Botany Crew (CA, ID, and NV National Forests)
About The Position
We are opening this requisition early to identify strong candidates ahead of the main hiring season, with active recruitment expected from January through early February as partnership agreements with participating National Forests are finalized. Early applicants will be among the first considered once positions officially open, and applications will be reviewed for all available locations, with stated preferences taken into account. The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service is recruiting Botany Crew positions to support the study and review of proposed actions in National Forests in the Western U.S. This posting establishes a talent pool for seasonal botany positions typically active from early spring through fall (generally April–November). Projects focus on plant community assessments, rare and sensitive plant surveys, invasive species monitoring, and habitat condition evaluations, with assignments varying by forest location and project needs.
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 lead fieldwork in remote areas, including overnight camping if necessary
- 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.
- Experience conducting botanical field surveys, including rare plant surveys, under established project guidance
- Familiarity with standard field methods for botanical surveys, vegetation assessments, and habitat characterization
- Ability to identify plants using technical keys to the species or subspecies level, with support as needed
- Ability to accurately implement established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols
- Skills in GPS navigation and map reading
- Physical ability for fieldwork in remote areas, including overnight camping if necessary
- Ability to follow field instructions, work safely, and contribute effectively to team-based field projects
- Effective communication skills for coordination with multidisciplinary teams
- 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 one season of botany fieldwork experience.
Nice To Haves
- Experience leading crews in the field preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead field crews in botanical surveys to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, factors affecting vigor and extent of species and their habitat
- Manage crew safety, coordinate daily tasks, and ensure data collection adheres to USFS management protocols.
- Lay out monitoring plots
- Photograph or collect specimens as directed
- Produce maps of survey areas
- Record, enter and summarize data
- Use botanical keys to identify plants
- Administrative duties such as meeting with GBI staff, leading report writing, receipt management, managing crew members and team dynamics
- Additional tasks may include survey equipment setup, data quality assurance, and training
- Conducting botanical surveys to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, factors affecting vigor, and the extent of species and their habitats.
- Laying out monitoring plots.
- Photographing or collecting specimens as directed.
- Producing maps of survey areas.
- Recording, entering, and summarizing data.
- Using botanical keys to identify plants.
- Supervise contractors work for the USFS
- Assisting with reporting tasks as needed.
Benefits
- Housing provided for most positions.
- 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, and voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members.
- Mental health support resources are employer provided, competitive PTO accrual, and paid holidays.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
