The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the BLM, is recruiting one (1) crew of three (3) Native Seed Technicians to conduct seed collecting and ecological restoration activities across the Colorado Plateau ecoregion. 

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 training provided by GBI, DOI agencies, and community partners.

Timeline:

• June-October 2026, 20 wks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: M-F schedule, 8 hours daily.

Location: 

Gunnison and Montrose (Colorado Plateau Region): Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Western Slope, it offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.  The area offers abundant opportunities for recreation including hiking, camping, rock climbing, fishing and more.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $21 hourly;

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.

Housing: will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Per diem: $35 camping per diem provided per night in the field.

Additional benefits:

• SOS Seeds Collection and Protocol training;
• Wilderness First Aid;
• Defensive driver's training;
• Report writing, and technical skills trainings; and
• Opportunity to network with GBI and federal partners for career advancement.

Qualifications:

Technical Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with 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 California Floristic Province;
• Experience with data entry and QA/QC;
• 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; 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 ever-changing conditions, including extreme temperatures, and as part of a team;
• Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites, or poorly developed 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; and
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team.

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; 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.