Field Seed Collection Technician

AECOM•Bakersfield, CA

10d•$20 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Field Seed Collection Technician for immediate variable part-time employment in the Mojave Desert region of California and Nevada. This remote, field-based role will support various natural resource and restoration projects throughout the Mojave, primarily focusing on seed collection (such as Joshua tree and other target species) and potentially seed scouting, under the guidance of a field crew lead and senior biologist. Ideal candidates can start in August 2026; however, we will consider start dates anytime between now and spring 2027, which marks the beginning of the next seed collection season. Work is seasonal, primarily occurring in concentrated periods during spring and summer, lasting a few weeks to months based on project needs. This position requires the ability to be local to assignments (i.e., travel expenses other than rental vehicles will not be covered by AECOM). AECOM is proud to offer our employees exciting and challenging fieldwork opportunities within a dynamic and flexible working environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of relevant native seed collection work experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record to travel between field site locations.
Ability to be local to assignments in the Mojave Desert region and mobilize quickly to field sites
Must pass a State and Federal criminal history/security background check; many projects/ clients are security sensitive.
Must pass pre-employment drug screen.
Physically able, with or without an accommodation, to work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, dusts, chemicals, moisture, and dryness. The overall physical demands of this position are strenuous.
Position requires frequent (more than 50% of workday) standing/walking and lifting of less than 25 pounds.
Often (25-50% of workday) performing repetitive bending & stooping, power gripping/squeezing (hand tools, levers, etc.), repetitive or fine hand movements, and lifting 25-50 pounds.
Rarely (less than 10% of workday) performing work with arms above shoulder level, operation of vehicles, climbing stairs, using portable ladders, wearing fall protection, operation of heavy, moving, or dangerous equipment, and lifting 50-75 pounds.
Position will include wearing associated personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses/goggles, face shield, and safety shoes/boots.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of southern California and/or southern Nevada wildlife and plant species.
Experience with seed collection best practices (clean handling, labeling, tracking).
Experience with GPS navigation and electronic data collection (mobile forms, GPS-enabled apps).
High-clearance/4x4 driving experience on remote roads.
Possess current CPR/First Aid certification.
Flexible and willing to support multiple projects as needed.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Excellent work ethic and team-player attitude.
Strong attention to detail, with proven ability to follow specific instructions.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally in the English language with other project staff.

Responsibilities

Scouting and seed collection for Joshua trees when in season, with the potential to scout and collect seed for additional Mojave species as directed.
Collect seeds following species- and client-specific protocols (e.g., percent harvest limits, labeling, cleanliness, chain‑of‑custody).
Track and label seed collections; maintain field logs; support staging for cleaning/processing.
Navigate to remote collection sites using maps, GPS, and route plans.
Provide field labor and support for all aspects of seed collection efforts.
Work as part of a team.
Consult with supervisors regarding unusual challenges or developments encountered during fieldwork.
Actively participate in AECOM’s health and safety culture.
Promote compliance with OSHA and AECOM-specific safety policies.