Seed Collection Crew Member (BLM, Lakeview OR)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (Lakeview), is recruiting 2 Seed Collection Crew Members to participate in seed collection work within Lake and Harney Counties of Oregon. Under the direction of the BLM Lakeview Field Office, selected candidates will implement the Seeds of Success (SOS) seed collection protocol on Bureau of Land Management lands.

Primary 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 to 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; and
• Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects

Timeline:

• June – August 2025, 16 week appointment;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Mon-Thu, 10 hours daily.

Location: 

Lakeview, OR: A charming and peaceful town nestled in the southeastern corner of the state, Lakeview is surrounded by scenic landscapes, including lush forests and vast high desert terrain. Lakeview offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $19 hourly.

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost; and
• Personal leave and paid holidays.

Housing: Will be provided to the selected participant at in local bunkhouse style housing at an additional cost.

Qualifications:

At least one of the following:

• 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.

Required: 

• 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; and
• Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 25 pounds of personal and/or field equipment and withstand the rigors of a high desert environment in spring and summer seasons.

Preferred:

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