Botany Technician (AmeriCorps, USFS) (Boise NF & Payette NF)

Botany Technician 

Great Basin Institute / USFS, Boise & Payette NF

The Basin Range and Forestry Program at GBI, in cooperation with the USFS at Boise & Payette National Forests, is recruiting (2) AmeriCorps members to serve as Botany Technicians.

These positions serve to protect sensitive botanical and bumblebee species, contribute to USFS vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, and support initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources. Outcomes of field work, conducted in accordance with USFS protocols, will advance planning for management actions on National Forest lands. Data will be used by resource specialists and land managers to inform decisions regarding land management at various temporal and spatial scales. Data from these surveys will inform mitigation measures set to protect targeted plant and bumblebee species, and vegetation communities considered habitat for designated wildlife. 

The Botany Technician will perform botanical and bumblebee surveys in the Boise and Payette National Forests. These surveys will establish distributional occurrences of targeted species and populations in and around designated project sites and access routes. 

Primary Responsibilities

Specific duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Follow established field protocols to perform vegetation sampling and botanical and bumblebee inventories;
• Botanical surveys to determine species identity, population characteristics,environmental conditions, factors affecting vigor and extent of species and their habitat;
• Bumblebee surveys to determine species identity, presence, population distribution, and to determine the condition of their habitat;
• Establish sampling and monitoring plots;
• Photograph or collect specimens as directed;
• Produce maps of survey areas;
• Record, enter and summarize data in FieldMaps and Survey 123 applications;
• Use botanical keys to identify plants; and
• Assist with reporting tasks.

* Members are required to take a mandatory 30-minute lunch break each service day. This break does not count toward their service hours for the education award.

Timeline:

• May 19th, 2025 - October 17th, 2025, 22 weeks in length;
  • Full time (40 hours/week)

Location:

Boise National Forest is a vast, scenic area located in southwestern Idaho. It spans over 2,600 square miles, offering a mix of rugged mountain terrain, lush valleys, and numerous rivers. Known for its diverse ecosystems, the forest provides outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Popular spots include the Sawtooth Wilderness, the Boise River, and several hot springs. It’s a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering both solitude and vibrant landscapes.

Payette National Forest is a stunning forest in central Idaho, covering over 2.3 million acres. It features diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, and pristine lakes. Known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and boating. The forest is home to the scenic Salmon River, the Sawtooth Wilderness, and several beautiful hot springs. Its rich wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears, adds to its allure for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Compensation and Benefits:

Living Allowance: approximately $1,292.00 biweekly (before taxes); not to exceed $14,212.00;

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (675 hour term): $2,817.14 upon successful completion of term;

Benefits: 

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Access to Pro Deals;
• Per diem: Camping per diem provided per night in the field
• Housing: Will be provided to the selected participant at no additional costs
• Uniform stipend of $350.00

Segal Education Award:

After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Award varies based on term of service. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Student Loan Forbearance:

If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.

Interest Accrual Repayment:

As an AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:

AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Qualifications:

Required:

(This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 18 or older)

• Coursework or equivalent experience in plant taxonomy and/or systematics;
• Experience using technical keys to identify plants to the species or sub-species level;
• Experience working with hand-held GPS, maps and compass for field navigation and

data collection;

• Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license;
• Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office setting;
• Ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps; and
• Physically fit to work outdoors, carry upwards of 40 pounds of personal and/or field

equipment and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all

seasons.

At least one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or a closely related field in the biological

sciences, including coursework in plant taxonomy and/or systematics; OR 

• Experience conducting rare plant surveys and other botanical field work; OR
• Six months of professional fieldwork experience.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of the flora of the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West; 
• Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection, inventory,

assessment and monitoring protocols; 

• Experience using ArcGIS or ArcGIS Online to create maps and GPS data collection;
• Ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field;
• Willingness to work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights);
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather

conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and

otherwise maintain good physical condition; and

• AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

How to Apply: 

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: 

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.

EEO Statement:
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.