Native Seed Technician (USFWS/BLM/NPS, Lake Mead National Recreation Area)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Boulder City, NV

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), is seeking up to three (3) technicians to support native plant materials and climate adaptation initiatives. This role involves conducting targeted seed collections of eastern and western Joshua trees across their range on NPS lands. The project is under the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority, requiring applicants to meet age and US Citizen requirements (16-30 years old, or up to 35 for veterans). Participants may be eligible for non-competitive hiring status and certificate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, plant science, taxonomy/systematics, or related discipline.
• Experience identifying desert plant species using keys.
• Experience with electronic data entry, QA/QC, and ESRI mobile applications.
• Proficiency using handheld GPS units, reading maps, and navigating with a compass.
• Ability to safely operate 4WD vehicles on rugged terrain.
• Willingness to work in variable and extreme conditions, including heat, wind, and remote desert landscapes.
• Ability to camp in undeveloped locations for up to 8 days.
• Experience living and working in backcountry or remote field conditions, including multi-day camping hitches.
• Capacity to bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods while collecting seed.
• Ability to lift heavy items such as gear bins or water containers.
• Flexibility to begin work early (e.g., 5 a.m.) based on heat, phenology, or team logistics.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to teamwork and safe field operations.
• Must be between 16 and 30 years old (or up to 35 for veterans) to meet Public Land Corps Hiring Authority requirements.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Joshua tree ecology preferred.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS Pro and ESRI apps (Field Maps, Survey123) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of Joshua tree scouting, monitoring, and seed collection.
• Scout for viable populations of eastern and western Joshua trees appropriate for seed collection.
• Map Joshua tree populations using ESRI applications such as Survey123, FieldMaps, and ArcGIS Online.
• Photograph populations, sites, and associated habitat conditions.
• Collect botanical vouchers for herbarium verification and prepare them for submission.
• Monitor phenology of Joshua tree populations to identify optimal flowering, fruiting, and seed maturation periods.
• Conduct operational and conservation seed collections following SOS protocols and park-specific considerations.
• Record and manage data electronically using ESRI apps and paper forms when necessary.
• Perform quality control (QC) on scouting and collection data using ESRI apps and the SOS Geoplatform Data Management site.
• Conduct rough processing, cleaning preparation, and packaging/shipping of seed to designated cleaning facilities.
• Complete SOS annual reporting requirements.
• Maintain, track, and inventory field gear.
• Conduct daily and monthly vehicle safety checks.
• Drive project vehicles (trucks, often on 4WD roads) for long distances, up to ten hours per day.
• Travel between Joshua tree stands across the Mojave Basin and Range, often requiring 8-day overnight hitches.
• Participate in partner trainings hosted by GBI, NPS, and community collaborators.
• Report accomplishments and recommend improvements for program operations and future project priorities.
• Assist with volunteer events focused on seed collection, nursery work, or species monitoring.
• Support additional vegetation monitoring, seed collection, and nursery work as needed across NPS units.
• Map disturbance areas, habitat characteristics, and other landscape features using ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and ESRI mobile applications.
• Provide logistical and field support for restoration and climate adaptation projects.

Benefits

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost.
• Paid leave and holidays.
• Eligibility for pro deals through GBI, such as Outdoor Prolink and Black Diamond.
• Training provided; SOS Seeds Collection and Protocol training, Wilderness First Aid, Defensive driver's training, report writing, and technical skills trainings.
• Opportunity to network with GBI and federal partners for career advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level