City of Eugene - Botany Assistant

2023 SEASONAL BOTANY JOBS

West Eugene Wetlands Program

2 positions available

Posted:   March 3, 2023                    Open until filled.  Application review begins March 21, 2023.

Pay rate:  $17.00 - $19.00/hour, DOE

Work period:  Approximately 17-19 weeks of work from mid-May through mid-October 2023, with 3 weeks off in August or early September, depending on work needs.

Statement of Duties

The Botany Assistants will work in the West Eugene Wetlands on vegetation monitoring and seed collection and processing. Most of the work will be in the field on a two-person team: 

Seed Collection and Processing: Assistants will collect and clean seeds of local Willamette Valley native plants from public and remote sites within 10 miles of Eugene, document seed collection activities, mix seed for use in restoration projects, map plant populations using GPS technology, enter records into a database, and similar duties, as assigned.

Vegetation Monitoring: Assistants will quantitatively monitor wetland plant communities using point-intercept methods, enter data, identify plants within monitoring plots and restoration sites, map locations of non-native and rare species, and other duties, such as plot maintenance and occasional invasive vegetation removal, as assigned.

Learn more about our park system and the wetland mitigation program.

Qualifications and Skills 

Successful candidates for the Botany Assistant position will have:

• ability to rapidly identify Willamette Valley native prairie plants in the field, with prior college coursework in plant identification preferred.
• good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate in a professional manner with the public and other employees.
• ability to hike several miles daily over uneven terrain,
• good attention to detail and ability to keep clear, well-organized records,
• good physical condition, with ability to lift 50 lb bags of seed, install corner posts of monitoring plots, and conduct daily activities that involve repeated bending and crouching, such as during seed collection and monitoring, in inclement weather and in rural prairie settings.

NOTE:   Botany Assistants typically work 40 hours per week, M – F. This year, one part-time position would be considered for a well-qualified applicant. Botany Assistants must be age 18 or older and hold a valid driver’s license.

To be hired, you must pass a driving records check and maintain a driving record that meets City standards. These jobs require passing a physical exam which includes a drug screen.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job will be considered. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. We will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.  

How to Apply:  Please submit a cover letter and resume, addressing the supplemental questions, below:

Supplemental Questions to be submitted as part of application:

1. Describe your education and experience with plant identification, including the flora of western Oregon and Willamette Valley prairies.
2. Describe your experience and/or education related to plant monitoring and seed collection.
3. Please indicate the dates by which you could begin work in May and whether you would be available to work through October 20, 2023.

For other questions, contact Diane Steeck, at dsteeck@eugene-or.gov.

First round of applicant review starts March 21 at 8 AM; however applications will be accepted until both positions are filled.