Botany Crew Lead

JOB TITLE:                                                                  Crew Lead, Botany Division

CLASSIFICATION:                                                       Crew Lead

STARTING WAGE RANGE:                                         $24-25/ hour

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:                                                Full-Time, Seasonal, Hourly

LOCATION:                                                                 Hayfork or Weaverville, CA

About the Watershed Research and Training Center

The Watershed Research and Training Center (WRTC) sustains healthy lands and healthy communities. What started in the early 1990’s as a local project to re-train displaced loggers and mill workers in Trinity County, CA is now a vibrant nonprofit organization working locally, statewide and nationally on a host of landscape conservation and community development issues.

In addition to putting dozens of our community members back to work in the woods each year, we lead several forest and watershed conservation programs, coordinate state biomass and fire management partnerships, and have played an influential role in state and federal policy-making and program direction. We are a team of approximately 75 year-round staff with up to 80 additional seasonal staff dedicated to caring for people and the landscapes we depend upon.

Job Summary

Our Botany Field Crews perform rare plant surveys for NEPA and CEQA projects, noxious weed surveying and removal (post-fire footprints, riparian areas, roadside), post fire restoration (seeding and mulching), seed collection, and riparian restoration planting.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to hike and navigate difficult terrain in inclement, hot, or smoky weather, use electronic devices to accurately gather and record data, and will occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Position Scope, Responsibilities and Core Duties

Field work throughout Trinity County, CA 

• Ensure crew members follow survey protocol during floristic surveys.
• Drive long hours into remote country using 4-wheel drive vehicles.
• Assist with survey coordination, reaching weekly and monthly goals for survey areas.
• Oversee strict surveying protocols; responsible for accurate and thorough mapping and boundary marking.

Crew Leadership

• Create a positive team dynamic among botany crew members and trainees.
• Support team members’ development, training, and morale through delegation of tasks.
• Work with Division leadership to ensure safety and high-quality work.
• Assist with gear maintenance and inventory, including vehicle upkeep.
• Interact positively and professionally with other employees and crew members, landowners, community members, and agency employees
• Complete and track weekly safety meetings in coordination with other organizational staff.

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies: 

• At least one season of botany experience and/or education.
• Prior experience in a leadership position.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• A strong work ethic and enthusiasm conducting fieldwork.
• Knowledge of Trinity County/local flora and ability to identify noxious or rare species.
• Experience working and navigating in remote areas.
• Ability to work outdoors in rough terrain and inclement weather including hiking up to 15 miles a day and lifting up to 50lbs occasionally, without assistance.
• Ability to make decisions and promote a safe and efficient work environment.
• Proficient use handheld GPS devices/programs (e.g. Field Maps, Avenza, Trimble, Garmin, etc) to navigate remote areas and to track key project data accurately.
• Proficient use and care of field tools (e.g., compass, clinometer, weed wrench, geopick, hori-hori etc.).
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

Compensation and Benefits

• This position is seasonal and is paid hourly. It is a non-exempt position, meaning it is eligible for overtime.
• The pay range for seasonal crew leads is between $24 – $25/hour.
• Benefits include: an employer contribution toward health insurance, employer paid vision and dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, paid holidays.

Other Details

• This is a seasonal position for the 2026 field season. Seasonal start and end dates will be determined based on weather, available worksite and other factors.
• Typical weekly schedules during the spring and summer are four 10-hour days (Mon-Thurs). Overtime may be available based on season and project needs.
• Ability to camp is required. Per diem is available when camping outside of Hayfork, CA and Weaverville, CA (home offices).
• Support in locating housing may be provided in some situations.