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Botanical Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Senior Biologist

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$78K - $128K/yr

An established and successful history completing botanical and wildlife surveys as well as ... wildlife species. * Assist with additional wetland and biological surveys, permitting, and ...

Senior Biologist

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$78K - $128K/yr

An established and successful history completing botanical and wildlife surveys as well as ... wildlife species. * Assist with additional wetland and biological surveys, permitting, and ...

Botanical Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$71

$133

How much do botanical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for botanical assistant in Portland, OR is $71.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.71 and $97.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a botanical assistant?

Botanical Assistants are professionals who support botanists and researchers in studying plants and their environments. Their tasks often include collecting plant samples, maintaining greenhouse environments, recording data, and assisting with experiments. They may work in laboratories, botanical gardens, research institutions, or in the field. Botanical Assistants play a crucial role in plant conservation, research, and education by providing essential technical and practical support. This entry-level position is ideal for those interested in plant sciences and ecology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a botanical assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Botanical Assistant, you need foundational knowledge in botany or plant sciences, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, plant identification software, and data collection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work well in a team are important soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for supporting research, maintaining plant specimens, and ensuring accurate data collection in botanical projects.

What are some common challenges faced by botanical assistants when working in research or greenhouse environments?

Botanical Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise environmental conditions for plant growth, managing pests and diseases, and ensuring accurate data collection for ongoing experiments. They may need to adapt quickly to shifting project priorities or seasonal changes that impact plant care routines. Successfully collaborating with researchers, horticulturists, and other team members is essential for troubleshooting issues and achieving research objectives, making strong communication skills and flexibility highly valuable in this role.

What is the difference between Botanical Assistant vs Horticultural Technician?

AspectBotanical AssistantHorticultural Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer botanical or plant science courseworkHigh school diploma; some positions may require horticultural certifications or associate's degree
Work EnvironmentGreenhouses, botanical gardens, research facilitiesNurseries, parks, landscaping companies, botanical gardens
Industry UsageResearch institutions, botanical gardens, plant conservation projectsLandscaping, garden centers, public parks, horticultural services

Botanical Assistants typically support botanical research and conservation efforts in controlled environments, while Horticultural Technicians focus on plant care, landscaping, and maintenance in outdoor or commercial settings. Both roles require plant knowledge but differ in work environment and specific duties.

Infographic showing various Botanical Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,283 per year, or $71.8 per hour.

Senior Biologist

WSP

Lake Oswego, OR • On-site

$78K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is seeking a full-time Biologist for our Earth and Environment Section - Pacific Northwest Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group working hybrid out of Seattle, Redmond, WA or Portland, OR. The position will be filled by a detail-oriented candidate, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment. An established and successful history completing botanical and wildlife surveys as well as supporting wetland delineation and permitting is desired for this candidate. The candidate must have the experience to complete and manage biological field surveys including avian, wildlife, vegetation, wetland/waterway, and sensitive species and T&E species. Effective communication skills are important for success in this role, especially while completing field work and working as part of a larger team.
Your Impact
  • Support and help build the environmental project team working on transmission lines, fire hardening, renewable energy, oil and gas pipelines, transportation projects, environmental surveys, NEPA analyses, and permitting services.
  • Serve as the main point-of-contact for biological-related project needs in Washington and Oregon.
  • Support biological field survey efforts in Washington and Oregon, including surveys for rare plants and threatened, endangered, and sensitive wildlife species.
  • Assist with additional wetland and biological surveys, permitting, and documentation across the western U.S.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or other related field
  • Five (5) + years prior consulting work, ideally with linear corridor projects, e.g., pipelines and/or electric transmission
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Familiarity with the USACE, USFWS, WDFW, ODFW, DSL, Ecology, USFS and BLM survey requirements
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality and professionalism
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Substantial biological field survey knowledge
  • Must be able to work in remote conditions and independently or as part of a small survey team as needed
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record
  • Must be willing and able to periodically travel throughout the region with potential travel throughout the U.S.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Electrical transmission and distribution system experience
  • Ability and experience in business development and market expansion
  • Experience mentoring and recruiting staff
  • Experience scoping and estimating costs for ecological survey projects
  • Experience in construction compliance monitoring
  • Experience in writing and managing the preparation of technical reports or permit applications
  • Experience organizing and managing complex field survey efforts for transmission line, pipeline, or renewable energy projects.

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $78,100 - $128,900
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
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