North Cascades National Park Ecological Restoration

Organization icon

Student Conservation Association

Location icon

Sedro-Woolley, WA, United States

Position Summary

The ecological restoration individual placement will work with field biologists and ecologists on a wide variety of work-related restoring, conserving and monitoring park native vegetation communities. The work includes identification of invasive and native plants, GIS mapping of invasives, invasive plant management through manual and chemical methods, seed collection, and restoration monitoring. Work may include work in all weather conditions, camping overnight, backcountry travel, and hiking off trail in densely vegetation areas and at high elevations. The individual placement will assist in other projects as directed. The works under the day-to-day supervision of a lead restoration specialist who assigns work and provides instruction.

Location

Sedro-Woolley, WA

Schedule

July 7, 2025 - October 25, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Invasive weed management; Restoration site monitoring and maintenance
  • Seed collection and seed cleaning
  • Data collection and management (spatial and qualitative/quantitative)
  • Frontcountry and backcountry off trail travel

Marginal Duties

  • Whitebark pine monitoring and inventory
  • Subalpine and alpine restoration
  • Hazard tree assessments

Required Qualifications

  • A strong background and interest in natural, environmental or biological sciences.
  • Interest in plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungus • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Extremely punctual and highly reliable, to ensure timely and systematic completion of tasks.
  • Ability to interact professionally with park staff and visitors.
  • Ability to work safely along busy roadways in the park.
  • Willingness to carry and operate a backpack herbicide sprayer (required).
  • Ability to travel safely in the backcountry and carry a heavy overnight pack.
  • Ability to hike up to 10 miles a day in rough terrain, high elevations, and remote settings.

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

  • Experience with native plant identification
  • First aid training

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

NPS housing will be available, as shared housing and potentially shared rooms, in Marblemount WA. This is located within a short walk of the office for the position. There are some nearby services available within walking distance.

Duty location: North Cascades National Park, Marblemount WA https://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm

North Cascades National Park Complex includes three NPS units: North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. The park is about 3 hours from Seattle and primary access to both North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 (SR 20) corridor. Stehekin and Lake Chelan are accessible by ferry or foot. Most of the park is a steep wilderness crossing the crest of the Cascade Mountains. Elevations range from near sea level to 9000 feet and include a diversity of ecosystems, from dense western Washington old growth forests to alpine environments. Dryer, warmer summers are bookended by high rains in spring and fall and heavy snows and avalanche risks above 2000 feet. Off-trail travel can traverse loose, steep slopes.

Compensation

  • $1,100 To/From Travel Allowance (Paid Once)
  • $500 Weekly Living Allowance (Paid bi-weekly)
  • Housing on Site provided
  • $1300 Duty Related Travel & Member Reimbursement (Receipts required)
  • Field Work Uniform Package
  • AmeriCorps Eligible (Award value $1,956) at fulfillment of 450 service hours

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

First Aid/CPR

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

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.