Experienced Field Botanist (San Diego Area/Seasonal)

Overview

Work with a team of professional botanists, biologists, environmental scientists, technicians, and species experts at various fieldwork sites, adjusting to variable conditions and surroundings. A Seasonal Field Botanist performs tasks and assignments and is closely supervised. This is a seasonal position with flexible part-time and full-time positions available. Work will be available through September 2024. This work is exclusively located in San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside counties in Southern California.

Essential Duties

• Conduct reconnaissance to protocol-level botanical surveys.
• Camp overnight in remote locations to streamline access to survey sites.
• Use dichotomous key to identify plants to subspecies/variety using the Jepson Manual 2nd edition and other published flora across the state.
• Conduct vegetation sampling using the CDFW-CNPS Protocol for the Combined Vegetation Rapid Assessment and Relevé Field Form (will be trained; experience not necessary but preferred).
• Collect and process voucher specimens;
• Map vegetation habitats using geospatial software (points, lines, polygons, etc.);
• Document daily observations in database for GIS and statistical analysis;
• Study biological resources and environmental conditions affecting plants and wildlife;
• Communicate observations to associates, client representatives, contractors, County, and other trustee agencies as appropriate;
• Identify, classify, study distribution, abundance, ecology and behavior, as applicable, of plant and animal species;
• Research environmental effects of proposed project and identifies methods of improving or maintaining environmental conditions;
• Work with designated project biologists and outside experts to produce publishable research papers based on field data collected;
• Assist with data management and analysis;
• Keep accurate daily field notes;
• May assist with report writing;
• Adhere to safety and environmental compliance rules and reports any violations.

Additional Duties

• Support and assist Lead Botanist with special assignments or projects;
• Assist with data management and provide organizational support;
• Assist with cleaning vehicles, offices and overall equipment organization;
• Provide support in other departments when needed (i.e., wildlife and construction monitoring).

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology or current student majoring in Biology, or equivalent field experience. Field Botany and Plant Taxonomy courses preferred.

Experience: 3+ years related experience in field botany. Ability to identify plants using dichotomous keys. Preferred but not required: Experience conducting full botanical inventories, vegetation sampling, mapping natural communities, Rapid Assessments & Relevés, and use of the Manual of California Vegetation by the California Native Plant Society. Voucher specimen collection and processing a plus.

Knowledge: Beginning field experience and knowledge to recognize plants throughout Central California and beyond.

Skills: Must be able to keep concise, accurate and legible filed notes.

Abilities: Proficient computer skills, particularly Excel/Word. Able to drive company vehicles during various road conditions.

Licenses/Certifications: Licensed or certified to handle or survey for applicable endangered species a plus. Must also have a valid California Driver’s license. Certified CNPS Botanist is a plus.

Working conditions:

• Must be able to walk and/or hike 5 to 12 miles per day on varying, often rugged, terrain with day pack, water, supplies in variable weather conditions (windy, rainy, cold to 10°F, heat to 115°F). Work long days, typically 10 hours.
• Occasionally able to lift, pull or push up to 40 lbs. Will sit, stand or walk variable distances for up to the entire duration of a shift (typically 10-hour shifts, including drive time). Able to wear personal protective equipment (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and respirator).