Washington Rare Plant Care and Conservation (Rare Care) at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens has a position available for a qualified individual to assist with fieldwork for ecological studies and vegetation monitoring as a Temporary Rare Care Field Technician. This position is located at the Center of Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington Botanic Gardens in Seattle and field sites are located near Wenatchee, Leavenworth, and Ritzville. Overnight travel will be required. When working at field sites lodging/camping will be provided and travel (mileage, food) will be reimbursed. Lodging is not provided in Seattle.
Specific duties include:
- Monitor vegetation (species cover and composition data, plant morphology measurements) and estimate plant and canopy cover
- Map populations with handheld GPS units
- Identify plants to species using botanical dichotomous keys
- Assist with day-to-day field logistics and maintain field equipment
- Collect seeds for ex situ seed banking
- ¢ Assist with field data collection, data entry, and QA/QC
Duration and Schedule: Approximately 10-20 hours per week between April 15 and June 30, depending on availability. Approximately 30-40 hours a week from June 1 through August 31, 2023. The field schedule is typically 10 hours a day, four days a week.
Required Qualifications:
- Two years college credits with major study in engineering or science, OR two years of work experience equivalent to that performed by a research aide.
Compensation: Range is $18.79 – $19.24 per hour, depending on qualifications
Position Qualifications:
- Undergraduate coursework in botany, biology, environmental science or a related field.
- Ability to work and travel outdoors in variable weather including extreme heat, heavy rains and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions) while maintaining a positive to neutral attitude.
- Capable of standing and walking (up to 8 miles/day on rough, uneven terrain), bending, crouching and stooping for long periods of time.
- Lifting/carrying items that weigh up to 30 pounds.
- Current or ability to obtain CPR and First Aid training.
- Self-motivated and able to serve independently with limited supervision after the initial training period.
- Able to work cooperatively with others and strong communication skills.
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, environmental science or a related field.
- Experience with standard vegetation sampling techniques and familiarity with basic field sampling equipment.
- Experience with working and traveling in remote areas.
- Familiarity with the flora and ecosystems of Washington State and use of dichotomous keys.
- The applicant should be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and fieldwork.
- Valid driver’s license.