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Field Botany Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Field Botany information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$23

$42

How much do field botany jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for field botany in Portland, OR is $23.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.05 and $28.09 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 popular job titles related to Field Botany jobs in Portland, OR? For Field Botany jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Field Botany jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Field Botany jobs in Portland, OR are:
Field Botany jobs near you
Infographic showing various Field Botany job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,654 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Wetland Scientist - Permitting Specialist

AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC

Vancouver, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 3 hours ago

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of critical area delineation, permitting, and ecological fieldwork across a wide range of public and private sector projects. If you're passionate about wetland science, ecological consulting, and managing projects from start to finish while collaborating across disciplines, you'll thrive in this role and help us continue growing our environmental practice.

What You'll Do
  • Conduct wetland delineations, OHW determinations, priority habitat assessments, and related fieldwork-primarily in Washington, with occasional work in Oregon.
  • Prepare clear and defensible technical documentation including delineation reports, wetland ratings, mitigation and monitoring reports, and biological assessments.
  • Develop and submit USACE/ECY JARPA permit applications. Mitigation Bank Use Plans, and/or Compensatory Mitigation Plans.
  • Collaborate with AKS project managers, civil engineers, planners, landscape architects, and arborists on integrated project design and permitting strategies.
  • Engage directly with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and secure permits.
  • Manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules while contributing to proposals and client communications.
Who You Are
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in wetland or forest ecology, environmental science/biology, botany, soils, or similar related science.
  • A minimum of 5-years of experience independently conducting critical area delineations in Washington State, from management of pre-field tasks to final report preparation.
  • Strong understanding of federal and Washington State Department of Ecology and Fish and Wildlife regulatory compliance processes and preparation of JARPA and HPA Applications.
  • Significant experience preparing technical and local jurisdiction land use documentation, such as biological assessments, critical area mitigation/restoration plans, monitoring reports, shoreline compliance documents, and critical area delineation reports.
  • Experience preparing scope, budgets, schedules, and proposals.
  • Experience independently engaging with regulatory agencies to achieve permitting compliance.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • You have a "Do what needs to be done" mindset, taking ownership beyond assigned tasks and stepping in wherever needed to keep projects, teams, and customers supported and running smoothly.
Nice to Have
  • Professional certification (PWS or WPIT).
  • Background in mentoring junior team members or leading field crews.
  • Expertise in Pacific Northwest botany.
  • Prior experience with river restoration or mitigation site monitoring.
  • Familiarity with proposal development and project budgeting.

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