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SHN is seeking a Senior Botanist with experience in wetland science to join our Eureka-based biology team. The person filling this position will lead protocol-level surveys for special status plant species and sensitive natural communities; conduct wetland delineations (coastal, state, and federal); assess project impacts to sensitive biological resources, prepare technical reports, develop and implement mitigation and restoration plans; monitor restoration projects; coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies; and assist with permit acquisition and environmental compliance.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Wage range is commensurate with experience, approximately $38.00 - $50.00/hour, 32-40 hours/week anticipated
• Comprehensive benefit package
• Flexible work schedule
• Live, work, and play in the beautiful rural communities of Northern California

What are SHN’s minimum qualifications?

• B.S. degree in Botany, Biology or closely related field from accredited university or college
• 6 years of botany experience conducting field work in or adjacent to northern California
• 3 years of technical report writing experience
• Extensive knowledge of plant taxonomy and natural community ecology
• Excellent field identification skills with plants of the north coast region, particularly special status plants
• Experience identifying and writing about natural communities of the region, particularly sensitive natural communities as described in the CNPS Manual of California Vegetation
• Experience utilizing the CDFW-CNPS Protocol for the Combined Vegetation Rapid Assessment and Relevé Field Form for identifying and describing sensitive natural communities
• Experience with the CNDDB, BIOS, and Survey of California Vegetation Classification and Mapping Standards
• Experience conducting protocol-level focused and floristic botanical field surveys as described
• Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and
• Sensitive Natural Communities, or experience conducting such botanical field surveys under the direction of an experienced botanical field surveyor
• A thorough understanding of federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to plants,
  plant collecting, and technical reporting
• Broad-based knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) compliance
• Experience analyzing, describing, and reporting on the impacts of projects on native plant species and sensitive natural communities
• Experience writing and designing planting-plans
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft office and field GPS/GIS
• Authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving clearance

What additional knowledge and experience is preferred?

• M.S. degree in Botany, Biology or similar field from accredited university or college
• Certified Botanist or Certified Wetland Scientist
• Biological services consulting experience
• Project management experience including budget tracking
• Proposal development experience
• 2 years of professional experience identifying the three wetland parameters under USACE Wetland Delineation Manual
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of wetland ecology
• Understanding and familiarity with the California Coastal Act and associated coastal regulations
• Experience writing and designing mitigation and restoration projects and/or has a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) certification.

What's the work?

• Conduct agency directed protocol-level botanical surveys
• Conduct habitat assessments including database searches, literature reviews, fieldwork, and consultations with jurisdictional agencies
• Assist in conducting wetland delineations using knowledge of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology
• Identify and map jurisdictional wetland boundaries subject to federal, state, and local regulations
• Assess project impacts on biological resources, including special status plant species and habitats, including Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), and determine appropriate conservation and mitigation measures
• Apply broad based knowledge of the Clean Water Act, Federal Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act, and California Coastal Act
• Prepare technical reports with the knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and
• National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) compliance.
• Ability to work multiple field days outside in inclement weather performing biological investigations, wetland delineations, restoration monitoring, and construction monitoring activities
• Synthesize data, write reports, and communicate results clearly

SHN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and values workplace diversity.