Seed Collection Technician (Multiple Locations)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is recruiting up to 6 seed collection crew members for crews based in locations across California. Under the direction of the National Park Service, the selected candidates will implement the Seeds of Success (SOS) seed collection protocol on participating Department of the Interior (DOI) Lands, which may include NPS, FWS, and/or BLM lands.

Duties Include:

• Coordinating closely with agency staff to scout and identify target native plant species suitable for seed 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;
• 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 eight hours a day;
• Traveling in a truck up to ten hours a day;
• Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work;
• Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events;
• Assisting with species survey work, as needed;
• Providing support for restoration projects;
• Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects; and
• Participating in trainings provided by GBI, DOI agencies, and community partners.

Physical Demands:

Field work involves driving GBI trucks on both highways and 4WD roads, sometimes up to 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 0-1 mile per day. Seed collection requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from fog, cold winds and precipitation in the early spring to temperatures over 100F with humidity 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 data/seed collection trips will regularly be required. Schedules are often determined by plant phenology.

Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis.

• Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment.
• Bend, lift, pull, and push.
• 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.
• Travel and camp overnight & up to 8 days at a time for project work.

Timeline:

• 24-week appointment beginning in April-May 2025 pending favorable DOI background investigation

Locations:

Multiple positions are available across DOI lands in California. Please indicate your availability and preferred locations/positions when applying. We encourage applying early to help your chances of getting your top-choice locations. Crews will be based out of the following locations:

• San Diego area
  • Crews may travel to the following locations: Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego National Wildlife Refuges, Carlsbad Highlands Ecological Reserve
• Cosumnes River Preserve
  • Crews will primarily focus on work within Cosumnes River Preserve (~20 miles south of Sacramento), but may also travel to Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
• Ukiah area
  • We anticipate that crews will focus on lands in the Ukiah BLM Field Office

Area covered by crews may also include DOI lands adjacent to locations mentioned above.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $21 hourly, Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
• Paid leave and holidays
• Additional benefits:
  • Eligibility for pro deals through GBI, such as Outdoor Prolink and Black Diamond
  • Training provided; SOS Seeds Collection and Protocol training, Wilderness First Aid, Defensive driver’s training (eligible for discounts on your personal vehicle insurance), report writing, and technical skills trainings
  • Opportunity to network with GBI and federal partners for career advancement

Qulaifications: 

Technical Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, taxonomy/systematics, or related field;
• Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with plants of the California Floristic Province;
• Experience with data entry;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
• Familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road;
• Understanding and/or experience using ArcGIS Pro, and ESRI apps like Field Maps and Survey 123, helpful.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to work in ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, and as part of a team;
• Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites, or poorly developed sites for multiple days, up to 8 days;
• Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads;
• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, to follow plant phenology, or for coordination with team members;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team (Crews will be two people, which requires technicians to co-lead, take initiative, and behave in a manner that promotes team integrity.