Seasonal Botanist

Job Type

Temporary

Description

DOES THIS DESCRIBE YOU?

You’re passionate about botany, native plant communities, and the stewardship of California’s diverse landscapes. You have experience conducting field-based botanical work, including rare plant surveys, floristic inventories, and vegetation classification or mapping. You’re comfortable working outdoors for long days in varied terrain and weather conditions, and you enjoy the hands-on aspects of fieldwork. You have a strong understanding of plant identification and survey protocols and are familiar with environmental compliance requirements related to vegetation management projects. Experience with U.S. Forest Service Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant (TESP) and noxious weed survey protocols, wetland delineations, and/or plant taxa identification in the Sierra Nevada or Great Basin region is a plus. You’re detail-oriented and enjoy collecting accurate field data, documenting findings, and contributing to high-quality environmental work. You’re collaborative, curious, and committed to learning and growing your botanical expertise alongside a supportive team.

Ascent is seeking a Seasonal Botanist in Northern California to assist with field surveys and environmental compliance for vegetation management projects throughout California, primarily in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Experience with rare plant surveys, floristic inventories, and vegetation classification and mapping is required. Experience with Forest Service Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant (TESP) and invasive plant survey protocols, wetland delineations, and/or plant taxa identification in the Sierra Nevada region is a plus. The Seasonal Botanist is classified as a temporary full-time position. Work periods will be as needed, but would be up to 40 hours per week in four 10-hour days (typically Monday–Thursday) from approximately May through July.

During a typical work week in this role, you might:

• Conduct floristic and targeted surveys for rare and invasive plants in areas where fuel reduction or other vegetation management activities are planned, using Forest Service or other appropriate protocols
• Work on projects in multiple counties across California and on different national forests
• Collect survey and inventory data, including species identification, population characteristics, extent of the species and their habitat, and other attributes in ArcGIS
• Complete field forms, digitally map and flag or stake sensitive plant occurrences and invasive plant infestations
• Maintain survey logs and other records
• Perform fieldwork in remote backcountry environments, including hiking long distances over steep, uneven, or rugged terrain while carrying field equipment.
• Perform biological resources assessments for plant and wildlife species, and describe general vegetation types and habitat conditions
• Provide other as-needed support to the Natural Resources team

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• Minimum of a BA or BS in environmental science, biology, botany, ecology, natural resources, or another related field (candidates with the equivalent in knowledge and experience may also be considered)
• At least one season of relevant experience (e.g., coursework, volunteering, or prior employment) conducting surveys for special-status plants, identifying plants of California, and identifying and mapping vegetation communities and habitat types, including identifying vegetation types according to A Manual of California Vegetation
• Map reading and field survey techniques, including the use of GPS units
• Proficiency in computer-based technologies, including the use of ArcGIS Field Maps and Applications
• Excellent documentation and data management skills, interpersonal skills, and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental conditions, including inclement weather, rugged terrain, and exposure to poison oak, while maintaining a positive attitude
• Flexibility to travel to remote locations for multiple days or weeks at a time
• Qualities: detail-oriented, resourceful, strong time management skills, enthusiasm, positive attitude

Work environment

• Fieldwork: outdoors, construction sites, various terrains and climates
• Remote wilderness setting, rugged terrain, and exposure to elements

Physical Demands

• Navigating different terrain environments, hiking up to 10 miles per day, or conducting observations for up to 12 hours per day
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at a time

Travel

• Travel is required, including overnight or multiple-day trips.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements: Not eligible for sponsorship

Additional eligibility requirements

• Must have a valid driver's license
• Ability to drive on dirt roads, sometimes requiring 4WD, in remote locations

Ascent believes in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive list of benefits offered can be found here.

As a people first organization, we value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions.

Interested in learning more about Ascent's culture? Reach out to our People Resources team at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

EEO Statement

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact [email protected].

Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly, the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above.

Salary Description

$30-$45 per hour