Natural History Wanderings

Riparian Botanists, Summer 2021 – University of Montana

The University of Montana’s Ecological Mapping, Monitoring, and Analysis Lab (EMMA) is currently recruiting RIPARIAN BOTANISTS I and II for the 2021 field season. We will again partner with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Aquatic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, which is targeted at collecting standardized data from streams across BLM Districts in the western U.S. The Riparian Botanist works with a two-person Aquatic Team, collecting vegetation composition data along stream greenlines. Sites range from remote mountain streams rarely visited by people to well-used rangeland watercourses. Botanists should expect to encounter a wide diversity of species and to gain experience in several different biophysical environments.

All positions are field-based and require primitive camping in isolated regions. Crews will typically work eight 10-hour days, from Tuesday to Tuesday, with a six-day break between hitches. We expect staff to commit to the entire field season and contribute to building a safe, productive and enjoyable work environment.

Work will focus on wadeable streams and rivers in Nevada (crews based in Elko and Carson City) and Wyoming (crews based in Cody and Kemmerer).

JOB LENGTH: June through September 2021 (Wyoming), late April – August or September (Nevada)
COMPENSATION: $14- $18 per hour based on experience+ $30 per diem for field days

TO APPLY: Please submit letter of interest, CV, and three (3) professional references to Heidi Anderson (heidi.anderson@mso.umt.edu). Please mention your location preference, if any (NV, WY). The subject line should read: 2021 Aquatic AIM Application

DEADLINE: Application review begins immediately and continues until all positions are filled.

QUALIFICATIONS:

BOTH POSITIONS REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING:

• Experience following established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection;
• Experience with data entry and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access);
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (DUI or other serious convictions need not apply);
• Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and to work independently as required;
• Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field;
• Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather, and carry gear over uneven terrain;

RIPARIAN BOTANIST I

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Botany, Ecology, Wetland Ecology or closely related subject. Coursework in Botany, Plant Taxonomy and/or Systematics. Herbarium experience may substitute for coursework;
• A minimum of one season of botany field work in wetland or riparian habitats;
• Ability to identify riparian graminoids, forbs, shrubs and trees to species using dichotomous keys;
• Good familiarity with commonly accepted plant nomenclature.

RIPARIAN BOTANIST II

• A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Botany, Ecology, Wetland Ecology or closely related subject;
• Coursework in Botany, Plant Taxonomy and/or Systematics with additional training in wetland/riparian plant identification. Herbarium experience may substitute for coursework;
• A minimum of two seasons of botany field work, preferably in wetland or riparian habitats;
• Ability to identify riparian graminoids, forbs, shrubs and trees to species using dichotomous keys;
• Familiarity with plants of the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain West or Intermountain West;
• Ability to identify riparian graminoids, forbs, shrubs and trees to species using dichotomous keys;
• Good familiarity with commonly accepted plant nomenclature;
• Ability to prepare herbarium and/or voucher specimens desired.

The work is physically demanding. Crews typically work in all kinds of weather, and frequently have to navigate poorly maintained roads or travel by foot across uneven terrain to access a site. The “wadeable streams” we sample range from a few inches deep to fast-flowing small rivers that require good balance, a stout stadia rod, and a willingness to wade as necessary.

Work will begin with paid training in late April for Nevada crews and early June for Wyoming and Idaho crews, and will continue until August or September, with the exact end date being flexible to accommodate those with academic commitments.