Botany Field Technician - (1703)

Western EcoSystems Technology, Inc. (WEST), a dynamic medium size consulting firm with offices across the United States, is looking for a temporary full time Botany Field Technician with exceptional biological and botanical survey experience for a large project in Idaho.

WEST has a permanent core of professionals with broad experience in basic and applied ecological studies and the sophisticated analysis of natural resource data. Since its founding in 1990, the WEST team has shaped the foundation of what we do, and what we believe in through our core values and key principles. Our work matters to our clients, communities, and the environment. Join WEST and discover a company of passionate, committed, and highly motivated individuals.

 Please click here to see what benefits WEST offers!

Key Details:

• Salary: $19 - $23/hour DOE 
• Hours: Temporary Full-time 
• Start date: March 2025
• End date: October 2025, with possibility of extension 
• Location: Southern Idaho (Boise, Mountain Home, Jerome, Twin Falls, Pocatello) 
• Housing: Partial housing reimbursement available 
• Additional details: GPS units and other field equipment will be provided by WEST. Technicians must be equipped with suitable footwear (rugged hiking boots), and appropriate clothing suitable to adverse weather conditions. This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.

This position will primarily work alongside the lead botanist and other Field Biologist- Botany technicians to complete botanical surveys. These surveys will include searching for BLM sensitive plant species and their habitat, threatened and endangered species including slickspot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) and habitat, as well as noxious weeds. Opportunities for teamwork and leadership are inherent in this position.

Job Description: 

The primary duties involve: 

• Conducting biological field surveys for rare botanical species (Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive plant species) and non-native invasive plants (noxious weeds) within multiple habitats (grassland, shrub steppe, montane, riparian, wetland) in Southern Idaho.
• Identifying common native plant species as well as recognizing presence of unique plant species and habitats. Experience working in the Great Basin, Intermountain West, and Western United States regions are required.
• Data collection with apps like Field Maps for ArcGIS.
• Fieldwork will require long, physically challenging days in a range of temperatures and wind speeds. Field biologists will often walk between 5 to 10 miles in one day.
• Safe operation of a four-wheel drive vehicle and field truck 
• Safely managing hazards typical of the environment (sharp vegetation, biting insects, dust, extreme heat, cold and wind) 
• Navigation using a compass and Global Positioning System devices. 
• Work schedule will be variable based on weather and survey schedule and is expected to average 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime 

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of the duties which may be associated with this position.

Requirements:

• Candidates must be able to identify common native plant species of the intermountain west and state listed non-native invasive plants (noxious weeds).
• Experience using dichotomous keys, familiarity with plant identification terminology, and experience differentiating cryptic western plant species such as milk vetches, cacti, orchids, Lepidiums, and other species.
• Previous experience conducting biological surveys for western botanical species or other intensive botanical inventory work such as BLM AIM vegetation monitoring is required.
• Candidates must be able to record data correctly and legibly, follow specific study and safety protocols, and trouble-shoot problems in the field.
• Candidates should be able to interact positively and professionally with project managers, field lead, landowners, and other technicians.
• Candidate must be a self-starter, have the ability to appear for work on time (surveys will begin at sunrise), maintain focus for long periods of time, follow instructions from the supervisors, maintain positive attitude, and accept guidance and constructive criticism.
• Candidate must be able to perform duties with limited supervision.
• Consistent and effective communication with the team is imperative.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in varying environmental conditions, including rain, high wind, and very cold or hot temperatures.
• Preferred candidates will have experience operating 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads and in mud or snow conditions.
• Candidates may encounter snakes, insects, and other wildlife.
• Proficient use of topographic maps, compass, GPS units, and other field equipment required.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicants must be in good physical condition, as surveys will be conducted in locations where temperatures and conditions can be extreme.
• Candidate must be able to lift heavy equipment (up to 40 lbs).

After an offer of employment is made, the candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug screening, and a DMV records check that meets WEST’s minimum criteria to operate a motor vehicle on behalf of the company.  A valid driver’s license will be required. Candidates must adhere to all health and safety requirements.

WEST provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, genetics, and any protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.  Further, WEST takes affirmative action to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly, and without discrimination, for recruitment, selection, advancement and every other term and privilege associated with employment.