Washington State ESD
Natural Heritage Program Botanist, Natural Resources Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
Washington State ESD, Seattle, Washington, us, 98127
Overview
Natural Heritage Program Botanist, Natural Resources Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
Recruitment #2025-9-P490/P491. Full-time, Project, Represented positions (WFSE). Anticipated project is October 2025 - June 2027. Location: Natural Resources Building, Olympia, WA. 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.
Position Summary Join the Washington Natural Heritage Program as a Botanist. Two project positions (both Natural Resources Scientist 3) will support rare plant conservation in Washington State. The positions extend to June 30, 2027, with potential extensions based on funding. The Natural Heritage Program catalogs Washington’s plants, animals, and ecosystems and prioritizes their conservation needs. This team collaborates with a program manager, vegetation ecologists, a database manager/GIS analyst, and a data management specialist. Both botany positions report to the Natural Heritage Program Manager.
Responsibilities
Identify, plan, and implement rare plant monitoring and research projects funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address information needs for federally endangered and threatened plant species.
Manage scientific programs addressing rare plant conservation, advising program managers, land managers, and executive management on conservation issues.
Conduct field inventory, monitoring, and research to collect data on population size and structure, habitat characteristics, threats, and spatial extent for entry into the Natural Heritage database.
Compile data from secondary sources for inclusion in the Natural Heritage database.
Establish conservation priorities for rare vascular plants and, when possible, for bryophytes, lichens, fungi, and algae in Washington; develop and maintain collaborative relationships with taxonomic experts and other organizations and agencies.
Coordinate statewide efforts with national and international projects, including NatureServe data standards.
Analyze existing and new information to verify and update conservation status information.
Represent the DNR and the Natural Heritage Program in conservation planning efforts, providing ecological and conservation expertise for rare plant species.
Serve as DNR’s primary point of contact for state land managers and others regarding priority rare plant species.
Recommend sites for conservation action, including additions to statewide natural areas, land acquisitions, and conservation designations.
Give presentations on rare plant conservation and the Natural Heritage Program to groups as needed.
Train personnel in Natural Heritage methodology and rare plant inventory.
Develop grant proposals to fund high-priority projects and manage related grants/contracts, including budgets.
Required Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or a related field, plus four years of professional experience in botany or plant ecology (or an equivalent combination of education and 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 analyzing data and interpreting results within rare plant conservation contexts.
Strong communication skills to convey technical information to varied audiences.
Experience collaborating with diverse partners and staying responsive to program priorities.
Experience providing leadership on projects.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Compliance with laws, regulations, and public records retention requirements.
DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability; Value Others; Compassionate Communication; Inspire Others; Commitment to Excellence.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment
Position includes a mix of office and fieldwork with travel to meetings, workshops, and conferences. Fieldwork may involve rugged terrain and variable weather; field work is often conducted alone and may require extended field seasons (roughly March through September) and occasional non-standard hours.
Extensive travel during the field season; some travel may be out of state. Driving is an essential function; a valid driver’s license and driving record will be required.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of Pacific Northwest flora and conservation issues for rare species.
Knowledge and experience with Natural Heritage methodology for rare plants.
Experience making conservation recommendations for rare plants, including land acquisitions and management designations.
Experience with population biology genetics as it applies to rare plants.
Experience in GIS/modeling and obtaining grant funding.
Application and Contact Information Questions about qualifications can be directed to DNR Recruiting at the email address provided in the original posting (no email forwarding included here). The department values diversity and inclusion and invites applications from all qualified individuals.
Application Requirements
Apply online at careers.wa.gov (click APPLY).
Letter of interest describing your qualifications for the position.
Resume detailing experience and qualifications.
References: 3–5 professional references with current phone numbers (2 most recent supervisors).
Do not attach documents with photos or sensitive information (SSN, birth year, etc.).
Complete all supplemental questions.
Candidates may be contacted via email for interview information; monitor the application email and junk folder.
Additional Information
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill similar vacancies for up to 60 days.
DNR does not use E-Verify; information available on USCIS site.
Veterans’ preference: attach DD-214 or NGB-22 as applicable; black out SSN.
Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
About the Department The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) aims to protect and sustain Washington’s lands and waters, guided by safety, public service, innovation, leadership, and teamwork. DNR offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development.
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Recruitment #2025-9-P490/P491. Full-time, Project, Represented positions (WFSE). Anticipated project is October 2025 - June 2027. Location: Natural Resources Building, Olympia, WA. 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.
Position Summary Join the Washington Natural Heritage Program as a Botanist. Two project positions (both Natural Resources Scientist 3) will support rare plant conservation in Washington State. The positions extend to June 30, 2027, with potential extensions based on funding. The Natural Heritage Program catalogs Washington’s plants, animals, and ecosystems and prioritizes their conservation needs. This team collaborates with a program manager, vegetation ecologists, a database manager/GIS analyst, and a data management specialist. Both botany positions report to the Natural Heritage Program Manager.
Responsibilities
Identify, plan, and implement rare plant monitoring and research projects funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address information needs for federally endangered and threatened plant species.
Manage scientific programs addressing rare plant conservation, advising program managers, land managers, and executive management on conservation issues.
Conduct field inventory, monitoring, and research to collect data on population size and structure, habitat characteristics, threats, and spatial extent for entry into the Natural Heritage database.
Compile data from secondary sources for inclusion in the Natural Heritage database.
Establish conservation priorities for rare vascular plants and, when possible, for bryophytes, lichens, fungi, and algae in Washington; develop and maintain collaborative relationships with taxonomic experts and other organizations and agencies.
Coordinate statewide efforts with national and international projects, including NatureServe data standards.
Analyze existing and new information to verify and update conservation status information.
Represent the DNR and the Natural Heritage Program in conservation planning efforts, providing ecological and conservation expertise for rare plant species.
Serve as DNR’s primary point of contact for state land managers and others regarding priority rare plant species.
Recommend sites for conservation action, including additions to statewide natural areas, land acquisitions, and conservation designations.
Give presentations on rare plant conservation and the Natural Heritage Program to groups as needed.
Train personnel in Natural Heritage methodology and rare plant inventory.
Develop grant proposals to fund high-priority projects and manage related grants/contracts, including budgets.
Required Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or a related field, plus four years of professional experience in botany or plant ecology (or an equivalent combination of education and 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 analyzing data and interpreting results within rare plant conservation contexts.
Strong communication skills to convey technical information to varied audiences.
Experience collaborating with diverse partners and staying responsive to program priorities.
Experience providing leadership on projects.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Compliance with laws, regulations, and public records retention requirements.
DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability; Value Others; Compassionate Communication; Inspire Others; Commitment to Excellence.
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment
Position includes a mix of office and fieldwork with travel to meetings, workshops, and conferences. Fieldwork may involve rugged terrain and variable weather; field work is often conducted alone and may require extended field seasons (roughly March through September) and occasional non-standard hours.
Extensive travel during the field season; some travel may be out of state. Driving is an essential function; a valid driver’s license and driving record will be required.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of Pacific Northwest flora and conservation issues for rare species.
Knowledge and experience with Natural Heritage methodology for rare plants.
Experience making conservation recommendations for rare plants, including land acquisitions and management designations.
Experience with population biology genetics as it applies to rare plants.
Experience in GIS/modeling and obtaining grant funding.
Application and Contact Information Questions about qualifications can be directed to DNR Recruiting at the email address provided in the original posting (no email forwarding included here). The department values diversity and inclusion and invites applications from all qualified individuals.
Application Requirements
Apply online at careers.wa.gov (click APPLY).
Letter of interest describing your qualifications for the position.
Resume detailing experience and qualifications.
References: 3–5 professional references with current phone numbers (2 most recent supervisors).
Do not attach documents with photos or sensitive information (SSN, birth year, etc.).
Complete all supplemental questions.
Candidates may be contacted via email for interview information; monitor the application email and junk folder.
Additional Information
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill similar vacancies for up to 60 days.
DNR does not use E-Verify; information available on USCIS site.
Veterans’ preference: attach DD-214 or NGB-22 as applicable; black out SSN.
Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds.
About the Department The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) aims to protect and sustain Washington’s lands and waters, guided by safety, public service, innovation, leadership, and teamwork. DNR offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional development.
#J-18808-Ljbffr