The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and National Park Service (NPS), are recruiting 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, recording, entering, and managing data of plant populations, 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; 
• Working with state agencies to certify seed collections following state protocols; 
• Photographing collection sites and plants;
• Maintaining and regularly conducting inventory of field gear;
• Daily and monthly vehicle checks;
• Driving a truck up to five hours a day;
• Traveling in a truck up to ten hours a day;
• Camping for multiple days on public lands under primitive conditions; 
• 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 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: 

• 24-week appointment beginning ASAP; 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. USFWS 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. 

Location:

Salt Lake City, UT at the Salt Lake City BLM Field Office (working on BLM West Desert District Office lands)

Salt Lake City is the capital and most populated city of Utah, being one of the principal urban centers within the Great Basin! Salt Lake City (SLC) has a strong tourist industry heavily based on skiing and outdoor recreation, festivals, museums and arts, and rich history. It is located at the northeast corner of Salt Lake Valley and is surrounded by the Great Salt Lake to the northwest, the impressive Wasatch Range to the east, and Oquirrh Mountains to the west. The BLM West Desert District Office manages 7.7 million acres of land, many of which fall within the Great Basin.

Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation: $22.50 hourly; overtime at 1.5x hourly rate;

Benefits: 

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

Per diem: $34/day (when applicable).

Additional benefits:

• Eligibility for pro deals through GBI, such as Outdoor Prolink and Black Diamond;
• Training provided; SOS Seed Collection and Protocol training, Wilderness First Aid training and certification, Defensive driver's training (eligible for discounts on your personal vehicle insurance), report writing, and technical skills trainings; and
• Opportunity to network with GBI and federal partners for career advancement.

Qualifications:

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 and/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 5-7 gallon water containers 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 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 is required.

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