Training Nursery Technician - Zion National Park

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Zion National Park, is seeking one member to contribute to nursery projects alongside Zion National Park staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: October 20, 2025

Estimated End Date: January 24, 2026

*a 14 minimum commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Zion National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is known for its dramatic canyons, soaring sandstone cliffs, and diverse ecosystems. From the cottonwood-lined Virgin River to high desert mesas, the park's unique environmental gradients support a wide range of plant species. Restoration efforts are critical in protecting sensitive native habitats that have been impacted by invasive species, development, and climate change.

For more information about Zion National Park, please visit the NPS website.

Position Overview: The intern will work with and assist Zion's vegetation program and nursery staff in the care and propagation of native plants used for habitat restoration throughout the park. Primary work will be centered around the park's native plant nursery, supporting daily operations that help prepare plants for revegetation of disturbed sites and ecological restoration projects.

Duties may include seed collection and processing, plant propagation, transplanting, irrigation system monitoring, greenhouse maintenance, soil media preparation, and plant health monitoring. The intern will learn and apply best practices in native plant nursery techniques, while gaining knowledge of local plant species, desert ecology, and resource management priorities in the arid Southwest.

This individual placement is intended to promote professional development, expand technical experience in nursery operations and native plant restoration, and build connections with public land management professionals. Opportunities may include shadowing other NPS resource divisions, participating in interdisciplinary field projects, and attending internal training.

Schedule: Member will likely work four ten hour shifts with potential for backcountry work. Hours will need to be flexible to fit NPS needs and some weekend work will be required.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $840/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members might be able to be accommodated in provided government housing at around $650/mo for the duration of the term. Government housing is typically a single room in a shared house, or a room in a bunk house; housing does not include Wi-Fi. Rentals costs would be the responsibility of the ACE member and will be billed monthly.

Training Reimbursement: ACE member will have up to $785 to spend on eligible training expenses

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21 to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.

• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position would hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in a field related to biology, botany environmental science or has other field experience
• Knowledge and familiarity with native plant propagation or nursery practices
• Interest in plant ecology, restoration, or desert ecosystems
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Willingness to learn irrigation systems, greenhouse operations, and plant ID skills

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike 4-6 miles over rough terrain carrying a 30 lbs pack, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 30 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise from hand and power tools
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website.Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC NPS Western Member Manager, Vanessa Rogan

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Salary : $840