Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest – Nevada (Ruby Mountains & East Humboldt Range)

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), is recruiting Botany Technician to support botanical and ecological resource surveys within the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range of northeastern Nevada. These surveys support NEPA analysis for proposed fuels reduction and forest health treatments associated with the Elko Front Project.

This position supports the Basin & Range Forestry program’s mission to improve ecosystem resilience and forest health in the face of increasing wildfire risk and changing climate conditions.

Botany Technicians will work as part of a field crew to collect high-quality vegetation data, assist with monitoring sensitive plant species and noxious weeds, and contribute to long-term forest health assessments, including whitebark pine monitoring. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in botanical fieldwork, data collection, and federal land management processes.

Essential Job Functions

Botany Technicians will assist Crew Leads and USFS staff in conducting field surveys and collecting accurate ecological data. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting botanical surveys following Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plants (TESP) protocols
• Identifying plant species using dichotomous keys (including Intermountain Flora)
• Surveying and documenting sensitive plant populations and noxious weeds
• Collecting rare plant specimens as directed
• Assisting in establishing and monitoring long-term whitebark pine (WBP) plots
• Assessing whitebark pine health, including blister rust presence, using established protocols
• Recording field data on plant populations, habitat conditions, and environmental factors
• Performing data entry, management, and weekly data downloads with attention to quality control
• Navigating using GPS, maps, and compass in remote field settings
• Supporting report preparation and end-of-season data summaries
• Working collaboratively with crew members and maintaining effective communication
• Following all safety protocols and field procedures
• Camping for extended periods in remote locations and working in rugged terrain

Location

This position is based within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in northeastern Nevada, primarily in the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range near Elko.

The area includes alpine and subalpine ecosystems, sagebrush steppe, and forested landscapes, with elevations ranging from approximately 5,000 to over 11,000 feet.

The nearby community of Elko provides access to housing, supplies, and services, along with abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

Work Schedule

This position is expected to run from May 2026 through September 2026, with exact dates dependent on project needs and weather conditions.

Training Period:

• Typically Monday–Friday (5 days per week)
• Focused on survey methods, monitoring protocols, and field safety

Field Season:

• Schedule varies depending on project needs
• Workweeks may consist of four 10-hour days or similar field-based schedules
• Requires extended field deployments (“hitches”) with dispersed camping in remote locations

At the end of the field season, technicians may complete one or more weeks of office-based work focused on data management and project wrap-up.

Compensation and Benefits

Wage: $21/hour with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate (full-time, average 40 hours per week).

In addition to a competitive base salary, this full-time, onsite position includes:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (with upgrade options)
• $25,000 Life/AD&D policy (company-paid)
• Optional short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Employer-provided mental health support resources
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays

TSA employees who serve terms greater than 52 weeks (with ≤30-day break between terms) become eligible for full Regular full-time employee benefits.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Coursework or degree in botany, ecology, environmental science, or a related field; OR
• Equivalent combination of education and field experience

Other Required Qualifications

• Basic plant identification skills and willingness to learn regional flora
• Ability to follow technical field protocols and collect accurate data
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Experience or familiarity with GPS navigation, maps, or outdoor fieldwork
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to work and camp in remote, rugged environments for extended periods
• Physical ability to hike long distances (up to ~10 miles/day), carry up to 50 lbs, and work in variable weather

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with botanical surveys or vegetation monitoring
• Familiarity with Great Basin or Intermountain flora
• Experience using dichotomous keys for plant identification
• Basic GIS or data management skills
• Experience with 4WD vehicle operation

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.