In cooperation with the National Park Service at Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Botanist Research Associate (RA) for native plant seed collection and processing. The RA will be responsible for scouting for and collecting mature seeds of native plants to facilitate vegetation rehabilitation and restoration. The RA will be responsible for accurately determining plant species and phenological stage and timing seed collection to obtain mature, viable seed. The RA must be competent in the use of botanical keys for plant identification. The RA will lead vegetation branch staff and volunteers in collecting seeds and will also work alone in the field. The RA will provide training for park staff, volunteers, and cooperators on plant identification and best management practices for seed and fruit harvesting. The RA will assist in processing collected seeds and fruit and preparing seeds for long term storage. The RA must be capable of hiking long distances in a desert environment, including steep, rocky terrain, to reach some infestations.

As part of the Vegetation Branch Team, the RA may also assist park staff with vegetation monitoring, native plant restoration projects, and reclaiming damages caused be vehicles traveling off-road. Monitoring tasks may include but are not limited to collecting plant cover, height, frequency, density, and population demography data, including identification to genus-species-variety level. Restoration projects may include but are not limited to digging holes by hand or using augers to plant seeds and container-grown plants, constructing wire cages around plants, and watering plants for an extended period. Off-highway vehicle damage reclamation may include but are not limited to inventory of incursion tracks, construction of barricades, installation of signage, installation of vertical and horizontal mulch and raking out vehicle tracks.

Contract Timeline:

• 6-month appointment beginning May 2024, or pending availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation
• Full time, 40 hours per week, possibly including some weekends; potential to extend length of employment depending on available funding and positive performance review

Location:
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California, 2- to 3-hour drive from Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Aside from the outdoor recreation opportunities and natural wonders within the park, Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks, the Mojave Preserve, as well as Lake Mead and Spring Mountains National Recreation Areas are nearby and afford a diversity of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock hounding to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.

Field conditions at Joshua Tree include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Terrain varies from sandy desert washes to steep rocky slopes, including navigating through large boulder fields. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wages: $25.00 to $28.00 per hour depending on experience
• Fully covered Health, Vision and Dental Benefits
• Field per diem for camping
• Paid leave and holidays

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in botany, plant science, range science, restoration ecology, biology, environmental studies/science or related discipline;
• Ability to identify plants to genus, species, and, when applicable, variety level using botanical dichotomous keys;
• Ability to determine plant phenology and seed maturity in annual and perennial grasses, forbs, and shrubs;
• Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
• Experience using tablets or similar devices for data collection and navigation;
• Experience using ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS Pro, AGOL, and Field Maps or Survey 123; 
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors, hike long distances (up to 8 miles round trip) carrying 25 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in variable desert conditions;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads and pulling a trailer.
• Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.