Seasonal Botanist

Full Job Description

The typical seasonal entry-on-duty period for Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is April-October, but the season may be extended or reduced due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2026. Open to the first 50 applicants or until 03/04/2026 whichever comes first.

All applications submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the closing day will receive consideration.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-03/04/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time).

If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience.

To qualify for this position at the GS-0430-05 grade level, you must possess at least one of the following basic qualifications by close of the announcement: EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in botany; or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany.

Courses in basic botany, plant anatomy or morphology, cytology, histology, genetics, taxonomy or systematics, algology, mycology, ethnobotany, and those dealing with specific problems of a botanical nature or with specific groups of plants are qualifying.

You must include transcripts. You will need to provide your official transcripts prior to entrance-on-duty (EOD).

-OR- Successful completion of a COMBINATION of education and experience as described above.

courses equivalent to a major in botany (such as plant anatomy or morphology, cytology, histology, genetics, taxonomy or systematics, algology, mycology, ethnobotany, and those dealing with specific problems of a botanical nature or with specific groups of plants are qualifying) or basic plant science that included 24 semester hours in botany, as shown above, plus appropriated experience or additional education.

You must include transcripts. You will need to provide your official transcripts prior to entrance-on-duty (EOD).

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

This position is located in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, in the Resource Management Division.

Conducts cyclic treatment and monitoring of hemlock trees to suppress hemlock woolly adelgid, and non-native invasive plant species to protect rare plant habitat and native plant communities.

Implements established natural resource management projects, following instructions and standardized procedures.

Collects and organizes field data, following instructions and standardized procedures, seeking assistance for situations not covered by instructions or guidelines.

Makes field observations of natural resource conditions. Evaluates observed conditions and problems and makes preliminary determinations on the cause of problems noted.

Provides results to higher-level specialists. Utilizes a variety of computer programs to enter, compile, reduce, store, and retrieve data and other resource management information.

Provides logistical support for contract or cooperating scientists; provides technical information, ensures quality control, and solves logistical or operational problems within the scope of the incumbent's authority.