Natural Heritage Program Botanist

Natural Heritage Program Botanist, Natural Resources Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
Full-time, Project, Represented positions (WFSE)
Anticipated Project is October 2025 - June 2027
Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered 
Salary: $6,107.00 - $8,210.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/11/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Join the Washington Natural Heritage Program as a Botanist, and you will have the opportunity to play a vital role in conserving Washington’s rare plants. We are recruiting for two project positions (both Natural Resources Scientist 3) to implement various projects related to rare plant conservation in Washington State. The positions will extend to June 30, 2027, with extensions contingent on future funding. Your work as a Natural Heritage Program botanist is critical for achieving the Natural Heritage Program’s mission of cataloging the plants, animals, and ecosystems of Washington and prioritizing their conservation needs. The Natural Heritage Program serves as the state's principal source of information on rare species and ecosystems of conservation concern. Our team also includes a program manager, three vegetation ecologists, a database manager/GIS analyst, and a data management specialist. Both botany positions will report directly to the Natural Heritage Program Manager.

The Natural Heritage Program botany team is responsible for leading rare plant conservation efforts for the Natural Heritage Program and the Department of Natural Resources, including identifying high-priority rare plant species and making management and conservation recommendations to protect them. In coordination with the Natural Heritage Program Manager, these positions will be responsible for promoting the use of this information in land management and land-use decision-making.

Your work will take you across Washington State into varied landscapes, including rough terrain without trails, and in a variety of weather conditions, from cold and wet to hot and dry. From March through September, you will typically spend a significant amount of time in the field, including overnight trips ranging from one to four nights. However, the length of the field season and individual trips to the field vary according to the projects we are working on. During the rest of the year, field work and/or travel are much less frequent, while time spent on data management, data analysis, and report/proposal writing becomes the predominant daily activities. 

You will use your excellent verbal and written skills to communicate, advise, collaborate, and network with our conservation partners within DNR, other state agencies, federal agencies, land trusts, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders interested in the conservation of Washington’s biodiversity. 

The Natural Heritage Program botany team participates in and collaborates with the network of natural heritage programs (NatureServe), both nationally and internationally. Outreach to other agencies and organizations about rare plant conservation issues, including making land management recommendations, is also a critical component to your work. These positions will also participate in a variety of collaborative conservation planning efforts, such as being a member of species recovery teams.

Required Qualifications: 
 

• A bachelor’s degree with a major in botany, plant ecology, or a field of study dealing with the ecology or biology of native plant species, AND four years of professional experience in botany, plant ecology, or a field of study dealing with the ecology or biology of native plant species;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Expertise in rare plant species inventory, monitoring, and conservation planning.
• Experience identifying plant species using technical resources such as dichotomous keys.
• Familiarity with designing statistically defensible research studies.
• Experience in analyzing data and interpreting the results within the context of rare plant conservation issues.
• Effectively communicate technical information to individuals of varying levels of scientific understanding and technical skills, such as other scientists, land managers, policy makers, and decision makers.
• Accustomed to working with a variety of partners and cooperators on conservation-related issues.
• Be responsive to the priorities and needs of the Natural Heritage Program and the DNR.
• Experience providing leadership on projects.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.