Assistant Field Botanist/Lead Field Botanist

CNPS is looking to hire at least two Lead Field Botanists and three Assistant Field Botanists. These are full‐time positions that would be supervised by the Vegetation Field Data Specialist or Vegetation Ecologist. The positions include eight months of work, beginning in February or March 2024, and may be extended beyond a year depending on funding. The positions will survey and map California’s diverse flora and vegetation assemblages, implement different 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.

The CNPS Vegetation Program supports vegetation sampling, classification, mapping, and monitoring across California. Our statewide system has been developed over the past 25 years by CNPS and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and is used by both governmental and non-governmental institutions to map, categorize, describe, and rank rarity of vegetation. We also collaborate with a variety of other local, state and national entities on fine-scale mapping, long-term monitoring, and data analysis including with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring program. At the heart of our efforts is A Manual of California Vegetation; originally a hard-copy reference, this resource is now available and regularly updated online. What You’ll DoOffice work 

• Interact directly with the CNPS project supervisors and other partners with regard to project planning, data compilation, transfer of field data, etc
• Perform data entry, data cleansing, quality control, compilation, and management of vegetation data in MS Access, Survey123 and related software
• Maintain and organize field gear, supplies, paperwork, etc.
• Identification of plant specimens with dissecting microscope and dichotomous keys (such as in the Jepson Manual)
• Sorting and processing of plant vouchers and seeds
• Sorting and research of digital data; summarizing data in tables and queries
• Vegetation / plant description writing and related tasks
• Querying GIS data, creating GIS range maps, and other GIS functions
• Verifying or mapping of rare plant species occurrences in GIS and written text
• Fine-scale mapping of vegetation in ArcGIS
• Periodically attend monthly CNPS and/or quarterly meetings. Represent CNPS and the Vegetation Program at meetings as needed

Additional requirements for the Lead Field Botanist position: 

• The ability to assist in coordinating sampling missions
• Plan effective and safe routes to and from field sampling areas Coordinate with landowners / managers
• Mentor field assistants and/or volunteers to ensure safe working environments, support efficiency and accuracy of plant / community identification, and to ensure data integrity

Fieldwork  

• Collect both quantitative and qualitative plant species, plant community, habitat, and environmental data
• Use of sampling methodologies such as the BLM Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) and CNPS-CDFW Vegetation rapid assessment and relevé sampling methods, CNDDB field survey form for rare species, etc
• Collect field data in remote areas with rigorous conditions including wild areas away from roads and facilities
• Perform surveys in riparian & wetland and upland habitats in southern, central and/or northern California

Focus areas for fieldwork in 2024 will include Northern California (e.g., Modoc Plateau, Klamath – Siskiyou Mountains) and Central California (e.g., Central Coast, Central Sierra Nevada). 

Work may be in shifts of up to 10 hours per day during 4‐day or 7-day sampling missions, primarily with camping or sometimes staying at motels overnight. Field time will likely consist of 50 – 75% of the position duties. 

The Lead Field Botanist will take on a larger role in supporting and managing crew safety and wellbeing, 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. Who You AreData & office skills:  

• Strong organizational, verbal and written communication, analytical and computer skills (Windows Operating System, Microsoft Word, Excel, and email)
• Experience with GIS software, such as ESRI ArcPro, ArcGIS online, databases (e.g. Access) and/or spreadsheets
• Proficiency in data entry, quality control, and management of both hard copy and digital data. Familiarity with CNDDB a plus
• Ability to keep accurate records
• For the Lead Field Botanist position, an undergraduate degree in biology, botany, or a related field is required

Field skills:  

• Strong background in California plant identification and ability to identify live and pressed plants, using the Jepson Manual and other floras
• Ability to sight identify Central and/or Northern California plant species
• Experience conducting botanical surveys, ecological surveys (e.g., BLM AIM protocols and CNPS vegetation protocols)
  • Note: The Lead Field Botanist position will be required to demonstrate greater than two years field data collection experience
• Experience with GPS or other mobile digital units and field survey equipment (e.g. compass, rangefinder, tape measure)
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental conditions, including inclement weather, rugged terrain, and Poison Oak (and other toxic plants)
• Ability to drive 4X4 vehicle over variable terrain
• Ability to ride in or drive an OHV vehicle (Side x Side and/or ATV)
• Ability to carry a heavy backpack and/or tools
• Ability to interpret hard copy and digital topographic / aerial maps and perform regular field sampling missions for one to two weeks at a time

Nice To Have’s 

• For the Assistant Field Botanist position, coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related fields towards a bachelor’s degree is preferred
• Ability to work independently and coordinate daily tasks
• Expertise in recognizing and determining riparian & wetland plant species
• Experience with recognizing and keying soils
• Experience with hydrologic surveys (e.g., CRAM or AIM riparian & wetland methods)
• Enthusiasm, positive attitude, and ability to work well in a team setting 

Physical Requirements This job requires prolonged sitting, use of computer and mouse, and 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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Additional Information 

• Office work schedule is generally eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Flexible schedules are possible
• Fieldwork schedules can be rigorous (e.g. 10 hours per day during 4- or 7-day stints, with camping remotely or staying at motels/home rentals overnight)
• A valid California driver’s license is required
• While working remotely, project work may include northeastern California (e.g., Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Shasta, Trinity, etc. counties), or centrally located (e.g., Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Mono, Inyo, etc. counties) with support from the main CNPS office in Sacramento, CA