Riparian and Wetland Ecological Monitoring Crew Leads/Botanists/Technicians – Montana & Idaho

The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Riparian and Wetland Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy. This protocol is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term hydrological, vegetation, and soils data to monitor wetland and riparian areas at multiple scales in BLM Districts in the Western U.S. 

We are currently recruiting Crew Leads, Botanists, and Technicians with experience in botany, ecology, and/or soil science for data collection in Montana and Idaho from mid May through end of August. Crews will be based in Missoula, MT.

Crews will work as a team of three with a Crew Lead, Botanist, and Technician to collect vegetation, soils, hydrology, and disturbance data in wetland and riparian ecosystems. Crews work eight-day hitches: 10-hours/day, from Tuesday-Tuesday, with a six-day break between hitches. All positions are field-based and require working and camping in isolated locations. We ask seasonal staff to commit to the entire field season, practice safety awareness, safe driving policies, and contribute to building a healthy, productive, and enjoyable work environment. Throughout the field season, crews will receive logistical and data management support from a UM Crew Manager. 

Applicants should understand that this is a physically demanding position. Crews often work and camp in inclement weather conditions, frequently navigating rough, unpaved roads in 4×4 vehicles, and carry heavy loads (40 lbs.) on foot over rugged desert and mountainous terrain. Sampling locations are occasionally near small towns, but these towns often have few amenities. Primitive camping is required. Cell phone service is limited. 

UM supplies all necessary monitoring equipment, including vehicles, to carry out the work. We provide some group camping gear (stoves, coolers). Individuals are responsible for their personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags), but UM provides up to $450 for each employee to purchase these items. 

Position Details 

• Position is full time, temporary (~5 months).
• Compensation is based on position, qualifications, and experience:
  • Crew Leads: starting at $22/hour
  • Botanists: $21-$22/hour
  • Technicians: $19-$20/hour
• All positions include:
  • $352.80 meal per diem per 8-day hitch (tax free).
  • Muck boots (kept by employee upon completion of the season, a ~$150 value).
  • Field/Camping Equipment (kept by employee upon completion of field season, up to $450 value).
  • Benefits include Worker’s Compensation coverage, paid holidays, and accrual of sick leave.
• Base location: Missoula, MT
  • Work will occur throughout Montana and Idaho, but crew members are expected to arrive at the base location of Missoula, MT at the start of each hitch.

Qualifications 

We encourage individuals with relevant skills and a strong desire to learn to apply for these positions, even if you don’t fully meet all listed qualifications. These positions are an excellent opportunity to develop skills, and significant training is provided. 

Education and Experience: 

Crew Lead 

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, soil science, range ecology, natural resources management, or related subject.
• At least two full seasons collecting scientific data in the field. A completed master’s degree with field work can satisfy this requirement.
• Experience/knowledge of vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data collection is preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas is preferred but not required.

Botanist 

• Minimum three years of undergraduate coursework required. Bachelor’s or master’s degree in botany, plant sciences, biology, soil science, range ecology, natural resources management, or related subject preferred.
• A minimum of one season of field data collection or intensive coursework in field data collection.
• Coursework and experience in plant taxonomy or systematics required. Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas preferred.

Technician 

• Minimum three years of undergraduate coursework required. Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, soil science, range ecology, natural resources management, or related subject preferred.
• A minimum of one season of field data collection or intensive coursework in field data collection.
• Coursework and experience in plant taxonomy or systematics OR in soil morphology and soil classification preferred.

Preferred Technical Skills: 

All Positions 

• Careful attention to detail.
• Experience following established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection.
• Experience with data entry and management using electronic devices.
• Experience navigating off trail with compass and GPS.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and preferably with Field Maps and Survey123.
• Experience driving 4WD trucks, especially on rough and unmaintained roads. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (DUI or other serious convictions need not apply).
• Certification in CPR and Wilderness First Aid.

Crew Lead 

• Experience performing QA/QC procedures on collected data throughout the field season to ensure data quality standards are met.
• Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to describe soil horizons, textures, and hydric indicators and collect soil samples for analysis.

Botanist 

• Experience identifying plants to species in the field using a dichotomous key (e.g., Flora of the Pacific Northwest, Hitchcock and Cronquist, Jepson), including challenging taxa, such as Salicaceae, Poaceae, and Cyperaceae. Successful AIM sampling requires rapid and accurate field identification using dichotomous keys and meticulous documentation of unidentified plants.
• Experience identifying wetland or riparian plants.
• Familiarity with commonly accepted plant nomenclature and taxonomy.
• Experience preparing and organizing voucher specimens.

Technician 

• Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora.
• -OR- Ability to describe soil horizons, textures, and hydric indicators and collect soil samples for analysis.

Professional Skills: 

Crew Lead 

• Experience supervising technicians, volunteers, or undergraduate students.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve interpersonal conflict during stressful situations.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders and partners in a professional manner.
• Experience managing gear and equipment for a crew, lab class, team, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and to work independently as required.
• Commitment to an entire field season.

Botanist and Technician 

• Ability to maintain good working relationships with crew members and managers.
• Ability to accept guidance and constructive criticism from peers and supervisors; willingness to learn and incorporate suggested changes.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve interpersonal conflict during stressful situations.
• Ability to interact with stakeholders and partners in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and to work independently as required.
• Commitment to an entire field season.

Physical Requirements: 

All Positions

• Ability to carry 40 pounds in a backpack over rugged mountainous terrain, off trail, for up to eight miles and 2000 ft. of elevation gain per day.
• Willingness and ability to maintain a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, cold or hot weather (20°F–110°F), rugged terrain, mosquitos, venomous snakes, bears and other wildlife, lightning, wildfire, etc., all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required.
• Willingness to work irregular hours in the field.

Training 

These positions are ideal for people who are committed to ongoing learning and professional development. You will receive paid training on AIM protocols and associated methodology. UM ecologists will also provide additional training on protocols, soil assessment, and plant identification for the area in which you will be working, and ongoing field-based support and training during the field season. You will have the opportunity to interact with seasoned staff scientists from both the BLM and UM throughout training and field work. 

About UM and O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West

The University of Montana is a flagship research institution with approximately 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) is a regional studies and public education program at UM. OCRMW staff are engaged in mapping wetlands across the western US, including Alaska; and in carrying out inventory and monitoring projects for federal, state, and tribal agencies.

To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit this link.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship. Particularly, the University is not able to pay the $100,000 payment accompanying new H-1B visa petitions.