What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Field Botanist - Northern California position at SummitWest Environmental?
This role is specifically for botanists with experience in the northern Sierras, Plumas NF and Northern California. You must have a LEAST 3 years of botanical survey experience (specifically, at the very please rare plant surveys) to be considered for this role.
You also must be able to tell us what you believe these plants are and how you made the determination.
Mystery Plant 1: https://bit.ly/mysteryplant01
Mystery Plant #2: https://bit.ly/mysteryplant02
This is a temporary position (expected through the end of June 2025), but full-time seasonal hours are expected during the fieldwork period. If you are interested in converting this into a year-round role, please indicate so in your application and note that year-round employment may include project management and desktop support responsibilities.
To Apply, Include in Your Cover Letter:
- Whether you are looking for full-time seasonal or year-round employment
- A brief description of your favorite rare plant survey or field experience
About the Role
As a Temporary Field Botanist, you will support fire management-related plant survey efforts in the Feather River Ranger District of Plumas National Forest, near Oroville, CA. You’ll conduct fieldwork, map rare and invasive plant species, manage data, and mentor junior staff. This role requires comfort working in rugged terrain and camping in remote areas.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct field-based botanical surveys, including rare and invasive species identification
- Map vegetation and special-status plant species using ESRI tools (e.g., Survey123, Trimble)
- Record plant observations, assist in keying specimens, and contribute to reporting
- Perform quality control on field data and desktop documentation
- Mentor junior staff and assist in field team logistics
- Collaborate with project managers and technical leads
- Work remotely and independently, with minimal supervision
- Operate company/personal vehicles safely under SummitWest policy
- Provide occasional support with desktop research and project coordination
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Botany, Biology, Ecology, or related field
- 3 years of botanical field experience, including in the northern Sierra Nevada
- Familiarity with California flora and use of dichotomous keys
- Proficiency in electronic data collection (e.g., GPS units, Survey123)
- Ability to hike long distances and work in rugged, remote environments
- Comfortable dry camping for up to 8 days at a time
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Must be based in California and authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Trimble or sub-meter GPS units
- Familiarity with federal agency survey protocols (e.g., USFS, BLM)
- 4x4 driving experience
- Background in mentoring field crews
Schedule & Work Conditions
- Project runs through end of June 2025
- Expected schedule: 10-hour field days for 8 days, followed by 4 days off
- Work includes hiking in rugged terrain, in all weather, and exposure to wildlife and environmental hazards
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay: $23–$45/hour, based on experience
- On-call, non-exempt status
- Eligible for:
- Paid Time Off & Sick Leave
- Cell phone stipend (project-dependent)
- Employee incentives and referral bonuses
About SummitWest Environmental
SummitWest is a people-first environmental consulting firm supporting diverse natural resource management projects across the western U.S. We combine technical expertise with a caring, collaborative culture. From field surveys to permitting to GIS and urban planning, our 100 team delivers high-impact results with integrity and excellence.
We are proud to support women in STEM and use a transparent, skills-based pay calculator to promote equity across roles.
Apply Today
Submit your resume and cover letter to:
recruitment@summitwestenv.com
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary
Pay: $23.00 - $45.00 per hour
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Work Location: On the road
Salary : $23 - $45
