Field Biologist, GEBF

Atlanta-Botanical-Garden-Inc; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Atlanta Botanical Garden is seeking a Field Biologist to support conservation and research across the Southeast. You will collect plant materials, monitor populations, manage data, and collaborate with regional and federal partners in varied outdoor settings.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of field experience, strong plant ID skills, ArcGIS proficiency, and the ability to travel frequently. This role requires hiking, outdoor endurance, and a willingness to work with diverse plant species and

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Botany or related field required, Master’s preferred.
• Minimum two years of post-degree field-work experience.
• Familiarity with flora of the Southeast United States, orchids, or carnivorous plants.
• Knowledge in ArcGIS required.
• Ability to use a dichotomous key.
• Must have a valid Georgia Driver’s License.
• Georgia Pesticide applicators license required (or willing to get within first 6 months).
• FAA Part 107 drone license required within first year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Field collection of seed, pollen, leaf tissue, and herbarium vouchers per department protocols; travel across the Southeast.
• Coordinate with federal and regional partners for monitoring and data collection.
• Monitor in situ populations of rare plants across the Southeast.
• Maintain detailed records of monitoring, out planting, and experiments.
• Ensure field data is correctly entered into fieldwork databases and field sheets labeled.

Skills

Field biology

ArcGIS

Drone operations

Plant identification

Education

Bachelor of Science in Biology/Botany

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Drone flight software

Job description

Description

Join the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Conservation & Research team as a Field Biologist and contribute to the protection and study of rare plant species across the Southeast. Working under the direction of the Research Scientist–Ecology, this position supports a range of field projects, including plant-material collection, population monitoring, data management, and collaboration with regional and federal partners. The ideal candidate is an experienced field biologist with strong plant-identification and ArcGIS skills who is prepared for frequent travel and physically demanding fieldwork in varied outdoor environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Field collection of seed, pollen, leaf tissue, and herbarium vouchers using methods consistent with department protocols. Single-day and multi-day travel to field sites across the Southeast
• Coordinate federal and regional partners to conduct monitoring and data collection for regional field projects
• Conduct monitoring on key in situ populations of rare plants across the Southeast
• Maintain detailed records of monitoring, out planting, and experiments conducted for key projects
• Responsible for ensuring field data is correctly entered into the fieldwork database, and field sheets are correctly labeled and filed according to departmental protocol
• Support Conservation & Research team by gathering data, obtaining permits, maintaining and updating databases
• Analyze & present experimental data and provide written reports, presentations, and publications
• Create customized reports for partners regarding management and safeguarding activities
• Aid in managing current high school and undergraduate university interns
• Conduct and manage drone equipment, take footage as needed and organize photo/video data
• Organize and track Conservation & Research equipment and supplies

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Botany or related field required, Master's of Science preferred
• Minimum two years of post-degree field-work experience required
• Familiarity with flora of the southeastern United States, orchids, or carnivorous plants
• Knowledge in ArcGIS required
• Ability to use a dichotomous key
• Must have a valid Georgia Driver’s License
• Georgia Pesticide applicators license required (or willing to get within first 6 months)
• FAA part 107 drone license required within first year of employment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike long distances through dense woods, wetland areas, and ravines
• Must be able to endure all outdoor elements for long periods of time
• Ability to carry up to 40lbs

Mental Requirements

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to effectively respond to multiple, changing and often conflicting priorities is essential
• Must be able to effectively interact with the general public and co-workers and peer professionals

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Core Values

Conservation: We value natural resources and ecosystems, making choices with the long-term sustainability of our planet in mind

Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards and expect commitment from each other to contribute to a positive image and reputation for the Garden

Inspiration: We inspire through the creation of an environment that supports imagination and expression of beauty, providing joy, delight, and a deeper appreciation of plants for everyone

Integrity: We demonstrate honesty, transparency, accountability, trustworthiness, and ethical behavior, exercising good judgment in our actions and communication

Respect: We value the diversity of our coworkers, volunteers, and guests, holding each other in the highest regard