Botany Crew Lead (Seasonal), Mi-Wuk RD, Stanislaus NF

Job DetailsJob Location: Mi-Wuk Village, CAPosition Type: SeasonalSalary Range: $26.00 - $26.00 HourlyJob Category: Vegetation Research & Monitoring Mi- Wuk Ranger District; Stanislaus NF

USFS, California,

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the USFS, is recruiting Botany Crew Lead to perform vegetation surveys and invasive species treatment within the Sierra Nevada mountain range. These projects serve the Basin & Range Forestry program’s greater mission of helping the USFS achieve its critical goal of improving forest resilience in the face of worsening climate conditions and increased wildfire threats. The work directly improves the quality of these forests, helping ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

Crew members will benefit from exposure to USFS processes, procedures, compliance measures, and reporting, as well as technical experience. Expanded opportunities and exposure to additional disciplines (e.g., archaeology, wildlife, hydrology, recreation, etc.) and projects may exist. These positions protect sensitive botanical species, contribute to USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, and support initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources. Outcomes of fieldwork conducted in accordance with USFS protocols will advance planning for management actions on National Forest lands.

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:


Conducting botanical surveys to determine species identity, population characteristics, environmental conditions, and factors affecting vigor and habitat extent.
Performing and leading invasive treatments through chemical and manual methods.
Managing and assisting the crew with laying out monitoring plots, conducting vegetation surveys, and performing mitigation activities.
Leading the collection, recording, entry, and summarization of botanical data in accordance with USFS protocols.
Photographing and collecting specimens as necessary for documentation or identification.
Producing maps and summaries of surveyed areas using GPS data and GIS tools.
Utilizing botanical keys for accurate plant identification and training crew members in this skill.
Overseeing daily crew logistics, including the delegation of tasks, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining efficiency in fieldwork.
Providing support for project-related reporting tasks in coordination with USFS staff.
Training new crew members on survey protocols, plant identification, invasive treatment methods/procedures, and field equipment use.
Communicating regularly with USFS agency staff to coordinate project planning, review progress, and resolve any challenges.
Monitoring and addressing crew needs, including safety concerns, field equipment functionality, and morale.


Leadership Responsibilities


Ensure all crew members follow established safety procedures and practices.
Coordinate schedules, field activities, and transportation for efficient project implementation.
Foster a positive work environment by providing guidance, mentorship, and feedback to crew members.
Facilitate clear communication between the crew, agency partners, and Great Basin Institute staff.


This role is instrumental in building a robust dataset to enhance forest management strategies while supporting the professional development of field crew members and advancing the shared mission of the USFS and the Basin & Range Forestry program.

Location

Stanislaus National Forest – Mi-Wuk Ranger District

This position is based on the Mi-Wuk Ranger District of the Stanislaus National Forest in California. The district is located along the Highway 108 corridor on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and encompasses a wide range of elevations, habitats, and forest types. The area includes mixed conifer forests, montane meadows, riparian corridors, and alpine environments that support diverse wildlife species.

The Mi-Wuk Ranger District provides access to extensive public lands used for wildlife monitoring, habitat management, and conservation efforts. Nearby communities include Mi-Wuk Village, Pinecrest, and Twain Harte, with the San Francisco Bay Area located approximately three hours west. The region offers abundant recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and winter sports.
 

WORK SCHEDULE

Projects begin as early as April and end as late as October. 

The Botany Crew follow 10-hour days, four days per week schedule

Temporary Special Assignment employees are eligible to receive holiday pay, if approved by the partner. TSAs holiday schedule will comply with the project partner holiday schedule., unless otherwise specified in their employment offer. TSAs working five (5) eight (8) hour days per workweek will be paid eight (8) hours for all holidays. TSAs working four (4) ten (10) hour days per workweek wi