Botany Crew Lead (Seasonal), Mi-Wuk RD, Stanislaus NF

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Mi-Wuk Village, CA

8d • $26 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Mi- Wuk Ranger District; Stanislaus NF USFS, California, The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting Botany Crew Lead to perform vegetation surveys and invasive species treatment within the Sierra Nevada mountain range. These projects serve the Basin & Range Forestry program’s greater mission of helping the USFS achieve its critical goal of improving forest resilience in the face of worsening climate conditions and increased wildfire threats. The work directly improves the quality of these forests, helping ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come. Crew members will benefit from exposure to USFS processes, procedures, compliance measures, and reporting, as well as technical experience. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., archaeology, wildlife, hydrology, recreation, etc.) and projects may exist. These positions protect sensitive botanical species, contribute to USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, and support initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources. Outcomes of fieldwork conducted in accordance with USFS protocols will advance planning for management actions on National Forest lands. Essential Job Functions may include the following: Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

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

• Free shared housing provided for the crew members.
• In addition to a competitive base salary, this full-time, on-site position includes company-paid premium comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance, as well as $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, and paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees