Native Seed Technician (USFWS/BLM/NPS, Pineville and Vale District)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and National Park Service (NPS), are recruiting 4 Native Seed Technicians to conduct seed collecting and ecological restoration activities throughout the Great Basin on Department of Interior (DOI) lands.

Primary Responsibilities:

• 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, 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 with the SOS Technical Protocol;
• Recording data electronically and via 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 for up to five hours a day;
• Traveling in a truck for up to ten hours a day;
• Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work;
• Assisting with species survey work, as needed;
• Providing support for arid land 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.

Timeline:

• 26-week appointment beginning June 30th; and
• Full time (40 hours/week).

Location:

The BLM is the largest land manager in the United States, managing 245 million acres of public lands. BLM manages multiple uses across regions and landscapes. BLM lands in the Great Basin are home to historic mining and ranching that conjure up images of the Wild West. The region’s mountain ranges and valleys are home to diverse plant communities, wildlife, livestock, and wild horse and burros.

The USFWS is the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the American people. FWS manages public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. More than 560 refuges span the country, protecting iconic species and providing wildlife viewing opportunities.

The NPS has been entrusted with the care of our national parks since 1916. NPS manages 428 parks, preserving the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

Bend, OR: The seed collection technicians will be based in Bend, OR and will scout and collect seed from plant populations in the Blue Mountains Ecoregion of Oregon, focusing on the BLM Prineville and Vale Districts public lands.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Compensation: $21.00-$22.50/hr with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate;

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
• Access to Pro Deals such as Outdoor Prolink and Black Diamond.

Per Diem: Camping Per Diem: $34/day (when applicable).

Additional Benefits:

• Training provided;
• SOS Seeds Collection and Protocol Training;
• Wilderness First Aid Training and Certification;
• Defensive Driver's Training (eligible for discounts on your personal vehicle insurance);
• Report writing;
• Technical skills trainings; and
• Opportunity to network with GBI and federal partners for career advancement.

Technical Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 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 Great Basin;
• 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;
• Experience operating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult terrain, helpful for certain locations; and
• 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 harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, and as part of a team;
• Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped 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);
• Ability to work independently or in pairs with little supervision, strong initiative, and high attention to detail; and
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.

Physical Demands: 

Field work involves driving GBI 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 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 cold winds and precipitation in the early spring to temperatures over 100F 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 in remote locations for a week at a time will regularly be required. Schedules are often determined by plant phenology. 

• 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; and
• Travel and camp overnight & up to 8 days at a time for project work.

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

How to Apply:

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

EEO Statement:

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Notes:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
 

Disclaimer:

Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.