The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with Bureau of Land Management, is recruiting one (1) Native Seeds Coordinator to participate in working alongside BLM to oversee the native plant materials development portion of the Mojave Native Plant Program within the Mojave Desert ecoregion, which spans portions of southern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and northwestern Arizona. 

This position will support the development of native plant materials and resources used on BLM lands along every step of the native plant materials development cycle: native seed collection, evaluation and development, field establishment, seed production, seed certification, seed storage, restoration of native plant communities and an exhaustive database tracking work within the region. The native plant material program assistant will supervise assigned teams and complete the project objectives that support the Mojave Desert Native Plant Program (MDNPP) and Ecoregional Program goals. 

Project outcomes will include the development of a robust database that will support the region in monitoring seed data moving forward. Outcomes will also include overseeing seed collections that meet standards of PLS as defined by the Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol, acres planted in assistance of MDNPP partner research, seed lots tracked through increase and storage contracts and agreements, sites source IDed and source ID protocols developed, restoration sites planted and/or monitored, rare plant sites surveyed, permits reviewed and submitted, and databases created and maintained. 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Overseeing seed collection throughout the collecting season for target species; 
• Providing assistance on MDNPP research projects that inform species biology including culture practices for native seed establishment, germination, pollinators, seed production technology, and seed transfer zones; 
• Supporting the Mojave plant program Lead to facilitate grow-out of genetically appropriate seed stock. Collaborating with farmers and conservationists to increase BLM Stock and Foundation seed amounts to use on larger Seed Increase IDIQ contracts so that commercial availability of genetically diverse, locally sourced seed for restoration, rehabilitation and reclamation projects is increased at a landscape scale; 
• Working with state seed certification entities to develop and implement seed certification across MDNPP seed lots; 
• Supporting the national SOS program’s seed storage as well as local seed storage facilities in the region; 
• Working with field office staff, other federal agencies, and non-federal project partners to apply native plant materials on the ground in restoration projects throughout the Mojave Desert ecoregion; 
• Assisting the Mojave Desert Ecoregional Coordinator as well as program partners with miscellaneous tasks related to the Mojave Desert Native Plant Program;
• Complete database of Mojave ecoregion seed collection with USGS seed zones and regional data;
• Interface with CA State Office, Southern Nevada District Office, and other BLM offices as needed to coordinate databases and program management details;
• Provide timely orders with seed storage facilities to supply SOS seeds to growers and researchers as needed; 
• Track seed testing needs and results, obtaining necessary seed tests and maintaining seed lots as needed; 
• Coordinate with growers providing info on growing techniques and seed harvesting techniques to new growers; 
• Coordinate / track Eastern Mojave contract SOS seed crew and CA CalBG SOS seed crew for CA, and potentially southern Nevada SOS contract seed crews;
• Develop and continue to enhance a regional database to support up to date data management; and
• Manage and analyze data including geospatial data.

Timeline: 

• Start Date: 10/1/2026; 12-month term with potential for extension (depending on funding); 
• Full Time (40 hours/week); and 
• Monday – Friday (with flexibility to switch to a 4/10 schedule during the field season).

Travel details: 

• 4x4 truck operation; and 
• Possible travel to field and offices, as needed. Possibility for travel to national/regional conferences/trainings, as funding/time allows. 

Location: 

Location is flexible and can be remote, but candidates are encouraged to be located within or near the Mojave Desert Ecoregion. 

Compensation and Benefits: 

Compensation: $35 hourly; 

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;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match;
• Access to Pro Deals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, natural resources or related field and at least one year of seed collection experience, preferably with the Seeds of Success program; 
• Experience planning and coordinating field logistics, such as scheduling personnel, organizing equipment and materials, and managing permitting and site access; 
• Plant identification skills (including common weeds). Familiarity with Mojave Desert plant communities is preferred; 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Positive attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience developing and maintaining relationships with partners, private landowners and colleagues; 
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite and ArcGIS; 
• Experience using ESRI mobile applications and ArcGIS Online (AGOL) for digital data collection and management: Survey123 and FieldMaps; 
• Navigational and mapping skills using a variety of tools, including aerial photos, compass, GPS and mapping applications such as FieldMaps, Avenza, or Gaia; 
• Good physical condition. Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions;
• Current valid driver’s license; 
• Ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle; and 
• Ability to pass a DOI background check.