Botanist

Summary

This is a posting for one full-time Botanist GS -9 or GS-7 equivalent, for the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT), functioning out of TRT's Sonora office. This grant-funded position primarily supports the Forest Health Program's operations and project development. However, the position will be able to support other TRT programs, such as river and meadow restoration, advocacy, and education, as time and funding allow.

Information

The Botanist will play a critical program role by working closely with TRT's Forest Health Program Manager and Project Managers to monitor and protect botanical resources within forest health treatment units. The Botanist will be the primary liaison between TRT and the Stanislaus National Forest's botanical and natural resources staff. Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. This is not a research lab position, this position requires spending a considerable time in the field from Spring through fall, conducting work in strenuous, remote and poor weather conditions. Familiarity with local CA native plant species and invasive species management preferred.

Equity at TRT

TRT holds a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity as core principles integral to the work we do. As we add new members across all levels of the organization, we seek diverse perspectives and lived experiences that foster learning, creativity, innovation, and equity. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The position's primary duties will be coordinating quality control on contracted botanical surveys and invasive species treatments (manual, mechanical, cultural, & chemical), consulting with project managers and contractors, monitoring forestry treatments within invasive and sensitive species sites, and assessing damage and any required mitigation to resources. In addition, the Botanist will be responsible for training TRT staff on botanical resource protection best management practices. The Botanist will help implement projects designed to increase the health and resilience of the Sierra Nevada forests, protecting and advocating for the ecological, social, and economic values that these forests provide. They will collaborate with TRT's education and advocacy staff frequently. The Botanist will spend considerable time in the field from Spring through Fall and will be responsible for conducting work in strenuous, remote, and poor weather conditions.

Primary duties include:

  • Develop an annual program of work for botanical surveys and invasive plant treatments.

  • Manages botanical survey contracts and invasive plant treatment contracts.

  • Develops, oversees, and modifies established procedures for recording plant survey information to meet NEPA/CEQA requirements.

  • Develops and conducts Non-Native Invasive Species (NNIS) treatments through manual, mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods.

  • Conducts desktop pre-field review of project sites to identify survey areas for invasive and rare plant species.

  • Works with botanical survey contractors to review and approve their pre-field data protocols and survey plan.

  • Coordinate and direct threatened and endangered species and noxious weed surveys, ensuring adherence to protocols outlined by federal and state agencies.

  • Provide quality control of botanical surveys in the field as a project inspector.

  • Provide quality control of survey data collected in real-time, primarily through GIS software programs, providing feedback to contractors to improve survey methods and accuracy.

  • Develops and conducts monitoring of restoration and weed treatment activities.

  • Assist in implementing forestry, habitat improvement, and/or restoration projects.

  • Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Position System (GPS) technology to conduct plant surveys, identify impacts to threatened species, or evaluate inventory and monitoring of plant population.

  • Assist TRT and FS staff in GIS tool development and enhancement.

  • Ensures that botanical data produced from surveys is adequately compiled and reported to appropriate parties, meeting standards and regulations identified.

  • Assist with drafting and reviewing work proposals from botanical survey consultants seeking contracts to conduct botanical surveys.

  • Analyze populations and distributions of sensitive species and make recommendations for protection or management.

  • Develops vegetation plans for restoration and directs plant inventory and monitoring plans; Locates local sources of native plants and materials for restoration projects.

  • Develops and provides training for other staff.

  • Assist with the review and preparation of NEPA, CEQA, CESA, and other supporting documents as it relates to project work.

  • Stays current with current taxonomic changes and rare plant management practices.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

An ideal candidate should have a strong understanding and experience in botanical surveys to comply with federal and California state requirements. In addition, an ideal candidate would have experience supporting forest health treatments as a botanical surveyor and/or project manager. They will have strong communication skills and are comfortable working with many stakeholders to implement botanical surveys across large, landscape-level projects. Candidates should have an interest in and commitment to environmental conservation. This position is currently funded through grants from state and federal agencies.

The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes:

  • Bachelor's Degree in botany, biology, or a closely- related field AND

    • a minimum of three years of relevant experience in a role where botany was the primary responsibility.

  • Professional expertise with botanical concepts, principles, laws, and regulations and can communicate this expertise verbally and in writing clearly and concisely.

  • Experience or understanding of natural resource land management practices, especially as it pertains to botanical resources, on federal and private lands.

  • Familiarity with the plant communities and plant species found in the Sierra Nevada western slope mixed conifer forests is desirable.

  • Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specifically ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and Survey123.

  • Currently holds or will obtain a California Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or California Qualified Applicator License (QAL).

  • Project goal-oriented with initiative in fulfilling programmatic and grant-related obligations.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.

  • Is a team player and can interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences.

  • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Physically able to work in the field (hiking off-trail through heavy brush and on steep slopes, lifting, carrying supplies and equipment, etc.) during all seasons.

  • Ability to work from a home office with a good internet connection.

  • Must have a valid driver's license, be fit and able to walk to forest project sites, and be able to lift at least 20 pounds.

Travel

Project locations are typically within 1-3 hours of the Sonora office. TRT has multiple offroad capable work vehicles available to staff; however, the botanist may be required to provide their own transportation due to resource constraints. They will be compensated for travel according to the current IRS rate. The employees' private vehicle may sometimes be necessary over roads in various conditions, from paved to rough national forest roads. Proof of a valid US driver's license and insurance will be requested at the time of employment.

Additional Details

This position will be based in our Sonora, CA office and report to the Forest Health Program Manager. This salaried, grant-funded position will pay $60,000 - $ 80,000 annually and include benefits (see below). Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be at or near the lower end of the range. A candidate will land higher on the range according to the degree to which they exceed the minimum qualifications.

TRT Sponsored Benefits:

  • 100% Employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage

  • SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a 3% employer match

  • After probationary period, 2 weeks of paid vacation per year with an additional week each year of employment to a maximum of 4 weeks per year.

  • 17 paid holidays

  • 12 days of paid sick leave per year

  • Long term disability coverage

  • Employer paid $10,000 life insurance policy

  • For remote and/or hybrid work employees, monthly home office stipend for internet and cell service and one-time home office setup stipend

  • 3 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for employees with at least two years of employment

TRT is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse staff of qualified, highly-skilled, and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the initiative. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our workforce across a range of dimensions.

To Apply

Please send an email with cover letter and resume as attachments with subject heading Botanist to jobs@tuolumne.org. Initial review of applicants will be done through an anonymized process with names and addresses removed.


First round deadline for applications is February 29, 2024. Interviews will be scheduled during the first weeks of March. Selected candidates should anticipate a start date in mid to late March. This position may be re-issued if a suitable candidate has not been hired.

Tuolumne River Trust Background

The Tuolumne River Trust promotes the stewardship of the Tuolumne River and its tributaries to ensure a healthy watershed, from Yosemite National Park to the San Joaquin River and the San Francisco Bay-Delta. Founded in 1981, the Trust is the only organization working throughout the watershed, linking Sierra and Valley conservation issues and forging strong ties between rural mountain and valley regions and Bay Area urban communities. 

The 2013 Rim Fire, which burned 257,000 acres and approximately 20% of the Tuolumne Watershed, was a profound event for the watershed, the community, and for TRT as an organization and compelled us to engage in forest restoration and management. TRT serves as a member of the Leadership Team of the Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions (YSS) and acts as the project manager for forest, meadow, spring, and wildlife restoration projects on behalf of the collaborative. TRT also works closely with Tuolumne County, which is the signatory of a Master Stewardship Agreement with the Stanislaus National Forest on behalf of YSS.

Other TRT programs include: a) participation in the relicensing of the Don Pedro Dam, which regulates stream flows in the lower Tuolumne River, and the Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan update to ensure improved river flows for fish and wildlife in the lower Tuolumne River, b) restoration of floodplains, riparian forests, and other habitat along the lower Tuolumne River, c) building public support for watershed stewardship by connecting the public to the River through education and outreach, d) educating schoolchildren in the Bay Area and Central Valley about the importance of the Tuolumne River to our region; and e) improving water use efficiency in the Bay Area so that more water is left in the river to ensure its health.

By linking mountain, valley, and Bay Area conservation issues, and connecting people to the river through outings and education, the Trust is building broad support for watershed stewardship. Our strategic approach melds advocacy, education, collaboration, scientific inquiry, and litigation when necessary to address threats and take advantage of conservation and restoration opportunities. For more information about the Tuolumne River Trust, visit: www.tuolumne.org.