Botany Crew Lead Seasonal- Groveland Ranger District; Stanislaus National Forest (USFS), California

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Groveland, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting a Botany Crew Lead to conduct vegetation surveys and invasive species treatments within the Sierra Nevada. This role supports the Basin & Range Forestry program’s mission to improve forest resilience amid climate change and increasing wildfire risk. The position contributes directly to forest health by supporting vegetation management, fuels reduction, and conservation of sensitive plant species. Work conducted under USFS protocols informs land management planning and long-term ecosystem sustainability. Crew members gain hands-on experience with USFS processes, compliance standards, and field methodologies, with opportunities for interdisciplinary exposure (e.g., wildlife, archaeology, hydrology, recreation). This role is instrumental in building a robust dataset to enhance forest management strategies while supporting the professional development of field crew members and advancing the shared mission of the USFS and the Basin & Range Forestry program.

Requirements

• Experience conducting botanical field surveys, including rare plant surveys
• Strong understanding of and experience conducting standard botanical survey methods, vegetation assessments, and habitat characterization, with the ability to ensure consistent application across field crews
• Ability to identify plants using technical keys to the species or subspecies level and support others in accurate identification
• Experience implementing, overseeing, and ensuring compliance with established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols
• Proficiency in GPS navigation, map reading, and supporting map production for survey and monitoring efforts
• Physical ability for fieldwork in remote areas, including overnight camping if necessary
• Ability to coordinate daily field operations, manage crew safety, and adapt work plans in response to field conditions and project needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams and project partners
• Physical ability to carry a 30 pound backpack sprayer through varied, rugged terrain.
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Botany, or a related field with fieldwork experience OR three seasons of botany fieldwork experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience leading crews in the field preferred

Responsibilities

• Conducting botanical surveys to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, and factors affecting vigor and habitat extent.
• Performing and leading invasive treatments through chemical and manual methods.
• Managing and assisting the crew with laying out monitoring plots, conducting vegetation surveys, and performing mitigation activities.
• Leading the collection, recording, entry, and summarization of botanical data in accordance with USFS protocols.
• Photographing and collecting specimens as necessary for documentation or identification.
• Producing maps and summaries of surveyed areas using GPS data and GIS tools.
• Utilizing botanical keys for accurate plant identification and training crew members in this skill.
• Overseeing daily crew logistics, including the delegation of tasks, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining efficiency in fieldwork.
• Providing support for project-related reporting tasks in coordination with USFS staff.
• Training new crew members on survey protocols, plant identification, invasive treatment methods/procedures, and field equipment use.
• Communicating regularly with USFS agency staff to coordinate project planning, review progress, and resolve any challenges.
• Monitoring and addressing crew needs, including safety concerns, field equipment functionality, and morale.
• Ensure all crew members follow established safety procedures and practices.
• Coordinate schedules, field activities, and transportation for efficient project implementation.
• Foster a positive work environment by providing guidance, mentorship, and feedback to crew members.
• Facilitate clear communication between the crew, agency partners, and Great Basin Institute staff.

Benefits

• Holiday pay
• Free shared housing provided for the crew members.
• Company-paid premium comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance
• $25,000 Life/AD&D policy.
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies are available, along with voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members.
• Mental health support resources are employer provided
• Competitive PTO accrual
• Paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level