Seed Collection Field Botanist Team - Rocky Mountain National Park

EPIC•Estes Park, CO

3d•$800•Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), is seeking two Field Crew Botanists to contribute to seed collection projects. These individuals will work alongside NPS Staff to collect native seeds, manage data, and curate seeds, which are crucial for habitat restoration efforts within Rocky Mountain National Park. Team members will receive training in plant identification and the Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol. This is a highly independent, field-based position requiring the team to plan and execute their weekly work, including scouting, collecting, data management, and reporting. The role offers leadership opportunities and professional development, with potential exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. The position involves camping in the field for four days a week, requiring self-sufficiency and comfort with front-country camping.

Requirements

Authorized to work in the United States.
Ability to be both self-directed/work alone and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
Must be between the ages of 16 and 30 (or up to 35 for veterans) to meet Public Land Corps (PLC) eligibility requirements.
Must meet PLC Eligibility Requirements to be considered for this position.
Must have completed at least 640 hours of service to be eligible for federal hiring authority.

Nice To Haves

Hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree, preferably in a biology or natural resources subject.
Relevant experience in subject areas such as botany/plant science and/or ecology.
Experience performing plant identification.
Experience with seed collection.
Experience collecting data via Survey123 and Field Maps.
Ability and willingness to perform seed collection which can sometimes be repetitive and meticulous work.
Ability to follow seed collection and data collection protocols.
Ability to spend at least three nights a week camping.
Ability to maintain a positive team dynamic on a long-form two person field team.
Deep interest in botany and restoration.

Responsibilities

Support National Park Service botanical staff with native seed collection.
Manage data related to seed collection.
Curate collected seeds.
Plan and execute weekly work, including scouting seed populations.
Conduct seed collections following the Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol.
Complete reports.
Ensure quality control of all seed and data collection efforts.
Occasionally assist in guiding volunteers.
Represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional manner.
Complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations, and mid-term evaluations for longer terms.
Conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.
Adhere strictly to NPS and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols.

Benefits

Living allowance of $800/week to offset food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
Housing/camping stipend of $200/week to offset housing & camp food costs.
Up to $350 for eligible gear purchases (personal camp gear and field-work clothing).
Position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures.
Training in Seeds of Success seed collection protocol.
Access to a provided ACE vehicle.
Provided camping supplies (camp stove, food storage bins).
Access to a front-country campsite with amenities (picnic table, fire ring, food storage box, flush toilets, drinking water).
Potential eligibility for federal hiring authority upon completion of term of service and 640 hours of service.
Professional development opportunities.
Exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals.
Potential to gain experience in different conservation fields and shadow different work groups.