrate effective communication skills with the public of all ages and backgrounds.
• Interest in a career in Natural Resources and Natural Resources Management.
• Experience with outdoor work in all types of weather.
• Pass a federal background check.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a botany, horticulture, or biology degree and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as plant pathology or related natural resources fields.
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Knowledge and ability utilizing GPS equipment in the field.
• Knowledge of plant ID keys, highly desirable to have some invasive plants knowledge or willingness to learn.
• It is highly desirable to have a personal vehicle, as it is difficult to secure reliable rides for groceries, travel, or partake in other activities during off hours/days.

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. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• 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 45 lbs., ability to move up to 50 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 gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.

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.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Bureau of Land Management. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the Bureau of Land Management, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Bureau of Land Management 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 Project Manager – EPIC BLM/USFS, Anna-Louise Calliham.

ACE values an inclusive workforce – if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

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 with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.