Description
The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding Botany Field Technicians to conduct rare plant surveys for slickspot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) and associated potential habitat (“slick spots”) across southwestern Idaho. Fieldwork is anticipated to begin May 1, 2026, and continue through September 30, 2026, with flexibility based on project needs and availability. Field crews will be based in Boise, Idaho. Relocation expenses are not provided.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience conducting rare plant surveys across the Snake River Plain and to work closely with Tetra Tech and BLM natural resource professionals.
Essential Job Functions:
- Conduct field surveys for slickspot peppergrass and associated potential habitat across southwestern Idaho
- Document potential habitat and plant populations using GPS, maps, electronic data collection tools, and detailed field notes
- Record ecological characteristics including topography, soil type, and plant community composition
- Identify plant species using dichotomous keys, technical keys, monographs, and online resources
- Collect field photographs for documentation and verification
- Participate in 2–5-person field crews and assist with daily logistics and safety planning
- Ensure compliance with BLM rare plant program protocols and reporting requirements
- Communicate effectively with project staff, the Tetra Tech lead botanist, and local BLM botanists
- Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
- Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
- Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
- Additional duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Biology or Natural Resources (e.g., Botany, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Ecology), including:
- Minimum of 6 semester hours in scientific/technical coursework (e.g., botany, biology, soils, entomology, geology, GIS)
- At least one course in plant taxonomy (or equivalent)
- Work history and related experience may substitute for coursework at the hiring official's discretion
- College seniors graduating Spring 2026 will be considered
- Demonstrated background in plant taxonomy
- Attention to detail and ability to accurately locate and identify target plant species (training provided)
- Competence in electronic data collection, field note-taking, map reading, basic GPS operation, and overland navigation/orienteering
- Ability to work long days outdoors in remote, rugged terrain while carrying field equipment and daily provisions
- Valid driver's license and ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles on unimproved roads
- Commitment to safety, teamwork, and maintaining a positive attitude in challenging field conditions
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior botanical field survey experience and familiarity with Idaho flora, including direct experience with slickspot peppergrass
- Experience surveying special-status plant species
- Experience with vascular plant survey methods and plant community assessments
- Proficiency using dichotomous keys and dissecting microscopes
- GPS, electronic data-entry, and field photography experience
- Experience coordinating with federal partners (e.g., BLM) and familiarity with BLM rare plant program requirements
- Proven ability to plan, supervise, and lead field crews; train and mentor assistants; manage logistics, safety, schedules, and supplies; and coordinate with Tetra Tech and BLM botanists
- Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.
Work Schedule & Logistics:
- Typical schedule: Monday–Thursday, 10-hour days
- Schedule flexibility for weather, heat advisories, holidays, and project priorities
- Extensive travel to primitive areas required, often within two hours each way from Boise
- Field crews will be based in Boise, ID
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform physically demanding work in variable and adverse weather conditions (high heat, intense sun, wind, sudden storms)
- Ability to walk multiple miles per day on uneven, rocky, and unstable terrain
- Ability to carry field gear, food, and water while performing repeated off-trail navigation
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
- Outdoor, field-based work in remote locations
- Exposure to rugged terrain and extreme environmental conditions
- Personnel must practice heat illness prevention and follow all safety protocols
Employee-Provided Equipment: Field pack, water containers, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and appropriate field clothing
Tetra Tech-Provided Equipment: Field vehicle, safety equipment, electronic data tablet, laptop, GPS check-in device, and charging equipment
Application Materials:
- Resume detailing education, relevant coursework (particularly plant identification and sagebrush steppe ecology), field experience, electronic data collection, health and safety experience, and 4WD driving experience
- Unofficial college transcripts
- (Optional but recommended) Brief statement describing relevant field experience, familiarity with Idaho flora, slickspot peppergrass experience, or coordination with BLM or other federal partners
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Medical benefits, workers compensation insurance, and 401(k) plan.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
Compensation:
Pay commensurate with experience.
Pay Range: $22.62-$24.35 hourly
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs
Additional Information- Organization: 178 TTS
Apply on company website
Find Connections via Linkedin
