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Botany Jobs in Goleta, CA (NOW HIRING)

Botany information

See Goleta, CA salary details

$34K

$55.3K

$97.1K

How much do botany jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for botany in Goleta, CA is $55,339.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $74,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs come from botany?

Jobs that come from botany include botanist, plant scientist, horticulturist, conservation scientist, and plant pathologist. These roles involve research, plant cultivation, environmental management, and working in laboratories, greenhouses, or field settings, often requiring knowledge of plant biology and related tools or techniques.

What careers can you get with botany?

A career in botany includes roles such as plant biologist, horticulturist, conservation scientist, plant pathologist, and botanical researcher. These positions often require knowledge of plant science, laboratory skills, and fieldwork experience, and may involve working in research institutions, environmental organizations, or agricultural companies.

Do botanists make good money?

Botanists' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and work setting, with median annual wages around $50,000 to $70,000. Those working in research, academia, or government agencies tend to earn higher salaries, especially with advanced degrees and specialized skills. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced botanists or those in managerial roles can earn significantly more.

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

To thrive as a Botanist, you need a solid background in plant biology, ecology, and research methodologies, usually supported by a degree in botany or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, GIS software, and statistical analysis tools is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills make someone stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for conducting accurate research, publishing findings, and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

What does a botanist do?

Botanists are scientists who study plants, including their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. They may work in a variety of fields such as agriculture, conservation, environmental consulting, or education. Their work often involves researching plant growth, genetics, diseases, and interactions with the environment. Botanists play a crucial role in improving crop yields, conserving endangered plant species, and understanding ecosystems. They may also contribute to developing new medicines, biofuels, and other plant-based products.

What is the difference between Botany vs Plant Science?

AspectBotanyPlant Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Botany, Biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Plant Science, Biology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, botanical gardens, fieldworkResearch labs, agricultural settings, universities, fieldwork
Industry UsageAcademic research, conservation, educationAgriculture, horticulture, biotechnology, research
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding botanical careers, research rolesApplying plant knowledge in practical settings

Botany focuses on the scientific study of plants, including their structure, classification, and ecology. Plant Science covers a broader range of applied and research-based work related to plants, often emphasizing agricultural and technological applications. While both fields share similar credentials and work environments, Botany is more research and taxonomy-oriented, whereas Plant Science leans toward practical applications in agriculture and industry.

What are some common challenges botanists face when conducting fieldwork, and how can these be managed?

Botanists often encounter challenges during fieldwork such as adverse weather conditions, difficult terrain, and the need to access remote or protected areas. Additionally, accurate identification and collection of plant specimens can be complicated by seasonal variations or environmental changes. To manage these challenges, botanists typically plan field trips carefully, ensure they have appropriate permits, use specialized equipment, and collaborate closely with local experts or conservation authorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key skills for overcoming unexpected obstacles in the field.
What job categories do people searching Botany jobs in Goleta, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Botany jobs in Goleta, CA are:
What cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Botany jobs? Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Botany job openings:
Infographic showing various Botany job openings in Goleta, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,339 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Senior Biologist

Eocene Environmental Group

Santa Barbara, CA โ€ข On-site

$43/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Reports To: Biologist Supervisor

Job Type:Full-Time, Regular

Compensation: $35 - $43 per hour, based on relevant experience

About Eocene Environmental Group:

Our team has spent the past two decades providing environmental, utility vegetation management (UVM), software and sustainability services. We are fortunate to be a part of the Wright Service Corp. family, which has helped us establish a strong foundation for continued growth and success.

Through a strategic alignment of values and goals, four Wright Service Corp. entities joined and integrated into one, operating as Eocene Environmental Group. These four entities are:

  • Forestry & Utility Division

  • Environmental Division

  • Technology & Innovation Division

  • Sustainability Division

JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Biologist (Biologist IV/V) is responsible for research, fieldwork, impact analysis, permit assessment, and report preparation for biological work.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions:

  • Compose and review biological technical reports

  • Lead and perform biological tests; interpret and evaluate the results

  • Provide technical review of literature related to biological issues and identify appropriate technologies

  • Give technical presentations to staff or outside parties on biological-related topics

  • Collaborate with member agencies, scientific, professional, or other organizations on biological issues

  • Evaluate effectiveness and make recommendations for biological monitoring and treatment programs

  • Perform biological monitoring during construction activities to ensure resource protection measures are being implemented

  • Conduct training on desktop and field procedures and/or quality control protocols

  • Act as project manager; plan, coordinate, and conduct projects within the area of responsibility, including monitoring scope, quality, budget, and schedule

  • Complete site-specific planning and environmental assessments

  • Perform special status plant and wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, botanical surveys, and wetland delineations.

  • Maintain regular and punctual attendance at work and meetings

  • Support, actively participate, and act in accordance with Wright's and Eocene Environmental Group's culture of safety and employee ownership

  • Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations; maintain knowledge of and follows all company policies and procedures

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  • Position requires some outside travel

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university in biology, wildlife ecology, fisheries ecology, botany, natural resources, or a similar field

  • Minimum of 9 years' experience in the environmental consulting industry or related environmental industry

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Strong writing, editing, and QA/QC skills

  • Familiarity with ESRI GIS applications (including desktop, ArcGIS, Collector, Survey123, etc.)

  • Experience in botany. Familiarity with special status plants and ability to use a dichotomous key. Knowledge of plant and plant community identification skills for species common to aligned areas

  • Familiarity with typical linear utility construction

  • Experience with regulatory permitting within California or aligned areas (NEPA, CEQA, CDFW LSAA/EPIMS, 401, 404, etc.), biological writing, and/or land planning

  • Experience with California, or aligned areas, special status species, and associated regulations

  • Ability to perform work duties independently and efficiently with short deadlines

  • Highly organized, motivated, thorough, accurate, dependable, and trustworthy

  • Ability to interact and coordinate with the client, public, landowners, construction, and tree crews, as well as State, Federal, and tribal agencies

  • Familiarity with typical utility operations and maintenance activities

  • Familiarity with ESRI GIS applications (including desktop, ArcGIS, Collector, Survey123, etc.)

  • Experience in construction monitoring and surveying

  • Proficiency with standard field equipment and technology

  • Possession of a Scientific Collecting or Federal 10a1a permit is preferred

  • Excellent navigation skills and good driving record

  • Ability to read, write, and speak English sufficient to perform job duties and to interact and communicate with employees and vendors

Eocene Environmental Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

https://wrightservicecorp.com/privacy-policy