Botany Technician Seasonal- Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Elko, NV

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), is recruiting a Botany Technician to support botanical and ecological resource surveys within the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range of northeastern Nevada. These surveys support NEPA analysis for proposed fuels reduction and forest health treatments associated with the Elko Front Project. This position supports the Basin & Range Forestry program’s mission to improve ecosystem resilience and forest health in the face of increasing wildfire risk and changing climate conditions. Botany Technicians will work as part of a field crew to collect high-quality vegetation data, assist with monitoring sensitive plant species and noxious weeds, and contribute to long-term forest health assessments, including whitebark pine monitoring. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in botanical fieldwork, data collection, and federal land management processes.

Requirements

• Coursework or degree in botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field; OR Equivalent combination of education and field experience
• Basic plant identification skills and willingness to learn regional flora
• Ability to follow technical field protocols and collect accurate data
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Experience or familiarity with GPS navigation, maps, or outdoor fieldwork
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to work and camp in remote, rugged environments for extended periods
• Physical ability to hike long distances (up to ~10 miles/day), carry up to 50 lbs, and work in variable weather

Nice To Haves

• Experience with botanical surveys or vegetation monitoring
• Familiarity with Great Basin or Intermountain flora
• Experience using dichotomous keys for plant identification
• Basic GIS or data management skills
• Experience with 4WD vehicle operation

Responsibilities

• Conducting botanical surveys following Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants (TESP) protocols
• Identifying plant species using dichotomous keys (including Intermountain Flora)
• Surveying and documenting sensitive plant populations and noxious weeds
• Collecting rare plant specimens as directed
• Assisting in establishing and monitoring long-term whitebark pine (WBP) plots
• Assessing whitebark pine health, including blister rust presence, using established protocols
• Recording field data on plant populations, habitat conditions, and environmental factors
• Performing data entry, management, and weekly data downloads with attention to quality control
• Navigating using GPS, maps, and compass in remote field settings
• Supporting report preparation and end-of-season data summaries
• Working collaboratively with crew members and maintaining effective communication
• Following all safety protocols and field procedures
• Camping for extended periods in remote locations and working in rugged terrain

Benefits

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (with upgrade options)
• $25,000 Life/AD&D policy (company-paid)
• Optional short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Employer-provided mental health support resources
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree