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 project\location 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  

Office work 

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 

Field Skills:  

Data & Office Skills:  

Education 

 

Nice To Have’s