{"id":57899,"date":"2026-02-09T13:10:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T21:10:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/?p=57899"},"modified":"2026-02-09T13:10:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T21:10:03","slug":"job-terrestrial-monitoring-crew-leads-botanists-oconnor-center-for-the-rocky-mountain-west-bozeman-mt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/job-terrestrial-monitoring-crew-leads-botanists-oconnor-center-for-the-rocky-mountain-west-bozeman-mt\/","title":{"rendered":"Job: Terrestrial Monitoring Crew Leads\/Botanists, O&#8217;Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (Bozeman, MT)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<header class=\"job-frame__header\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-sm-4 d-none d-md-block\">\n<div class=\"job-frame__action\"><a class=\"job-frame__saved-job gtag4-save-job\" href=\"https:\/\/www.conservationjobboard.com\/job-listing-terrestrial-monitoring-crew-leadsbotanists-bozeman-montana\/6055835457?utm_source=ongage&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=regular#\"><i class=\"far fa-bookmark\"><\/i> <span class=\"ml-1\">Save Job<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"job-frame__header__info\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"company\">O\u2019Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West &#8211; University of Montana<\/p>\n<p class=\"location\">Bozeman, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservationjobboard.com\/montana\">Montana<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"social-share\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"gtag-job-frame__wrapper\" class=\"job-frame__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"job-frame__content test_job_content\">\n<div class=\"job-frame__description\">\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"job-meta-label\">Job Type<\/td>\n<td class=\"job-meta-value\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservationjobboard.com\/job-type\/conservation-seasonal-temporary-jobs\">Temporary<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"job-meta-label\">Salary<\/td>\n<td class=\"job-meta-value\">$21 per hour<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"job-meta-label\">Deadline<\/td>\n<td class=\"job-meta-value\">Mar 01, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"job-frame__description_content\">\n<p><strong>Terrestrial\u00a0Ecological\u00a0Monitoring\u00a0Crew Leads\/Botanists<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>O\u2019Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>The University of Montana\u00a0(UM)\u00a0O\u2019Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>(OCRMW)<\/strong>\u00a0is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their\u00a0Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy. This protocol is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term vegetation and soils data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We are currently recruiting\u00a0<strong>Crew Leads\/Botanists<\/strong>\u00a0with experience in botany, ecology, and soil science<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>for data collection in\u00a0<strong>Montana<\/strong>\u00a0from May\u00a0through\u00a0late August or early\u00a0September.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong><em>Must be able to start on or before May 13<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>th<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>\u00a0and commit through at least August\u00a04.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The Crew Lead\/Botanist\u00a0will lead\u00a01-2 technicians to collect vegetation and\u00a0soils\u00a0data\u00a0in desert, sagebrush-steppe, and grassland ecosystems.\u00a0Crews work eight-day hitches:\u00a010-hours\/day, from Tuesday-Tuesday,\u00a0with a six-day break between hitches.\u00a0All positions are field-based and require\u00a0working and\u00a0camping in isolated regions.\u00a0We ask seasonal staff to commit to the entire field season, practice safety awareness, safe driving\u00a0policies, and contribute to building a healthy,\u00a0productive\u00a0and enjoyable work environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Applicants should understand that this is physically demanding work. Crews often work and camp in inclement weather conditions,\u00a0frequently\u00a0navigating rough, unpaved\u00a0roads\u00a0in 4&#215;4 vehicles,\u00a0and carrying heavy loads\u00a0(35\u00a0lbs.)\u00a0on\u00a0foot\u00a0over rugged\u00a0desert and\u00a0mountainous terrain.\u00a0Sampling locations are occasionally near a small town, but these towns often have few amenities.\u00a0Primitive camping is\u00a0required.\u00a0Cell phone service is\u00a0limited.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>UM supplies all necessary\u00a0monitoring\u00a0equipment, including vehicles, to carry out the work. We provide some group camping gear (stoves, coolers).\u00a0Individuals\u00a0are responsible for\u00a0their personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags)\u00a0but\u00a0UM does\u00a0assist\u00a0employees with\u00a0purchasing\u00a0some field\/camping equipment, up to $500 value.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Position Details<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Position is full time, temporary.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Compensation\u00a0starts at $21\u00a0per hour, based on qualifications and experience.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>All\u00a0positions include\u00a0(tax-free):\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>$352\u00a0meal per diem\u00a0per 8-day hitch\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Field\/Camping Equipment (kept by employee upon completion of field season, up to $500\u00a0value)\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Benefits include Worker\u2019s Compensation coverage,\u00a0up to\u00a0two\u00a0paid holidays,\u00a0and accrual of sick leave.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Qualifications<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>We encourage individuals with relevant skills and\u00a0a strong desire\u00a0to learn\u00a0to apply for this position, even if you\u00a0don&#8217;t\u00a0fully meet all listed\u00a0qualifications. These positions are an excellent opportunity to develop\u00a0skills\u00a0and\u00a0significant training is provided.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Education and Experience<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree in\u00a0biology,\u00a0botany, soil science,\u00a0range\u00a0ecology, natural resources management, or related subject.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>A minimum of two full field seasons or one full year collecting vegetation and\u00a0soils\u00a0data in desert, sagebrush-steppe,\u00a0grassland\u00a0or similar plant community (BLM Terrestrial AIM experience preferred). A completed master\u2019s degree\u00a0with\u00a0field work can satisfy this requirement.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Preferred\u00a0Technical Skills<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Experience\u00a0identifying\u00a0plants to species in the field using a dichotomous key (e.g., Flora of the Pacific Northwest,\u00a0Hitchcock\u00a0and Cronquist), including challenging taxa.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Familiarity with commonly accepted plant nomenclature and taxonomy.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Experience preparing and organizing voucher and herbarium specimens.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Ability to describe\u00a0basic soil characteristics.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Careful attention to detail.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Experience carrying out data quality checks.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Experience following established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Experience with data entry and management using electronic devices.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Experience navigating\u00a0off-trail\u00a0with\u00a0compass and GPS.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and\u00a0ESRI products (Survey 123, Field Maps).\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Experience driving 4WD trucks, especially on rough and unmaintained roads. Valid driver\u2019s license and clean driving record (DUI or other serious convictions need not apply).\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Certification in\u00a0CPR and Wilderness First Aid.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Professional Skills<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Experience supervising technicians,\u00a0volunteers,\u00a0or undergraduate students. Leadership in a volunteer or community organization, or in the military, can satisfy this requirement.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrated ability to resolve interpersonal conflict during stressful situations.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Ability to interact with stakeholders and partners in a professional manner.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Experience managing gear and equipment for a crew, lab class, team, etc.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to\u00a0accomplish\u00a0mutual goals and to work independently as\u00a0required.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Commitment\u00a0to an entire field season.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Physical Requirements<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ability to carry\u00a035\u00a0pounds in a backpack over rugged mountainous terrain,\u00a0off-trail, for up to eight (8) miles a day, gaining up to\u00a02000 ft. of elevation\u00a0on occasion.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Ability to dig soil pits\u00a0in rocky and dense clay soils\u00a0(70 cm\u00a0deep).\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Willingness and ability to maintain a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather,\u00a0cold or hot\u00a0weather (20\u00b0F\u2013110\u00b0F), rugged terrain, mosquitos,\u00a0venomous\u00a0snakes,\u00a0bears\u00a0and other wildlife,\u00a0lightning, wildfire, etc.,\u00a0all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather conditions.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Training<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>These positions are ideal for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development. You will receive paid training on\u00a0AIM\u00a0protocols and associated\u00a0methodology. UM ecologists will also provide\u00a0additional\u00a0training on\u00a0safety\u00a0protocols and plant identification for the area in which you will be working, and ongoing field-based support and training from specialists during the field season. You will have the opportunity to interact with seasoned staff scientists from both the BLM and UM throughout training and field work.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Location<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Base locations:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Bozeman, MT\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About\u202fUM\u202fand\u00a0O\u2019Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The University of Montana is a\u00a0flagship\u00a0research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The O\u2019Connor Center\u202ffor the Rocky Mountain West, a regional studies and public education program.\u202fOCRMW staff are engaged in mapping wetlands across the western US and in carrying out inventory and monitoring projects for federal,\u00a0state\u00a0and tribal agencies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit the link below.\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.umt.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">University of Montana<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation)<\/strong>\u00a0is an equal opportunity employer.\u00a0\u00a0UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant\u00a0on the basis of\u00a0protected class status as described in UM\u2019s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request\u00a0veterans\u2019\u00a0or disabilities preference\u00a0in accordance with\u00a0state law.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Criminal Background Investigation<\/strong>\u00a0is\u00a0required\u00a0prior to the offer of employment.\u00a0In accordance with\u00a0university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>References:\u00a0<\/strong>References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking.\u00a0\u00a0Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to\u00a0submit\u00a0reference information.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Testing:\u00a0<\/strong>Individual hiring departments withing the UM Affiliation may\u00a0elect\u00a0to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Employment Eligibility:<\/strong>\u00a0All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Further, based on\u00a0the September\u00a019, 2025, Presidential Proclamation and accompanying guidance from the USCIS and Dept. of State, the University may not be able to offer H-1B sponsorship.\u00a0Particularly\u00a0the University\u00a0is not able to\u00a0pay the $100,000 payment\u00a0accompanying\u00a0new H-1B visa petitions.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"job-frame__how-to-apply test_job_how_to_apply\"><br \/>\n<div id=\"how-to-apply-content-269792\" class=\"job-frame__how-to-apply__content\">\n<p><strong>To apply<\/strong>, please fill out the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/form.jotform.com\/260344540894157\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>linked application form<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and upload the following documents by the application deadline.\u00a0In addition to these documents, you will need to provide\u00a0<strong>names and emails of three professional references<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>estimated start and end dates<\/strong>\u00a0in the application form.\u00a0If you have any questions about the job requirements or your qualifications, please reach out\u00a0to us at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:terrestrial.aim@mso.umt.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">terrestrial.aim@mso.umt.edu<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>All documents should be\u00a0submitted\u00a0as PDF files with the\u00a0naming convention \u201cLastName_FirstIntitial_DocumentTitle\u201d.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Cover Letter<\/strong>:\u00a0Please ensure it addresses your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Resume:<\/strong>\u00a0Please\u00a0ensure\u00a0it\u00a0contains\u00a0detailed education and work history.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Transcripts<\/strong>:\u00a0Unofficial Transcripts are acceptable.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Application\u00a0deadline:\u00a0Applications will be accepted until\u00a011:59 PM on\u00a0March 1<\/strong><strong>st<\/strong><strong>,\u00a02026. Application\u00a0review will begin\u00a0immediately\u00a0and\u00a0will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.\u00a0Apply early for first consideration.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>All applicants will be notified of receipt of their application and the results of the preliminary review (rejected due to failure to meet minimum qualifications or transmitted to hiring team). If you qualify for an interview, you will have the opportunity to speak with staff who worked as AIM crew members in previous years.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"job-frame__how-to-apply__description\">When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<table class=\"job-frame__meta\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"job-frame__meta__label\" width=\"100\">Category<\/td>\n<td class=\"job-frame__meta__value\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservationjobboard.com\/category\/botany-jobs\"> Botany <\/a> , <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservationjobboard.com\/category\/ecology-jobs\"> Ecology <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"job-frame__meta__label\">Tags<\/td>\n<td class=\"job-frame__meta__value\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservationjobboard.com\/tag\/wetland-jobs\"> Wetland <\/a> , <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservationjobboard.com\/tag\/soil-science-jobs\"> Soil Science <\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":11259,"featured_media":34097,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_s2mail":"yes"},"categories":[14,15,4003,208],"tags":[4,32,28,33,7,13,9],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57899"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11259"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57899"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57899\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":57900,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57899\/revisions\/57900"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.evergreen.edu\/mesweekly\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}