Nevada BLM Stream Monitoring Riparian Botanist

Summary of Positions 

In partnership with the Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced riparian botanists to assist in the implementation of BLM’s Lotic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) initiative as well as the Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) of stream channels and streamside vegetation. Successful applicants will be trained in the methods by ecologists from CNHP and BLM and will spend the summer applying those protocols in stream reaches in Nevada to assess the riparian vegetation.  All hires must be available for the weeklong training on April 27 – May 2, 2026.

Two riparian botanists will be hired. The botanist will be part of a 3-person crew consisting of one botanist and two stream technicians that will work collectively to carry out aquatic and riparian sampling. The crew will begin field preparations starting April 20, 2026 (crew leads will start 1-2 weeks earlier) and will collect data into August/September. The team will work closely with Nevada BLM hydrologists, fisheries biologists, and other BLM staff within local Field Offices. Crews will typically work 8-day field hitches followed by 6 days off. Crews will camp on BLM land and typically work 10-hour days. Data collection will include water quality sampling, stream habitat data, and benthic macroinvertebrates. Field protocols can be found here: AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Wadeable Lotic Systems, TR1735-2 ver 2 (blm.gov) and Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) of Stream Channels and Streamside Vegetation

Riparian Botanist positions will be responsible for vegetation sampling along streams. They will need to identify all riparian vascular plants found along the streambank to the species level either in the field or in the office after sampling. They will collect vouchers of unknown species and track all unknown plants from multiple sites over a sampling hitch. The riparian botanist will also be responsible for collecting data on the intensity of grazing impact upon the streambank and riparian vegetation following defined protocols.          

CNHP is interested in finding the best candidates for these positions. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications – use your Application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring. 

Qualifications for All Positions

• Coursework in botany, ecology, wetland science, natural resources, range management, or related field required for all positions. A completed B.S. degree is preferred.
• Field experience collecting scientific data required for all positions.
• Experience with aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS preferred.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, share living quarters, car camp, and potentially backpack and hike long distances (up to 10 miles / day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs.) required for all positions.
• Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (30–110° F), mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required for all positions.
• High degree of comfort wading in all types of streams including those with slick rocks, boulders, fast water, cold water, deep mud, and log jams is required for all positions.
• Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms required for all positions. Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices preferred for all positions.
• Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with BLM staff and private landowners required for all positions.
• A valid driver’s license required for all positions. Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions.

Pay Rate: 

• $21-23/hr. Depending on experience.
• $60.00/day per diem & gear reimbursement when traveling beyond base location. Total travel reimbursement = $395-455 per two-week hitch (tax exempt). *Travel per diem adds approximately $5/hr. to the hourly pay rate
• Health insurance (monthly Premiums paid by CSU), retirement, paid federal holidays, and sick leave provided.