Individual Placement - Willamette Valley Botany Participants

Position Summary 

52-week (12-month) position from February 9, 2026 – February 5, 2027 - The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently recruiting two members who will assist with botany and pollinator habitat management and restoration in and around the USACE’s 13 reservoirs in the Willamette Valley Region of Oregon.

Location 

Junction City, OR

Schedule 

February 9, 2026 - February 5, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The USACE’s mission includes environmental stewardship, and in the Willamette Valley, stewardship includes managing and restoring critical wetland and upland prairie systems that support designated critical habitat for the Fender’s blue butterfly, Kincaid’s lupine, and Willamette daisy. The member will assist with monitoring endangered plants, creating botanical species lists, and surveying for aquatic and sensitive plants. Additional duties will include mapping and removing invasive plants (including hand-pulling and herbicide), assisting with nursery and hoop house operations, collecting and processing seed, working with youth groups, entering data, working with ArcGIS, processing plant collections, and other duties as assigned. Opportunities to cross train with other disciplines, such as wildlife, cultural, fisheries, and recreation will also be available. Work and cross training opportunities are seasonally dependent and vary based on the time of year.

• Willamette daisy monitoring - 20%
• Fender's blue butterfly habitat monitoring (Lupine and nectar species) - 15%
• Rare plant surveys and mapping - 5%
• Invasive plant species mapping and removal (includes youth group work) - 20%
• Nursery and hoop house operations – 20%
• Seed collection and cleaning, and plant propagation - 5%
• Data entry - 5%
• ArcGIS mapping - 5%
• Other duties as assigned - 5%

Marginal Duties 

• cross train with other departments depending on the time of year and work priorities

Required Qualifications 

• Ability to work outdoors in remote settings and inclement weather
• Interest in botany and conservation
• lift and carry up to 40 lbs (day pack/bags of soil/plant trays)
• Ability to navigate by maps, aerial photos, compass, and GPS
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and scanning and willingness to bring your personal computer to the office to conduct office work
• Willingness to ride in and work from boats
• Willingness to get an herbicide applicator’s license
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to report on time to the USACE Fern Ridge Lake office
• Willingness to work a 40-hour work week with shifts ranging from 8-10 hours, depending on surveys. Shifts may occasionally increase to 12 hours but is not encouraged to occur regularly
• Knowledge of Northwestern U.S. plants and/or coursework in biology and botany

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience using ArcGIS and Field Maps applications
• Familiarity with technical plant identification methods including the use of dichotomous keys in regional floras of Washington, Oregon, or California
• Knowledge of manual techniques for managing non-native plants or trail crew experience
• Experience working in plant nurseries, agriculture, or gardening

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

The selected participant is required to secure their own housing in the nearby area.

Duty location

The members will report daily to the USACE Fern Ridge Lake office, 26275 Clear Lake Rd, Junction City, OR 97448. Public transportation options are limited, and the members must arrange their transportation to and from the office. Field sites may include any of the 13 reservoirs in the Willamette Valley Project, and these positions may occasionally require the members to use their personal vehicle (miles reimbursable) during work hours.

Compensation  

• $700 weekly living allowance
• $2,000 duty travel reimbursement (receipts required)*
• One-time round-trip up to $650 relocation travel reimbursement for non-local candidates (not available for candidates who do not relocate)

The living allowance is taxable. Service eligibility is contingent upon the results of a Federal government background check and driving record check. 

*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.

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

• Defensive Drive Training course
• First Aid/CPR certificatrion

Equal Opportunity Statement 

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

Salary : $700