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).
Employment type
Temporary
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