Region 9 United States Forest Service Seasonal Seed Collector Purpose: To collect and bank, or store, native seed from plant species on Region 9’s Forester Sensitive Species’ (RFSS) List. Seed collected from native plant populations on Region 9 United States Forest Service Land will contribute to germplasm ex-situ conservation. The seasonal employee will gain a tremendous amount of field experience with the regional flora, training and knowledge of the Seeds Of Success and USFS Sensitive Species collection protocols, and the ability to network and work with eastern USFS staff on the following Forests: One position in each of Ottawa and Superior National Forests. Duties and Responsibilities: • Correctly identify plant species on the Collection Target List • Locate and document populations of plant species on the Collection Target List via herbarium specimens and/or photographs • Completion of seed collection for native species collections for plants on the Collection Target List. • Scout and collect Fraxinus species contributing to the Ash Conservation Initiative Project on USFS Land. • Maintain complete and detailed data records on all native seed collections, per the Chicago Botanic Garden’s requirements. • Follow all protocols and shipping directions for seed collections. • Constant communication with MARS-B staff to update on collection progress and safety. • Access to your own vehicle and a valid driver’s license Position Requirements: The seed collector should be extremely motivated, an independent worker, and have an extremely strong work ethic. They should feel comfortable being alone in remote wilderness areas. They should have access to their own vehicle and a valid driver’s license. The ideal candidate would also be well organized and attentive to detail. They should have excellent plant identification skills. Ideally this person would have the education equivalent to their Masters in botany or an equivalent amount of field experience. They should have excellent communication skills for the purpose of their own safety and to network with the local United States Forest Service staff. • Plant Identification skills for the Regional Flora of Ottawa and Superior National Forests • Read topographic maps and navigate with a compass and GPS Unit. • Self-regulate their own bodies’ hydration levels. • Follow any safety measures or regulations that the USFS requires. • Camp or spend multiple days in a bunkhouse on USFS land in remote locations. You may apply for positions via e-mail, mail, or in person. To apply, submit your resumé and an Employment Application Form as well as a Federal Affirmative Action Questionnaire (available at: http://www.chicagobotanic.org/jobs/apply) Send completed forms (PDF files) as an attachment to an email along with your resumé to employm...@chicagobotanic.org. Include the job title and requisition number in subject line of email. Forms can also be sent via postal mail or completed onsite in the Barbara Carr Administration Building at the Chicago Botanic Garden. By Mail: Attn: Human Resources 1000 Lake Cook Road Glencoe, IL 60022
