Seed Collection Crew Leader (NPS, CA Multiple Locations)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE

5d • $24 - $24

About The Position

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is recruiting up to 4 crew leads to assist with native seed collection across California. As part of the Seeds of Success (SOS) program, crew leads will carry out standardized seed collection protocols on Department of the Interior (DOI) lands. Participating sites may include NPS units, National Wildlife Refuges, and BLM-managed lands. Leads will also provide direction and support to crew members, ensuring all are following SOS protocols. Training, support, and coordination will be provided by the regional DOI Seed Coordinator. Leads will be asked to complete a ~1 month SOS training in the Mojave Desert at the beginning of their field season. This will include both classroom and on-the ground training by the regional seed coordinator, NPS staff, and other partners. After this training, leads will disperse to their SOS location placement to complete the remainder of their term.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, taxonomy/systematics, or related field
• Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with plants of the California Floristic Province
• Experience with data entry and QA/QC
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass
• Familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road
• Willingness and ability to work in ever-changing conditions, including extreme temperatures, and as part of a team
• Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites, or poorly developed sites for multiple days, up to 8 days
• Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads
• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, to follow plant phenology, or for coordination with team members
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team

Nice To Haves

• Understanding and/or experience using ArcGIS Pro, and ESRI apps like Field Maps and Survey 123, helpful.

Responsibilities

• Scouting for populations of target species that are suitable for seed collection
• Mapping populations of plants on ESRI apps such as Survey123 and FieldMaps
• Photographing collection sites and plants
• Collecting vouchers of plant populations to be used in verifying plant ID, and preparing vouchers with label to enter local, regional, and/or national herbaria
• Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times
• Conducting both operational and conservation seed collections of identified populations
• Recording data electronically on ESRI apps and, if necessary, on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities
• Completing QA checks for crew members throughout field season on data and seed collection process
• Conducting final QC check on scouting and collection data on ESRI apps, as well as the SOS Geoplatform Data Management site
• Conducting rough processing of seed, and then packing and shipping to a designated cleaning facility
• Completing SOS end of year annual reporting requirements
• Overseeing a crew of 1-3 people, providing additional training as necessary
• Creating weekly work schedules for crew members and communicating those to regional lead
• Maintaining and regularly conducting inventory of field gear
• Daily and monthly vehicle checks
• Driving a truck up to eight hours a day
• Traveling in a truck up to ten hours a day
• Participating in trainings provided by GBI, DOI agencies, and community partners
• Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects
• Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events
• Assisting with species survey work, as needed
• Mapping of disturbance areas and other features using tablets, handheld devices, ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and ESRI apps such as FieldMaps and Survey 123
• Providing support for restoration projects

Benefits

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
• Personal leave and holidays
• Access to Pro Deals
• 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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees