Seed Collection Crew Member (USFWS, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE•Las Vegas, NV

3d•$22 - $22

About The Position

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is recruiting up to four (4) Seed Collection Crew Members to participate in seed collection work within the Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex. 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 Wildlife Refuges in Southern Nevada. Training, support, and coordination will be provided by the regional DOI Seed Coordinator. The USFWS is the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the American people. Seed Collection Crew Members will become intimately acquainted with the four wildlife refuges in Southern Nevada which are home to endangered species, warm springs and streams, and vast wilderness areas.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or a closely related field in the biological sciences, including coursework in plant taxonomy and/or systematics; OR Experience conducting plant surveys and other botanical field work; OR Six months of professional fieldwork experience.
Experience using technical keys to identify plants to the species or sub-species level
Experience working with hand-held GPS, maps and compass for field navigation and data collection
Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff
Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience
Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license
Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office setting
Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the flora of the Great Basin
Ability to understand, implement and adhere to established data collection and protocols
Ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads

Responsibilities

Coordinating closely with agency staff for target species and collection location selection, followed by scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for collection
Mapping of populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features using tablets, handheld devices, ArcGIS Online, ArcPro, and ESRI apps such as FieldMaps and Survey 123
Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times
Collecting seed from plant populations for both operational and conservation collections in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol
Working in a crew of up to 4, providing oversight of the SOS Technical Protocol as needed
Processing and shipping seed following standard industry procedure
Collecting herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping in accordance with the SOS Technical Protocol
Collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis and processing and shipping, as necessary
Certifying seed collections following state agency protocols
Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities
Photographing collection sites and plants
Maintaining and regularly conducting inventory of field gear
Daily and monthly vehicle checks
Driving a truck up to three hours a day
Traveling in a truck up to five hours a day
Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future 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

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