Seed Collection Lead

Position Summary

Denver Botanic Gardens, in cooperation with the Wyoming Bureau of Land Management, is hiring two crews for the 2024 seed collection season in support of the Wyoming BLM “Seeds of Success” program. Crews will be responsible for collecting seeds and other plant materials to be used in restoration and research. 

This Lead position will be responsible for leading crews in the field. This position is based out of Denver, Colorado with travel throughout Wyoming, primarily in the High Desert and Wind River Bighorn Basin Regions.

This temporary project position is eligible for Denver Botanic Gardens full benefits package. Anticipated start date in May 2024 and will last approximately 6 months. Overnight camping and non-traditional work hours inclusive of weekend and evening hours will be required.

Requirements

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducts fieldwork: monitor phenology of target species, collect botanical voucher specimens, assess seed quality, and collect native seeds, record site data, document activities, and prepare seed for shipping. 
• Leads field crew in maintaining good safety practices, assures quality of collections and data, and coordinates and communicates with supervisors.
• Collaborates closely with Wyoming BLM to meet data/ seed collection targets.
• Manages data and ensures quality control.
• Keeps written logs and records of field work.
• Regular attendance at the worksite may be required. As with all positions at Denver Botanic Gardens, the incumbent must be in good performance standing to be eligible for remote work. Remote work is at the discretion of management at all times.
• All Gardens employees must be committed to the mission of connecting people with plants, especially plants from the Rocky Mountain region and similar regions around the world, providing delight and enlightenment to everyone.

Position Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have the ability to do frequent overnight travel and camping.
• Ability to work four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday–or occasionally, eight 10-hour days Wednesday through the following Wednesday.
• Must have positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany. 
• Excellent communication skills and experience leading a team. 
• Must be organized and detail oriented.
• Ability to conduct frequent bending, kneeling, and standing.
• Ability to work in a variety of adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, extreme heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears).
• Ability to hike up to six miles per day.
• Must have proven excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills in dealing with the public.
• Ability to maintain stability under pressure and able to deal well with stressful situations.
• Ability to be flexible and willing to modify plans, when necessary, throughout the day.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite products, specifically Word, Excel and Outlook and Teams.  
• Ability to work overtime as necessary.
• Must be a positive representative of the Gardens both internally and externally at all times.
• Must work with respect and cooperation at all times with fellow employees and the public.
• Must be committed to working safely at all times.

Experience/Education:

• Coursework/trainings in botany and/or degree in botany or related field.
• Plant identification skills and proficiency using technical keys and collecting plant vouchers.
• Two or more seasons of field work experience, with preference given to those with skills in seed collection and identifying plants of Wyoming, or the Rocky Mountain Region. 
• At least one field season performing plant identification and vegetation sampling.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Data management experience.
• First Aid certification or ability to obtain within first month of employment.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS software and ESRI applications such as ArcOnline and Survey123.
• Seed collection experience and/or knowledge of the BLM Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol.
• Able to conduct creative problem solving independently.
• Must have a valid driver’s license (in good standing) and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on rugged, off-highway gravel or dirt roads.

Travel:

Up to 75% travel required. Requires the ability to travel to remote locations (or other Garden locations) where environment may vary significantly. 

Denver Botanic Gardens has an incredible benefits package for eligible employees!

Our major benefits include a choice of Medical Plans, a Dental and Vision Plan and Life Insurance Plan. We have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Healthcare Spending Account (HSA).

The Gardens offers a generous Retirement Savings Plan with Company contribution of 6% after one year of service for eligible participants.

The Gardens also offers paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and access to personal lines of insurance. Additional benefits include short-term and long-term disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and an RTD ECO pass.

For eligible employees, The Gardens employment also includes a complimentary Denver Botanic Gardens Membership, access to Gardens education classes and summer concert tickets.  

Come work for a place that offers you SO much more than just a paycheck!

functions of this position.