Seed Collection Crew Member (NPS, CA Multiple Locations)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE

5d • $21 - $21

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 10 crew members to assist with native seed collection across California. As part of the Seeds of Success (SOS) program, crew members will work under the guidance of a Crew Lead to 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. Training, support, and coordination will be provided by the regional DOI Seed Coordinator.

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; and
• 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

• In accordance with the SOS Technical Protocol, assist Crew Lead with: 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;
• Conducting QC 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; and
• Completing SOS end of year annual reporting requirements.
• 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; and
• 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; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees