Temporary Field Botanist – Northern CA
SummitWest Environmental (Private) | https://www.summitwestenv.com
Details
Application Deadline:
12/31/2025
Published:
05/13/2025
Starting Date:
after 5/13/2025
Hours per Week:
40 - 60
Salary:
$23 to $45 per hour
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
at least 3 years
Location:
Northern California (Plumas National Forest, California)
remote work allowed
remote work allowed
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
Position Title: Temporary Field Botanist – Northern CA
Location: Feather River Ranger District, Plumas National Forest (near Oroville, CA)
Status: On-call / Non-exempt
Compensation: $23–$45/hour (DOE)
Hours: Flexible, up to 40+ hours/week
Start Date: Immediate; project runs through end of June
To Apply: Submit resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: recruitment@summitwestenv.com
Location: Feather River Ranger District, Plumas National Forest (near Oroville, CA)
Status: On-call / Non-exempt
Compensation: $23–$45/hour (DOE)
Hours: Flexible, up to 40+ hours/week
Start Date: Immediate; project runs through end of June
To Apply: Submit resume, cover letter, and 3 references to: recruitment@summitwestenv.com
Applications missing a cover letter or references will not be considered.
About the Role:
SummitWest Environmental is hiring a Temporary Field Botanist to support environmental compliance on a fire management project in Northern California. This position focuses on rare and invasive species mapping, botanical surveys, and field reporting. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals with strong botany skills and Sierra Nevada field experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct botanical field surveys independently or as part of a team
- Identify and map rare and invasive plant species
- Use Survey123, GPS, and ESRI tools for data collection
- Prepare daily summaries and assist with reporting
- Mentor junior staff and ensure data quality control
- Coordinate with SummitWest project managers and clients
- Travel to and work from remote field sites (dry camping and/or local lodging)
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s in botany, ecology, biology, environmental science, or related field
OR 3+ years of biological field experience - 3+ years conducting botanical surveys (including rare/invasive species work)
- Experience in Sierra Nevada ecosystems
- GPS and mobile data collection proficiency
- Strong botanical ID and plant taxonomy knowledge
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Based in California and authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred:
- 4x4 driving experience
- Familiarity with Trimble or sub-meter GPS tools
- Experience supervising field teams or mentoring junior staff
Physical Readiness & Schedule:
- Ability to hike long distances in rugged terrain and variable weather
- Carry up to 25 lbs and work 10-hour field days
- Field hitch schedule: 1 day travel, 8 days fieldwork (10 hrs/day), 1 day return, 4 days off
- Dry camping in National Forest areas, occasional Airbnb stays
Perks & Benefits:
- Sick leave eligibility
- Potential cell phone stipend
- Employee incentives and referral program
Company Values:
SummitWest is a woman-owned environmental consulting firm dedicated to collaborative, people-first values. We promote professional growth, diversity, and inclusion—with a strong commitment to supporting women in STEM and ensuring pay transparency through an equitable wage calculator.
Contact
Christina Wenborne
recruitment@summitwestenv.com (preferred contact method)