Regional Job Board

LAVO Vegetation Management Technician – Sierra Institute for Community and Environment

Mineral, CA

DEPARTMENT: Community Based Natural Resource Management
REPORTS TO: Director of Stewardship and Botany Specialist
LOCATION: [X] On Site, Mineral, CA [ ] Hybrid [ ] Remote
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: [ ] Full-Time [ ] Part-Time [X] Temporary
SEASON DATES: Approximately May – October. Some flexibility available.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute), in cooperation with Lassen
Volcanic National Park (LAVO), is hiring up to three Vegetation Management Technicians (Vegetation
Technicians) to work with and assist the LAVO Resource Management Team in all tasks associated with
non-native plant control as well as native plant monitoring and restoration in the park. The Vegetation
Technician works as team member to safely apply herbicide, utilize mechanical and non-mechanical
control methods for a range of invasive plant species to perform fundamental vegetation management
tasks to preserve and protect native plant communities. Invasive plant eradication can look like hiking
to a fire devastated area, manually collecting plants, and carrying them back to proper disposal. Visited
areas are mapped to quantify populations and provide insight on future management practices.
Invasive plant management is essential to all native plant conservation and this project will provide an
incredible opportunity for the Vegetation Technician to gain critical skills that may lead to future work
in national parks throughout the Pacific West Region. The position is considered a developmental
opportunity and will train the individual in proven and common methods of invasive plant control as
well as provide additional training in systematic botany and plant identification. The applicant should
be capable of hiking up to eight miles daily while carrying a pack weighing up to forty pounds.
The position offers a unique opportunity to work within the 106,000 acres of the park and includes
work in some of the most sensitive and beautiful areas within its boundaries. The Vegetation
Technicians may also participate in achieving goals for the Resource Management division that relate
to wildlife monitoring, post-fire habitat surveys, and other office tasks as needed. There will be
opportunities to join other resource management crews and gain experience in numerous other tasks.
This position is part of an exciting partnership between Sierra Institute and LAVO to complete a variety
of important vegetation management activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Assist Project Leads with botanical resource management activities primarily targeting
invasive species.
● Conduct a range of botanical surveys for both native and non-native species.
● Utilize manual, mechanical, and herbicide methods to treat invasive plant populations.
● Assist with preparation for and restoration of disturbed areas.
● Assist with other resource management activities as needed.
● Collaborate with both Sierra Institute and LAVO staff to achieve project goals.
● Maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
● Practice situational awareness, directly addressing and/or raising safety concerns as they
arise.
● Be eager to learn new skills and assist with an array of activities.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications:
● Minimum of a high school diploma; preferred college or community college experience.
● Must be a minimum of 18 years old to apply.
● Demonstrated interest in forest or other natural resource management, this may include
but is not limited to botanical research and survey work, land conservation, wildland fire,
etc.
● Ability to perform physically taxing work in all weather conditions in rugged mountainous
environments (i.e hike 5+ miles a day with a 30lb pack).
● Knowledgeable and proficient in backcountry travel.
● Sufficient equipment to perform the work, including sturdy shoes and appropriate
clothing for a range of environments.
● Good communication skills to effectively interact with the public and co-workers.
● Interest in, or familiarity with, principles of vegetation management, botany, or invasive plant
biology.
● A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
● Willingness to live in a small rural community.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree or work experience in related field.
● Knowledge of, or familiarity with botany and plant identification in California or other western
states.
● Wilderness medical training experience (e.g., WFA, WFR, WEMT);
● Leave No Trace or other backcountry ethics training.
● Interest in, or familiarity with, forested ecosystems of the northern Sierra and southern
Cascades.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The LAVO Vegetation Management Technician will be expected to walk 4-8 miles per day with a

field pack, ample water, and tools over rough terrain and in variable weather conditions. This position
requires the ability to recognize and mitigate safety hazards in the field and adapt to inclement
weather conditions (heat, smoke, thunderstorms, snow etc.). Treatment of invasive species will
include manual and mechanical methods as well as the use of herbicide. Training will be provided
for herbicide application. Strenuous and repetitive physical effort will be associated with invasive
plant management, botanical surveys, and long days of hiking in beautiful places.

SALARY & BENEFITS
Compensation is $20-$23 per hour commensurate with experience. Health benefits through Sierra
Institute are not available for this position, but may be obtained through Covered California
(http://www.coveredca.com/). Field staff will be provided monthly sick time, paid holidays, and a set
number of hours for paid wildfire mitigation leave. Paid wildfire mitigation leave is intended to mitigate
work days impacted by wildfire and smoke.
Necessary training will be provided (and paid): species identification, survey methodology,
Wilderness First Aid, and herbicide application.

APPLICATION PROCESS
● Send cover letter, resume, and three references as one PDF to jobs@sierrainstitute.us. Use
“LAVO Vegetation Management Technician” as the subject line.
● Mention where you heard about the job (be specific).
● Position open until filled; applications reviewed on a rolling basis starting February 9th,
2026.
● Questions? Call 530.284.1022 or email jobs@sierrainstitute.us.

ABOUT SIERRA INSTITUTE:
The Sierra Institute supports rural communities by promoting healthy forests, watersheds, and
natural resource management. Located in Taylorsville, CA, within Indian Valley, the organization
focuses on initiatives that benefit the environment, economy, and equity. Surrounded by public
lands like Plumas and Lassen National Forests, the area offers a uniquely rural lifestyle.
ABOUT MINERAL:
Mineral is a rustic small mountain town situated at an elevation of 4,915 feet, serving as the southern
gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park. With a population of approximately 123, it functions as a
peaceful basecamp for those exploring the rugged volcanic landscapes of the Cascade Range. The
community is anchored by landmarks like the Mineral Lodge and the historic Lassen Volcanic National

Park Headquarters, offering a glimpse into the region’s deep roots in federal forestry and early 20th-
century tourism.