Join us in protecting the Mojave Desert

Mojave Desert Land Trust is a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect the California deserts as a living, interconnected landscape where people and nature thrive together. Our vision for the California desert includes dark night skies, clean air and water, broad views and vistas, and an abundance of native plants and animals. Since 2006, we’ve secured permanent protection for more than 125,000 acres.

We are seeking an experienced and mission-driven Seed Bank Field Supervisor to help lead field operations for the Mojave Desert Seed Bank. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working outdoors, leading field crews, identifying native plants, collecting high-quality ecological data, and contributing directly to desert plant conservation.

This is a full-time, grant-funded term position expected to last approximately nine months.

About the role

Reporting to the Plant Conservation Program Manager, the Seed Bank Field Supervisor oversees day-to-day field activities related to seed scouting, collection, processing, data collection, and field safety. This position supervises staff and volunteers in remote desert environments, supports planning and scheduling of fieldwork, ensures seed collection protocols are followed, and helps maintain accurate records, maps, and reports.

The ideal candidate is an experienced field professional with strong native plant identification skills, sound judgment in remote field settings, and the ability to lead teams with clarity, patience, and care.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate, supervise, and participate in seed scouting, seed collection, and related fieldwork across the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.
• Supervise day-to-day field activities of staff and volunteers, including assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and providing guidance and support.
• Help plan field schedules and collection priorities in coordination with the Plant Conservation Program Manager and Collections Manager.
• Train staff and volunteers on seed collection protocols, field safety, data collection, and related field procedures.
• Monitor plant populations, phenology, and weather conditions to help identify collection opportunities.
• Prepare digital data collection forms and manage field data using ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and related tools.
• Conduct quality control of field data and assist with maps, figures, summary statistics, and reports.
• Coordinate permissions for seed collection on non-MDLT lands and support related documentation and reporting.
• Assist with equipment maintenance, field supply management, nursery activities, and annual plant sales, as needed.
• Represent MDLT professionally with partners, volunteers, landowners, agencies, Tribal partners, and the public.

Required Education/Experience/Qualifications

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the knowledge and abilities to perform the position is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would include the following:

Experience

• Two to five years of experience in a botanical garden, seed bank, natural resources department, conservation organization, or similar setting.
• At least one year of fieldwork experience in seed collection, plant or wildlife monitoring, invasive species removal, restoration, or similar field-based work.
• At least one year of experience in a lead, coordinator, crew lead, or similar role; supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience identifying California native plants and using plant keys or other botanical references.
• Experience using ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, or similar mapping/data collection tools.

Education and/or Training

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, environmental science, horticulture, natural resources, ecology, or a related field is preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration

• Must possess and maintain in good standing a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will bring strong field skills, good judgment, and the ability to support a safe, respectful, and productive team environment. Important knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Strong understanding of California native plant taxonomy and identification.
• Understanding of basic seed collection, seed processing, and seed bank operations.
• Ability to lead field crews, delegate tasks, provide constructive feedback, and model best practices.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in remote desert environments.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate field notes, records, and datasets.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, partners, and the public.
• Ability to prioritize competing tasks, adapt to changing field conditions, and meet project deadlines.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and respect for people, land, natural resources, and equipment.

Work Environment/Work Schedule

This is a full-time, grant-funded term position expected to last approximately nine months. The position is based at MDLT headquarters in Joshua Tree, California.

The position is normally scheduled to work a 9/80 schedule, which allows employees to work 80 hours over a two-week period with an extended weekend every other week. Some flexible scheduling will be required for occasional evening and weekend work.

This is a field-forward position requiring frequent travel throughout MDLT’s service area in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. Frequent overnight primitive camping is required during the spring and summer months to conduct seed scouting and collection activities. Fieldwork travel is generally conducted using MDLT vehicles.

The role also includes work in office, lab, nursery, and field settings.

Physical and Mental Demands

Subject to reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, the position requires the ability to:

• Frequently hike, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, lift, carry, push, and pull.
• Lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors in remote desert conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and uneven terrain.
• Camp overnight in primitive field conditions.
• Use digital navigation, mapping tools, and field data collection equipment.
• Operate MDLT vehicles.
• Perform detailed work in field, office, lab, and nursery settings.
• Read and interpret data, maps, protocols, and technical information.
• Communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, partners, landowners, agencies, Tribal partners, and members of the public.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay will be based on experience and qualifications, ranging from $25.22 to $28.39 per hour.

This is a full-time, grant-funded term position expected to last approximately nine months. During the term of employment, eligible employees receive MDLT’s full-time employee benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, personal time, sick time, and paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Cell phone stipend.
• Flexible Savings Account for eligible medical expenses.
• Dependent Care Savings Account for eligible childcare expenses.

Why work with us?

At MDLT, we are a passionate, mission-driven team committed to protecting the desert. We believe that a diverse, inclusive workplace leads to stronger ideas and better outcomes. If you are looking to make a real impact in conservation and thrive in a collaborative, supportive environment, this is the place for you.

Our Values

At MDLT, our work is guided by four shared values:

• Solve for the Desert — We pursue work that creates tangible, lasting conservation impact.
• Foster Trust — We center people and partnerships and value diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Dig Deep — We meet hard problems with grit, integrity, and determination.
• Seek Joy — We approach our work with curiosity, gratitude, and hope.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Mojave Desert Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities, landscapes, and partners connected to our mission. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.