Seed Collection Crew (FWS, Oregon Coast)

Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, is recruiting two native seed collectors for the Oregon coast. Under the direction of the USFWS, USFS & BLM, and with support from our NGO partners the selected candidate will survey wild populations of target species, collect seed, process and store them.

Duties Include:

• Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for collection;
• Mapping of populations of plants and other features using handheld devices 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;
• Processing and shipping seed following standard industry procedure & SOS Technical Protocol;
• Collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis and processing and shipping, as necessary;
• Certifying seed collections following agency protocols;
• Recording data electronically and on paper data forms;
• Photographing collection sites and plants;
• Maintaining and regularly conducting inventory of field gear;
• Daily and monthly vehicle checks;
• Driving a truck up to five hours a day;
• Traveling in a truck up to ten hours a day;
• Assisting with the coordination of crew work;
• Assisting with the coordination of seed collection events;
• Assisting with species survey work, as needed;
• Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations; and
• Participating in trainings provided by GBI, Federal agencies, and community partners.

This position is primarily in the field. Work involves driving federal trucks on both highways and 4WD roads, often for 100+ miles per day as well as hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 5 miles per day, but more typically less than 1 mile per day. Seed collection requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds and precipitation in the spring to temperatures over 80 F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, tablets, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on collection trips may be required. Schedules are often determined by plant phenology.

Contract Timeline:

• 6-Month appointment beginning in May 2024 with the potential for rehiring in 2025 and 2026
• Full time, 40 hours/week; 26 weeks total

Location:
Northern Oregon Coast – one collector will cover the north coast. Housing provided in the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge bunkhouse, approximately 25 minutes north of Lincoln City, OR and 10 minutes south of Pacific City, OR.

Southern Oregon Coast – one collector will cover the south coast. Housing provided in the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge bunkhouse, approximately 5 minutes north of Bandon, OR and 25 minutes south of Coos Bay, OR.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $24/hr.
• Housing is provided by the USFWS in their NWR bunkhouses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, or related discipline, or a combination of relevant education and field experience;
• Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of botany;
• Familiarity with native and invasive plants of the Oregon and/or Washington coasts;
• Proficiency using dichotomous keys, such as the Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast;
• Experience with plant ID apps and ArcGIS applications such as Field Maps;
• Ability to safely navigate in the field using maps/compass and handheld GPS devices;
• High level of proficiency leading field work in dynamic field settings;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Experience with data entry and QA/QC procedures;
• Reliable, team-player with strong leadership and communication skills;
• Possession of a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license; and

Additional Requirements:

• Bend, lift, pull, and push up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment;
• Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time;
• Drive for many hours a day on highways and 4WD roads;
• Handle plant material for many hours a day;
• Walk and stand for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment;
• Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season);
• Occasionally work 10+ hour days.