What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nevada BLM Stream Monitoring Riparian Botanist position at Colorado State University?
Job Description
Title : Nevada BLM Stream Monitoring Riparian Botanist
Position Type : Full-time, temporary
Number Of Positions: 2 Riparian Botanists
Work Location s : Based in Salt Lake City, UT. Travel throughout Nevada.
Duration: April-September 2026
Pay Rate
$21-23/hr. Depending on experience.
$60.00/day per diem & gear reimbursement when traveling beyond base location. Total travel reimbursement = $395-455 per two-week hitch (tax exempt).
Position Summary
In partnership with the Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced riparian botanists to assist in the implementation of BLM's Lotic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) initiative as well as the Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) of stream channels and streamside vegetation. Successful applicants will be trained in the methods by ecologists from CNHP and BLM and will spend the summer applying those protocols in stream reaches in Nevada to assess the riparian vegetation. All hires must be available for the weeklong training in April, 2026, exact dates TBD.
Two riparian botanists will be hired. The botanist will be part of a 3-person crew consisting of one botanist and two stream technicians that will work collectively to carry out aquatic and riparian sampling. The crew will begin field preparations starting early April 2026 (crew leads will start 1-2 weeks earlier) and will collect data into August/September. The team will work closely with Nevada BLM hydrologists, fisheries biologists, and other BLM staff within local Field Offices. Crews will typically work 8-day field hitches followed by 6 days off. Crews will camp on BLM land and typically work 10-hour days. Data collection will include water quality sampling, stream habitat data, and benthic macroinvertebrates in addition to vegetation sampling.
Riparian Botanist positions will be responsible for vegetation sampling along streams. They will need to identify all riparian vascular plants found along the streambank to the species level either in the field or in the office after sampling. They will collect vouchers of unknown species and track all unknown plants from multiple sites over a sampling hitch. The riparian botanist will also be responsible for collecting data on the intensity of grazing impact upon the streambank and riparian vegetation following defined protocols.
CNHP is interested in finding the best candidates for these positions. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications - use your application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.
Qualifications
Salary Range
$21.00 to 23.00 an hour
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all 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.
Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.
Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/)
Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.
Title : Nevada BLM Stream Monitoring Riparian Botanist
Position Type : Full-time, temporary
Number Of Positions: 2 Riparian Botanists
Work Location s : Based in Salt Lake City, UT. Travel throughout Nevada.
Duration: April-September 2026
Pay Rate
$21-23/hr. Depending on experience.
$60.00/day per diem & gear reimbursement when traveling beyond base location. Total travel reimbursement = $395-455 per two-week hitch (tax exempt).
- Travel per diem adds approximately $5/hr. to the hourly pay rate
Position Summary
In partnership with the Nevada Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced riparian botanists to assist in the implementation of BLM's Lotic Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) initiative as well as the Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) of stream channels and streamside vegetation. Successful applicants will be trained in the methods by ecologists from CNHP and BLM and will spend the summer applying those protocols in stream reaches in Nevada to assess the riparian vegetation. All hires must be available for the weeklong training in April, 2026, exact dates TBD.
Two riparian botanists will be hired. The botanist will be part of a 3-person crew consisting of one botanist and two stream technicians that will work collectively to carry out aquatic and riparian sampling. The crew will begin field preparations starting early April 2026 (crew leads will start 1-2 weeks earlier) and will collect data into August/September. The team will work closely with Nevada BLM hydrologists, fisheries biologists, and other BLM staff within local Field Offices. Crews will typically work 8-day field hitches followed by 6 days off. Crews will camp on BLM land and typically work 10-hour days. Data collection will include water quality sampling, stream habitat data, and benthic macroinvertebrates in addition to vegetation sampling.
Riparian Botanist positions will be responsible for vegetation sampling along streams. They will need to identify all riparian vascular plants found along the streambank to the species level either in the field or in the office after sampling. They will collect vouchers of unknown species and track all unknown plants from multiple sites over a sampling hitch. The riparian botanist will also be responsible for collecting data on the intensity of grazing impact upon the streambank and riparian vegetation following defined protocols.
CNHP is interested in finding the best candidates for these positions. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications - use your application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.
Qualifications
- Coursework in botany, ecology, wetland science, natural resources, range management, or related field required for all positions. A completed B.S. degree is preferred.
- Field experience collecting scientific data required for all positions.
- Experience with aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS preferred.
- Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, share living quarters, car camp, and potentially backpack and hike long distances (up to 10 miles / day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs.) required for all positions.
- Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (30-110° F), mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required for all positions.
- High degree of comfort wading in all types of streams including those with slick rocks, boulders, fast water, cold water, deep mud, and log jams is required for all positions.
- Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms required for all positions. Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices preferred for all positions.
- Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with BLM staff and private landowners required for all positions.
- A valid driver's license required for all positions. Experience driving 4x4 vehicles on rough roads preferred.
- Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions.
Salary Range
$21.00 to 23.00 an hour
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
- Review our detailed benefits information here. (http://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
- Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
- For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. (http://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/)
- Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all 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.
Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.
Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/)
Current employees will need to apply for jobs in Workday.
Salary : $21 - $23