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Volunteer Field Botany Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Botany, Plant Ecology, or related field * Required: Minimum 10 years of ... Voluntary Life Insurance * Accident Insurance * Short Term Disability * Long Term Disability

Wildlife Biologist

Boise, ID · On-site

$89K/yr

... the field of wildlife biology; and * At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as ... At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences. OR Combination of education and ...

$106K/yr

... remote field site with 30-50 residents comprised of FWS employees, volunteers, interns, and ... botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. You must submit transcripts. -OR- * B.

$106K/yr

... remote field site with 30-50 residents comprised of FWS employees, volunteers, interns, and ... botany, and 3 semester hours in conservation biology. You must submit transcripts. -OR- * B.

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Volunteer Field Botany information

What is a volunteer field botanist?

Volunteer field botanists are individuals who assist with plant research and conservation efforts in natural environments, often without financial compensation. They help professional botanists and ecologists by collecting plant specimens, recording data about plant populations, and monitoring habitats. Their work is vital for scientific studies, biodiversity assessments, and conservation projects. Volunteers typically receive training in plant identification and field techniques, making the role accessible to those with varying levels of botanical knowledge.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Field Botanist, you need a solid understanding of plant identification, ecological survey methods, and basic data collection, often supported by coursework or field experience in botany or ecology. Familiarity with GPS devices, plant identification apps, and data entry systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in outdoor environments are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, effective teamwork, and meaningful contributions to conservation and research projects.

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

Volunteer Field Botanists often encounter challenges such as working in remote or rugged terrain, variable weather conditions, and identifying plant species in diverse ecosystems. Preparation is key—understanding the field site, proper gear, and reviewing plant identification guides can help. Collaboration with experienced team members and clear communication within the group also make fieldwork more efficient and enjoyable. These experiences not only build practical skills but also foster strong connections with fellow conservationists.

What is the difference between Volunteer Field Botany vs Volunteer Plant Conservationist?

AspectVolunteer Field BotanyVolunteer Plant Conservationist
Required CredentialsBasic botanical knowledge, sometimes a degree or certification in botany or ecologySimilar credentials, often with additional focus on conservation practices
Work EnvironmentOutdoor fieldwork, natural habitats, botanical surveysOutdoor and community settings, habitat restoration projects
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, environmental NGOs, government agenciesConservation organizations, environmental agencies, NGOs
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap, both involve plant identification and fieldworkRelated but emphasizes conservation efforts more

Volunteer Field Botany focuses on identifying and documenting plant species in natural habitats, while Volunteer Plant Conservationist emphasizes protecting and restoring plant populations. Both roles involve outdoor work and botanical knowledge, but the conservationist role has a stronger focus on habitat preservation and community engagement.

More about Volunteer Field Botany jobs

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Field Botany jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Field Botany job openings:

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

The most popular types of Field Botany jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Field Botany jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Field Botany jobs include:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Field Botany job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Botany Support Specialist - NEPA Individual Placement-AmeriCorps

Career Search

Carlsbad, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Position Title: Botany Support Specialist - NEPA (AmeriCorps)
Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps New Mexico
Site Location: Bureau of Land Management - Carlsbad Field Office
520 East Greene St, Carlsbad, NM 88220
Terms of Service:
Start Date: 9/28/26
End Date: 6/18/2027
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1200 Hours
COVER LETTER AND RESUME REQUIRED FOR CONSIDERATION
First review of applications will take place by 8/10/26. Position open until filled; candidates can check Individual Placement Positions | Conservation Corps New Mexico to see if the position is still open.
Purpose:
AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation's most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. Environmental stewardship programs help conserve natural habitats, improve energy efficiency, and protect clean air and water among other environmental efforts.
Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM)
As part of Conservation Legacy and an AmeriCorps program, CCNM aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across New Mexico and western Texas/Oklahoma that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. The CCNM Las Cruces office manages the Individual Placement Program.
Mentorship
These Individual Placements are unique development AmeriCorps positions. Participants are paired with a local supervisor and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies. Site supervisors commit to facilitate career development; introduce participants to numerous pathways within the conservation field; create meaningful learning opportunities; and provide technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies.
Position Summary
The Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Conservation Corps New Mexico seeks to fill a need for a Botany Support Specialist - National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Individual Placement out of the Carlsbad BLM Field Office (CFO). The successful candidate will provide support to the Botany Program including but not limited to support field-going Botany crews, assist with NEPA actions, and monitor/manage for Special Status Plant Species (SSPS).
BLM New Mexico (including Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas) has one of the largest oil and gas programs in the Bureau. The four-state area has over 45 million acres of mineral estate and more than 2 million acres of Native American mineral estate. Two of the most prolific oil and gas basins in the United States are in New Mexico--the San Juan Basin in the northwest corner and the Permian Basin in the southeast. The Carlsbad Field Office is located within the Permian Basin and manages oil and gas lease sales to ensure orderly, effective, timely, and environmentally responsible leasing of oil and gas resources. The CFO focuses heavily on permitting and Individual Placement will learn how BLM navigates and balances conservation efforts with oil and gas management.
The selected individual will work with BLM staff under the mentorship of Conservation Corps New Mexico and the BLM field office botanist. These positions are intended to be entry-level botany with opportunities for professional development such as shadowing various BLM departments and attending training/conferences. Individual placements must provide their own personal transportation to the duty office; however, the individual placement will be provided with a vehicle for use between the office and the field. Housing may be available; more information will be provided during the interview.
Below are 2026 priorities and focus projects for the BLM-CFO. These projects will come with a deliverable depending on the length of the participant's term and project schedule.
Manage Special Status Plant Species ArcGIS Pro Database including spatial data editing, attribute updates, quality control and conservationplanning efforts.
Mange CFO's Special Status Plant Species email by uploading survey results into ArcGIS Pro along with maintaining a fast response service.
Complete "SurveyRx's" on a request basis from the CFO email.
Work with project leads, third party contractors, and operators to identify and communicate the need for Special Status Plant Speciessurveys
Review, analyze and potentially approve oil and gas development projects within the Permian Basin.
Write NEPA language for approval of Environmental Assessments and Categorical Exclusions via Special Status Plant Species determinations.
Work with project leads, third party contractors, and operators to determine mitigation measures to ensure approval to oil and gas developmentprojects.
Participate in and lead project meetings with multiple resource staff to determine best management practices for each natural resource.
Conduct inventory and monitoring efforts of our "Playa" project.
Additional Duties:
Assist CFO Botany Department with designing and implementing monitoring projects for Threatened and Endangered plant species.
Provide SSPS identification training to project leaders, interns, and third-party contractors.
Provide support (logistics, plant ID, field support) to field-going Botany crews, including Seeds of Success (SOS), Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM), and SSPS Survey crews.
Work with BLM Botanist and Botany crews to study and collect data for Carlsbad Field Office.
Provide botanical expertise to Carlsbad Field Office.
Alongside BLM Botanist, represent BLM Botany Program in interdisciplinary team contexts.
Assist with identification of plants and local community flora.
Assist with a variety of Botanical protocols and monitoring efforts.
Assist with data entry and travel preparation.
Assist other natural resource staff with project implementation.
Conditions: General hazards associated with driving and being outside; driving in uneven terrain; hiking off trail; exposure to rattlesnakes, insects, extreme heat, wind, and rain; hydrogen sulfide may be present in areas where the oil and gas industry is active - BLM will provide training to members for field work in these areas and require members to wear personal protective equipment and monitors for safety.
Qualifications:
United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
At least 18 years of age.
Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll asan AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
Valid U.S Driver's License - Drivers must be over 21 or have had a license for at least 3 consecutive years
Per federal grant requirements, this position is for young adults between the ages of 18-30 (35 for veterans) at the time the individualbegins term of service.
Experience with plant identification and using technical keys.
Experience with ArcGIS Pro and various ESRI data collection applications (Survey123, Field Maps, Collector).
Field navigation skills and experience using GPS software.
Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive truck on rugged gravel or dirt roads.
Experience with data entry and data management.
Familiarity with flora of Southwestern U.S. (preferred).
Applicants must pass a DOI security background check and should possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Proficient in GIS applications.
Participation and Expedition Behavior:
Due to BLM-CFO's heavy focus on permitting for various projects that impact resources and habitat, this position may not be suitablefor candidates whose primary career objective is in conservation.
Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on aninterpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.
Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason.
Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.
Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.
Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico, Bureau of Land Management and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all times.
Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
Safety and Judgment:
Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personaldistress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limitedvisibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds.
Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to begiven during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or crises.
Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance fromothers.
Substance Free:
In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activitiesand while on organization property.
Background Check:
A Department of Interior background clearance may be required before the selected candidate reports for service. The BLM will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after a candidate has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start service. This process could take a few months to complete and may impact participant's exact start day and/or access to BLM property and systems once participant starts their term.
Participants will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to government vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Participants must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.
Our Commitment:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:
Typically, this position is expected to serve 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hourlunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service
Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.
Orientation and Training:
Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
Benefits:
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,176.50
Living Allowance of $700 per week.
Additional Benefit of $230 per week.
Professional development funds of $1,500.
Members will have additional hours to take time off for personal, holiday, and sick leave and still complete their minimum AmeriCorps1200-hour term.
Eligible for Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of term (that allows for competitive hiring for USA jobs/government jobs).
Healthcare Coverage.
Student loan forbearance and interest payments are available for qualifying loans.
Evaluation and Reporting:
As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.
For questions about the interview process please contact Individual Placements Program Coordinator SamJean Simmons, ssimmons@conservationlegacy.org
For specific questions about the position and/or Carlsbad area please contact BLM CFO Botanist Renae Cox, rflynncox@blm.gov
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all quali...