Nevada BLM Stream Monitoring Riparian Botanist

Overview

Job Title: Nevada BLM Stream Monitoring Riparian Botanist

Position Type: Full-time, temporary

Number of Positions: 2 Riparian Botanists

Work Location(s): Based in Salt Lake City, UT. Travel throughout Nevada.

Duration: April-September 2026

Pay Rate: $21-23/hr depending on experience.

Per diem & travel reimbursement: $60.00/day per diem & gear reimbursement when traveling beyond base location. Total travel reimbursement = $395-455 per two-week hitch (tax exempt).

Health & other benefits: Health insurance (monthly premiums paid by CSU), retirement, paid federal holidays, and sick leave provided.

In partnership with the Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced riparian botanists to assist in the implementation of BLM's Lotic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) initiative as well as the Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) of stream channels and stream side vegetation. Successful applicants will be trained in the methods by ecologists from CNHP and BLM and will spend the summer applying those protocols in stream reaches in Nevada to assess the riparian vegetation.

All hires must be available for the weeklong training in April, 2026, exact dates TBD.

Two riparian botanists will be hired. The botanist will be part of a 3-person crew consisting of one botanist and two stream technicians that will work collectively to carry out aquatic and riparian sampling. The crew will begin field preparations starting early April 2026 (crew leads will start 1-2 weeks earlier) and will collect data into August/September. The team will work closely with Nevada BLM hydrologists, fisheries biologists, and other BLM staff within local Field Offices.

Crews will typically work 8-day field hitches followed by 6 days off. Crews will camp on BLM land and typically work 10-hour days. Data collection will include water quality sampling, stream habitat data, and benthic macroinvertebrates in addition to vegetation sampling.

• Vegetation sampling along streams and identification of riparian vascular plants to species level, either in the field or in the office after sampling.
• Collection of vouchers for unknown species and tracking unknown plants from multiple sites over a sampling hitch.
• Collect data on the intensity of grazing impact upon the stream bank and riparian vegetation following defined protocols.

• Coursework in botany, ecology, wetland science, natural resources, range management, or related field required for all positions. A completed B.S. degree is preferred.
• Field experience collecting scientific data required for all positions.
• Experience with aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS preferred.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, share living quarters, car camp, and potentially backpack and hike long distances (up to 10 miles / day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs.) required for all positions.
• Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (30-110°F), mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required for all positions.
• High degree of comfort wading in all types of streams including those with slick rocks, boulders, fast water, cold water, deep mud, and log jams is required for all positions.
• Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms required for all positions. Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices preferred for all positions.
• Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with BLM staff and private landowners required for all positions.
• A valid driver's license required for all positions. Experience driving 4x4 vehicles on rough roads preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions.

To apply, submit resume, cover letter, and three references (with email and phone numbers). First consideration of applicants will begin January 12, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled or until April 15, 2026, whichever comes first.

$21.00 to 23.00 per hour

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV

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