Department: Department of the Interior
Location(s): Arcata, California, Redding, California
Salary Range: $50460 - $65599 Per Year
Job Summary: Join our team in a seasonal (temporary) role supporting hands-on botany and restoration ecology work that helps conserve and restore native plant communities. You'll collect and analyze ecological data, assist with seed collection and plant material programs, and contribute to habitat restoration and environmental projects. These position is located in Arcata, CA and Redding, CA. We expect to fill 2 vacancies at this time, however additional vacancies may be filled if available.
Major Duties:
Qualifications: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume/application. No assumptions will be made about your experience. This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR) that must be met to be considered. The IOR differs for each series within this position. Please ensure you meet the below requirement for the series you are applying for. You may apply for both series. Ecologist 0408 - A degree in biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. Botanist 0430 - A degree in botany; or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany OR A combination of education and experience that includes courses equivalent to a major in botany or basic plant science with at least 24 semester hours in botany, plus appropriate experience. 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. To qualify, in addition to the IOR, you must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-5 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Experience assisting with botany, plant ecology, or restoration ecology work. Supporting native seed collection and plant materials development, including collecting, processing, and using seeds for restoration projects. Assisting with monitoring plant communities or special status plant species, including conducting surveys, collecting field data, and documenting population status and habitat conditions. Providing support to natural resource or land management projects in accordance with established guidelines. OR 1 year of graduate level education related to the position; or a combination of qualifying education and experience. Applicants may also qualifying based on Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.): Superior Academic Achievement (See OPM's General Policies, Application of Qualification Standards Section 4.f.) must have been gained in a curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled. Completion of a bachelor's degree, with Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.), in a curriculum directly related to the position. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. 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. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Physical Demands: Some work may be completed in an office with no special demands. A majority of field work may require routine physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, walking on rough, uneven, rocky or mountainous terrain, bending, crouching, stooping, reaching, lifting moderately heavy items. May require use of hand tools such as shovels, trowels, or screening devices. Work Environment: Some work may be completed in a general office setting. Field work is performed outdoors and subject to moderate risks or discomforts which may require special safety precautions. May be exposed to weather changes (up to extreme hot or cold temperatures), diverse terrain, hazardous chemicals, wildlife, and other environmental factors.
How to Apply: This vacancy announcement uses an online application process through USAJOBS. You must submit your complete application by 11:59 PM Eastern Time by 05/12/2026 . If you need assistance in applying on-line, please contact the listed HR Point of Contact at the bottom of the vacancy announcement. Application Steps Create or log in to your USAJOBS account. You must have a current resume uploaded to your account. Click "Apply" on this announcement to begin the application. Complete the online application and questionnaire. Note - You will only be considered for the eligibility options you select. You must submit supporting documentation to verify each eligibility claimed. Upload documents and review your application. Make sure all required documents are included before submitting. Reminder resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. Submit your application. Applications with missing or incomplete information may not be considered. You may check the status of your application by logging into your USAJOBS account. All submitted applications appear on your account home page, along with the date they were last updated. We recommend checking your application before the announcement closes to make sure it is complete. It is your responsibility to submit a resume, online questionnaire, and all required documents by the closing date.
Application Deadline: 2026-05-12