Botanist Project Lead
Job Summary
The Botanist Project Lead provides technical leadership for botanical and ecological resource management, supporting disaster recovery, restoration, and resiliency projects for a federal agency. This role leads planning, analysis, monitoring, and implementation of plant management programs, with a focus on threatened, endangered, and sensitive species.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Job Classification: Permanent; Full-Time
Duty Station: Asheville, NC (Hybrid, 2 days minimum onsite)
Travel: Up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forests in North Carolina)
Duration: This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options.
Duties/Responsibilities
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Lead development and implementation of botanical and vegetation management plans
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Provide technical expertise on threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant species and habitats
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Conduct and oversee botanical surveys, inventories, and monitoring programs
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Develop species management guidelines and maintain sensitive species lists
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Prepare and review NEPA and ESA documentation, including Biological Evaluations
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Analyze impacts of forest management activities on plant communities and ecosystems
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Provide recommendations for habitat protection, restoration, and invasive species management
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Coordinate with federal agency staff, contractors, partners, and agencies on project implementation
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Design and manage restoration projects, including invasive species treatment and habitat improvement
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Develop scopes of work, cost estimates, and schedules for botanical fieldwork
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Monitor contractor and partner performance and ensure compliance with project requirements
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Maintain databases and records of plant species, restoration activities, and monitoring results
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Prepare technical reports, data summaries, and GIS mapping products
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Participate in or lead interdisciplinary teams for environmental planning and analysis
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Support development of annual work plans, budgets, and program priorities
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This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills/Abilities
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Strong knowledge of plant ecology, botany, and vegetation management
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Experience preparing NEPA and ESA documentation and conducting environmental analysis
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Ability to lead projects, coordinate teams, and manage multiple priorities
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Strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills
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Experience leading botanical or ecological restoration programs
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Familiarity with Southern Appalachian plant species and ecosystems
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Experience working with federal land management agencies
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Experience with GIS tools and ecological data analysis
Education and Experience
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Required: Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Plant Ecology, or related field
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Required: Minimum 6 years of experience as a botanist or natural resources professional
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Required: Experience in plant surveys, habitat analysis, and environmental compliance
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Preferred: Master’s degree in related field
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Preferred: Experience in the Southern Appalachian region or similar ecosystems
Physical Requirements
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Ability to work in field environments, including forested and rugged terrain for extended periods (up to 8 hours/day)
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Ability to stand, walk, climb, and navigate uneven terrain and vegetation-dense areas
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Ability to work in extreme weather, noise, dust, heights exceeding 10 feet, noxious odors and outdoor hazards
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Ability to travel frequently to project sites
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Could be moderate lifting (~25–40 lbs) typical for field gear
Benefits
Eligible employees receive the following benefits:
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Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
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Health Savings Account (HSA)
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MDLIVE
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Benefit Hub
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Paid Annual Leave/PTO
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Paid Sick Leave
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Paid Holidays
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401(k)
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Basic Life
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Voluntary Life Insurance
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Accident Insurance
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Short Term Disability
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Long Term Disability
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Pre-employment Requirements
Due to the nature of Chloeta’s services, this position is contingent upon completing with a satisfactory outcome some or all of the following pre-employment background screenings: government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, educational history, employment history, and/or credit check. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), pre-employment background screenings will require the employee’s written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior to commencing work. Additionally, employees are required to complete the federal I-9/E-Verify process.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
Employees may be subject to undergoing additional drug screens and/or alcohol testing at any time during the period of employment, including without prior notice.
EEO Statement
Chloeta provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
About Chloeta
Chloeta is a Native American owned enterprise providing a diverse range of engineering, scientific, and technical solutions to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements.