Noxious Weed Technician

position: Noxious Weed Technician

Type of Position: Seasonal, variable schedule

Conditions: 40-60 hours per week (Time-and-a-half overtime rewarded)

Salary: $18-$21 D.O.E. (prevailing wages when applicable will exceed base pay)

Benefits: Company-matched retirement IRA, HSA, per-diem, and overtime

Work Location: Western Montana with limited travel

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Start Date: 05/04/2026 (flexible with student schedules)

General

At WMA, noxious weed technicians are at the forefront of responsible land stewardship and are expected to perform at a high level of precision and efficiency. As industry leaders in vegetation management, WMA aims to hire select individuals who are passionate and dedicated to ethical conservation and restoration efforts. Servicing both private and public entities, technicians will have the opportunity to gain valuable, real-world experience related to land management across western Montana and northern Idaho. WMA specializes in range/wild land management, making this an ideal position for folks who are drawn to wild places, enjoy physical labor, and are passionate about conservation. This is an entry-level position with ample opportunities for growth and career establishment/advancement. 

Job description

Technicians will be required to walk long distances, often across steep and difficult terrain, carrying a 40lb backpack in a range of environmental conditions. Ideal candidates will be proficient in native and non-native plant identification and have a working knowledge of various tree species in western Montana. Technicians will learn how to mix and apply herbicides according to manufacturer’s specifications and best-practice standards. Technicians will be expected to confidently operate ATV, UTV, and backpack herbicide Application equipment in a safe, responsible, professional, and efficient manner. They will also be required to keep detailed and comprehensive records of work performed in herbicide application areas. 

The field crew will meet every weekday morning (weather permitting) in Bonner, Montana (5 minutes east of Missoula). Occasional weekend work may be necessary. Some jobs will require technicians to spend up to 8 days (hitch schedule) working in remote locations across western Montana/northern Idaho. 4-6 days off following long hitches (8 days) will be granted. Technicians will be compensated with a $50 per-diem for each night spent working in locations that require camping/lodging (lodging costs covered by WMA). All employees are paid for travel while in company vehicles. Prevailing wage compensation for hitches can often exceed base pay.

Requirements

Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have an interest in noxious weed control and range management. One year of experience in noxious weed control is strongly recommended. Ideal applicants will possess or be currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ecology, Forestry, Environmental jobshiringnearme.org, or a related field. Applicants must possess a valid Montana Driver’s License with a clean driving record and must have reliable transportation to and from Bonner, MT. In addition to plant and tree identification, applicants will be required to have an understanding of navigational tools (Garmin GPS/Avenza) that support noxious weed management and re-vegetation efforts, operation and maintenance of equipment, and basic operations of tools. 

Applicants must be able to; lift 50+ pounds, perform physically demanding labor in a wide range of outdoor conditions, absorb and retain information quickly, exhibit exceptional communication skills, interact in a professional manner, work independently or with a team, competently maneuver on/off-road vehicles including trucks/ATVs/UTVs, maintain attention to detail, and be punctual. Experience pulling a trailer is a plus.