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Field Botany Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ERM

Field Biologist (Field Based)

Walnut Creek, CA

$35.10 - $38.46/hr

ERM is hiring Field Biologists to perform biological surveys, nesting bird surveys and construction ... Botany is a plus. * Experience with construction monitoring. * Familiarity with nesting bird survey ...

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Field Botany information

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How much do field botany jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for field botany in California is $22.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.71 and $27.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the career opportunities in the field of botany?

Field botany offers career opportunities such as plant identification, conservation, research, environmental consulting, and education. Professionals in this field often work for government agencies, research institutions, environmental organizations, or as independent consultants, utilizing skills in taxonomy, ecology, and fieldwork techniques.

What kind of job can I get with a degree in field botany?

A degree in field botany can lead to careers such as botanist, plant ecologist, conservation scientist, or environmental consultant. These roles often involve fieldwork, plant identification, data collection, and environmental analysis, sometimes requiring knowledge of GIS tools and field safety protocols.

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

To thrive as a Field Botanist, you need expertise in plant identification, ecology, and data collection, often supported by a degree in botany, ecology, or a related field. Familiarity with GPS devices, mapping software, and statistical analysis tools is typically required, and certifications in field safety or herbarium techniques can be beneficial. Excellent observational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for documenting findings and collaborating with research teams. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe and efficient fieldwork, and meaningful scientific contributions to environmental research and conservation.

What is field botany?

Field botany is the scientific study of plants in their natural environments. Field botanists observe, identify, and document various plant species, often conducting research on plant ecology, distribution, and interactions with other organisms. Their work is crucial for understanding ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and informing environmental management. Field botany typically involves outdoor fieldwork, using tools like plant guides, GPS units, and sampling equipment.

Are field botanists in high demand?

Field botanists are in moderate demand, especially in environmental consulting, conservation, and research sectors. Employment opportunities often depend on regional ecological projects, government funding, and the ability to identify and document plant species using skills like GIS and plant identification. Job growth is steady but can vary based on environmental priorities and funding availability.

What are some common challenges faced by field botanists during fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Field botanists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited access to remote locations. These factors can make data collection and specimen gathering physically demanding and sometimes hazardous. To address these challenges, field botanists prepare thoroughly by researching field sites, carrying appropriate gear, and developing contingency plans for emergencies. Collaboration with local guides or researchers is also common, as it helps ensure safety and improves the efficiency of field studies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Field Botany jobs in California?

The most popular types of Field Botany jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Field Botany jobs in California?

For Field Botany jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Field Botany jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Field Botany jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Field Botany jobs?

Cities in California with the most Field Botany job openings:

Field Botany jobs near you
Infographic showing various Field Botany job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,705 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

On-call Specialist Biologist (Terrestrial or Aquatic)

GEI Consultants

Rancho Cordova, CA

$43 - $67/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

GEI Consultants rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

281st of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Description

Your role at GEI. 
 
GEI Consultants is seeking multiple specialized aquatic and/or terrestrial biologists in our Sacramento office to implement project work in the environmental consulting field. This position requires a specialized level of skill and experience in a range of applications, which may include leading biological surveys in: botany, terrestrial biology, aquatics, fisheries, and/or arboriculture. Specialized experience in one or more of these fields is necessary for this position.  
 
Essential Responsibilities & Duties  
  • Assisting with and/or leading protocol-level biological or arboriculture surveys/tasks, including one or more of the following: wetland delineations, botanical surveys and/or inventories, habitat evaluations, vegetation characterizations, special-status wildlife species surveys, arborist surveys, fish and wildlife species monitoring and/or relocation. 
  • Collecting field data, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports. 
  • Using a GPS to map natural resource features and boundaries (Trimble and/or ArcGIS Field Maps). 
  • Interpreting aerial photography to identify vegetation and/or wetland signatures. 
  • Write survey reports and/or environmental permit applications and/or biological sections for CEQA documents. 
  • Occasional overnight travel is required. 
  • A typical work day consists of an 8-12 hour day, includes irregular hours (20-55 hours per week), and irregular starting and quitting times, in accordance with the requirements of the assigned job. It may also include weekend work, as needed.  
Minimum Qualifications  
  • At least seven (7) years of experience in conducting biological surveys, impact analyses, wetland delineations, environmental permitting, arboriculture surveys, and/or similar activities in California.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in botany, wildlife, biological sciences, environmental sciences or a related field. 
  • Must hold a valid Driver's License and have a clean DMV record and compliance with company safety protocols and procedures are required.
  • Excellent organization and communication skills and experience working independently and as part of a team.
  • Experience with conducting surveys and monitoring for rare plants and/or special-status wildlife species (e.g., giant garter snake, nesting birds, listed fish species, foothill yellow-legged frog, northwestern pond turtle, and/or California red-legged frog).
  • Strong writing skills, including experience writing biological technical studies.
  • Working knowledge of relevant environmental statutes and regulations (e.g., CEQA, NEPA, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Fish and Game Code) and associated permits.
Desired Qualifications 
  • Positive, flexible, team-oriented approach, with the willingness and desire to work as a part of a multi-disciplinary team. 
  • Experience conducting field surveys in the Sacramento Valley, San Joaquin Valley, Siera Nevada foothills, and/or San Francisco Bay regions and completing associated documentation.
  • Standard First Aid and CPR are preferred.
  • If specialized in arboriculture, certification from International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) is preferred.
  • Possession of Scientific Collecting Permit is preferred.
  • If specialized in botany, familiarity with documenting voucher specimens and reference populations for large scale projects.
  • Effective time management and follow-through, with the ability to simultaneously work on and lead multiple tasks/projects and meet project deadlines. 
  • Ability to work independently and with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team in a fast-paced work environment. 
  • Experience working with clients and managing project schedules and finances. 
      We are GEI. 
       
      Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.  
       
      We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.  
       
      With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.
       
      Employee-owned. Employee-focused.  
       
      As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more.  Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.
       
      GEI’s Total Rewards Package  
      • Market-Competitive Compensation
      • Pay Range For This Position: $43.00 – $67.00/hour 
      • Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
      • Rewards and Recognition
      • A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
      • For Some Positions, Hybrid Work Schedules Are Available
      • And More…
      PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS  
      WORK ENVIRONMENT  
        
        
        
      Functional Demands:    
       
       
       
       
      Sedentary
      x 
      Light
       
      Medium
      Other
       
       
      Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) 
      Physical Activity Requirements
      Occasional
      (0-35% of day)
      Frequent
      (33-66% of day)
      Continuous
      (67-100% of day)
      Not Applicable
      Sitting
       
      X (4+ hours) 
       
       
      Standing
       
      X (1-2 hours) 
       
       
      Walking
       
      X (1-2 hours) 
       
       
      Climbing
      X 
       
       
       
      Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
       (0-25 lbs) 
       
       
       
      Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
      (0-25 lbs) 
       
       
       
      Carrying objects
      X 
       
       
       
      Push/pull
      X 
       
       
       
      Twisting
      X 
       
       
       
      Bending
      X 
       
       
       
      Reaching forward
      X 
       
       
       
      Reaching overhead
      X 
       
       
       
      Squat/kneel/crawl
      X 
       
       
       
      Wrist position deviation
       
      X 
       
       
      Pinching/fine motor skills
      X 
       
       
       
      Keyboard use/repetitive motion
       
      X (4+ hours) 
       
       
      Taste or smell
      X 
       
       
       
      Talk or hear
       
       
      X 
       
      Accurate 20/40 
      Very Accurate 20/20 
      Not Applicable
      Near Vision
       
      X 
      Far Vision
       
      X 
       

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