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SEASONAL HOURLY

Natural Resources Technician, Ecology/Botany Field Surveys

Recruitment #26-002293-0016

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Introduction

Ecology-Botany Field Technician
One Vacancy ; Full-time 
May 6 - Aug. 18, 2026, start date negotiable

GRADE

9998

LOCATION OF POSITION

580 Taylor Ave., E-1, Annapolis, MD 21401

Main Purpose of Job

The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife & Heritage Service in Annapolis, Maryland, is currently accepting applications for a Seasonal Contractual position (Ecology-Botany Field Technician). The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife & Heritage Service in Annapolis, Maryland, seeks a highly motivated individual to assist with researching, monitoring, and conducting biological inventories of (1) rare, threatened, and endangered plant species and their associated habitats primarily in the Central Region and (2) natural ecological communities statewide. The primary function of the position is to assist with the collection and organization of field data using standardized data collection procedures and equipment which includes (1) collection of data on dominant woody and herbaceous vegetation (vegetation composition, structure, percent cover), (2) physical site characteristics (e.g. landscape and site characteristics, hydrology, soils), and (3) stressors (e.g. disturbance, invasive plant species) at a variety of sites in the project area; (4) collecting GPS/GIS data to mark survey locations and/or delineate ecological communities; (5) assistance with documenting results and entering data using standardized methods used by Natural Heritage Programs and Natural Heritage partners into Wildlife and Heritage Service databases; and (6) preparation of equipment and data forms in support of field work.

The position will also document results and enter data using standardized methods used by Natural Heritage Programs and Natural Heritage partners into Wildlife and Heritage Service databases. Most of the work will occur on public land, but some work may involve engaging with private landowners and interacting with the public. Work hours will vary depending on priorities and may range from 8-10 hours per day, which will be conducted both in indoor and outdoor settings. Outdoor work may be conducted in a variety of upland and wetland habitats under varying weather conditions and will at times involve strenuous physical exertion over difficult terrain as well as exposure to biting insects and poisonous plants (e.g., poison ivy, poison sumac).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Completion of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field such as biology, botany, ecology, or forestry.

Experience: One year of experience in technical biological work in the field of natural resources management performing technical biological work in the field of forestry, ecology, and/or botany.

Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute a combination of education and experience in natural resources management, biology, botany, forestry, ecology, or a related field on a year-for-year basis for the required education. Thirty credit hours are considered equivalent to one year of experience.
2. One year of graduate study in the field of natural resources may be substituted for one year of experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Ability to identify common herbaceous and woody plant species in the mid-Atlantic and central Appalachian regions. Additional plant identification skills, including rare species. 
  2. Familiarity with plant ecological communities of the mid-Atlantic and central Appalachian region.
  3. Experience with ESRI ArcGIS, Microsoft Excel, GPS units, and management of biological and environmental datasets.
  4. Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain areas (i.e., forests, talus slopes, rock outcrops, dense rhododendron).
  5. A strong work ethic, the ability to work well both independently and in small teams in remote, rugged areas with minimal supervision.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions and qualifications of this position.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

*Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources, 580 Taylor Avenue, C-3 Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day. 

If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application before the announcement deadline or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Adriana Parravano at Adriana.Parravano@maryland.gov. 

Supplemental materials and/or edits to your application will not be accepted once the announcement deadline has passed. Candidates will only be able to submit an application once, so it is extremely important that you are following the application instructions.

Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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