Job Description

The Malheur National Forest of the Pacific Northwest Region of the USDA Forest Service is seeking individual placements to help restore recently-burned forests. The Malheur National Forest of 1.7 million acres is in the scenic and remote Blue Mountain ecoregion in Eastern Oregon. Forest Headquarters are in John Day, Oregon, with three ranger districts. Selected placements will work on a variety of post-fire restoration projects, including invasive plant surveys and control and native plant seed collection.

Location

John Day, OR

Schedule

June 1, 2026 - September 18, 2026 (16 weeks)

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Invasive surveys on foot and in a pickup truck or UTV along roads, trails, and cross-country
• Invasive control using hand tools, herbicides, and biological controls
• Native plant seed collection
• Native plant seeding in fire-disturbed areas
• Data collection using provided electronic devices and Field Maps or Survey 123 apps
• Navigation using electronic devices and maps

Marginal Duties

• Development of ArcGIS online maps for field use
• Management of online data
• Assisting with other field data collection projects with botany, wildlife, and other programs as needed
• Complete required trainings for vehicle use, field check out systems, and related tasks

Required Qualifications

• Driver's license
• Natural resources background
• Ability and desire to learn to recognize about 20 species of common roadside noxious weeds and about 20 species of native plants targeted for seed collection
• Ability to safely operate a pickup truck on sometimes rough 4-wheel-drive roads
• Must work well with a team and independently
• Ability to carry and load up to 50 lb bags of seed or ~4 gallon backpack sprayer over rugged terrain
• Reliable and trustworthy, including proper safety management around mechanical tools

There is an expectation of up to $2,000 of out-of pocket expenses for Duty-Related Travel. This is a tax-free reimbursement and receipts are required. Your SCA Program Coordinator, will assist you with the reimbursement process.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications

• Personal vehicle highly recommended for travel to nearby areas outside of work time (extremely limited public transportation options)
• Botany or plant or range related background or degree preferred
• Herbicide applicator license in Oregon or Washington
• Experience with technical botanical keys

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing may be provided, but if not, a monthly housing allowance is provided to secure housing in the area.

Compensation

• $1,100 to from travel allowance (one time)
• $550 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
• $50 weekly commuting allowance (paid bi-weekly)
• $500 monthly housing allowance (4 disbursements)
• All Weather Uniform Package
• 24-7 Incident Response
• Personal Program Coordinator

*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes

Personal Vehicle Information

Strongly Recommended

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: May be an option, award availability depending

Equal Opportunity Statement

The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where people may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.