Assistant Field Botanist/Lead Field Botanist

CNPS is looking to hire five to six seasonal field botany positions. These include 3 – 4 Assistant Field Botanists and 2 – 3 Lead Field Botanists. These are all full‐time, non-exempt positions that will be supervised by either the Vegetation Field Data Specialist or Vegetation Ecologist. The positions include seven or ten months of work (dependent upon projectlocation hired for), beginning in March 2025. Some positions may be extended beyond a year depending on the success of efforts to secure additional funding. The positions will survey and map California’s diverse flora and vegetation assemblages, implement vegetation sampling methods to collect field data, identify plants to the species and subspecies/variety level, identify soil and hydrologic characteristics, voucher plant specimens, collect and process native plant seeds, and enter/manage field data. 

Two to three positions will support statewide vegetation sampling efforts in the Klamath Mountains or in Southern California (10-month term positions) working with various partners.  

Three to four positions will support Wetland and Riparian Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) data collection in association with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) throughout California (for 6-month or 7-month positions).

What You’ll Do

Fieldwork  

• Collect both quantitative and qualitative plant species, plant community, habitat, and environmental data.
• Use sampling methodologies such as the BLM Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) and CNPS-CDFW Vegetation rapid assessment and relevé sampling methods, CNDDB field survey form for rare species, etc.
• Collect field data in remote areas with rigorous conditions including wild areas away from roads and facilities.
• Perform surveys in riparian & wetland and upland habitats in southern, central and/or northern California.

Office work 

• Interact directly with the CNPS project supervisors and other partners for project planning, data compilation, transfer of field data, etc.
• Perform data entry, quality control, compilation, and management of vegetation data in MS Access, Survey123 and related software.
• Maintain and organize field gear, supplies, paperwork, etc.
• Identify plant specimens with dissecting microscope and dichotomous keys (such as in the Jepson Manual).
• Sort and process plant vouchers and seeds.
• Sort and research digital data; summarizing data in tables and queries.
• Develop social media and blog posts.
• Query GIS data, create GIS range maps, and other GIS functions
• Verify or map rare plant species occurrences in GIS and written text.
• Perform fine-scale mapping of vegetation in ArcGIS.
• Attend monthly CNPS and/or quarterly meetings and represent CNPS and the Vegetation Program at meetings as needed.

Additional requirements for the Lead Field Botanist position require an ability to assist in coordinating sampling missions, plan effective and safe routes to and from field sampling areas, and coordinating with landowners/managers. The Lead Field Botanist needs to provide mentorship to Assistant Field Botanists and/or volunteers to ensure safe working environments, collect data efficiently and accurately with plant / community identification, and ensure data integrity. 

Focus areas for fieldwork in 2025 will occur in core areas of California; including the following: a) southern California Mountains and Valleys for one to two positions, b) Klamath – Siskiyou Mountains and North Coast of Mendocino for one position, c) Modoc Plateau, Mojave & Sonoran Deserts, Great Basin for three positions.  

Work will often be scheduled in shifts of up to 10 hours per day during 4‐day or 8-day field sampling missions, with camping or sometimes staying at motels overnight required. Fieldwork will account for 60-75% of position duties. 

The Lead Field Botanist will perform advanced functions by supporting and managing crew safety and well-being, coordinating field logistics and scheduling, managing the crew’s equipment, and completing administrative paperwork. Before, during, and after field data collection, the Lead Field Botanist will be responsible for the data collection, quality control, and organization of all data collected using iPad tablets / paper forms / digital file storage systems.

Physical Requirements 
These jobs require the ability to participate in fieldwork including standing, hiking, driving, carrying gear (up to 1/3 of your body weight), and traveling off-trail in sites with variable grade. Administrative duties may also require prolonged sitting and use of a computer and mouse. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

Additional Information 

• Office work schedules are generally eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Flexible schedules may be possible.
• Fieldwork schedules can be rigorous (e.g. 10 hours per day during 4- or 7-day stints, with camping remotely or staying at motels/home rentals overnight).
• A valid California driver’s license is required.
• Project work will occur in specific areas throughout California (e.g., Southern CA Mountains and Valleys, Klamath – Siskiyou Mountains and North Coast, Modoc Plateau, Mojave & Sonoran Deserts, Great Basin) with support from the main CNPS office in Sacramento, CA.

 

Who You Are

Field Skills:  

• Strong background in California plant identification and ability to identify live and pressed plants, using the Jepson Manual and other floras.
• Ability to sight identify Central and/or Northern California plant species.
• Experience conducting botanical surveys, ecological surveys (e.g., BLM AIM protocols and CNPS vegetation protocols).
• Experience with GPS or other mobile digital units and field survey equipment (e.g. compass, rangefinder, tape measure).
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental conditions, including inclement weather, rugged terrain, and Poison Oak (and other toxic plants).
• Ability to drive 4X4 vehicle over variable terrain.
• Ability to ride in or drive an OHV vehicle (Side x Side and/or ATV).
• Ability to carry a heavy backpack and/or tools.
• Ability to interpret hard copy and digital topographic / aerial maps and perform regular field sampling missions for one to two weeks at a time.
• To be considered for the Lead Field Botanist position you will be required to demonstrate more than 24 months of field data collection experience

Data & Office Skills:  

• Strong organizational, verbal and written communication, analytical and computer skills (Windows Operating System, Microsoft Word, Excel, and email).
• Experience with GIS software, such as ESRI ArcPro, ArcGIS online, databases (e.g. Access) and/or spreadsheets.
• Proficiency in data entry, quality control, and management of both hard copy and digital data. Familiarity with CNDDB a plus.
• Ability to keep accurate records.

Education 

• The Lead Field Botanist requires, at minimum, an undergraduate degree in biology, botany, plant ecology, or a related field.
• Applicants for the Assistant Field Botanist positions, should have completed some coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related fields towards a bachelor’s degree.

Nice To Have’s 

• Ability to work independently and coordinate daily tasks.
• Expertise in recognizing and determining riparian & wetland plant species.
• Experience with recognizing and keying soils.
• Experience with hydrologic surveys (e.g., AIM or CRAM riparian & wetland methods).

What You’ll Get

• Compensation: Reflecting CNPS’s commitment to competitive, fair, and transparent compensation, we publish the full potential starting pay ranges for new hires and do not negotiate hiring bonuses.
  • The Assistant Field Botanist is a full-time position with a starting hourly rate of $22.91 – $24.69. 
  • The Lead Field Botanist is a full-time position with a starting hourly rate of $26.87 – $28.96.
• Performance Based Compensation Increases: Employees may receive up to a 3.8% performance-based annual rate increase.
• Health Insurance: 100% coverage of employee premiums for health (Kaiser or Anthem), life, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with up to 6% matching contributions, available immediately upon employment.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Options for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Dependent Care Account (DCA), and Transportation Savings Account (TSA).
• Paid Leave: 13 holidays, 12 sick/wellness days, and 10 vacation days.
• Parental Leave: 16 weeks (about 3 and a half months) of paid parental leave, after one year of employment.
• Work-from-Home Support: CNPS-issued laptop and a $60/month telework stipend.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Comprehensive support for employees and their families.
• Professional Development: Annual budget of $1,000 and 32 hours for professional development opportunities.
• Team Building: Attendance at semiannual staff team-building events.
• Membership: Complimentary CNPS Society membership.
• Bragging Rights: “Superhero to the Planet” status for your contributions to conservation.