Botany Technician Seasonal- Groveland Ranger District; Stanislaus National Forest

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Groveland, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting Botany Technician 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.

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, factors affecting vigor, and the extent of species and their habitats.
• Performing invasive treatments through chemical and manual methods.
• 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

• Holiday pay
• Competitive PTO accrual
• Paid holidays
• 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
• Voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members
• Mental health support resources
• Free shared housing

What This Job Offers

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