The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land
Management’s Colorado Plateau Native Plants Program (CPNPP), is recruiting
two (2) individuals to join our AmeriCorps Program as Seeds of Success
(SOS) Native Seed Collection Technicians. The overarching goal of the CPNPP
is to “improve the quality of, and increase the availability of, native
seed commercially available for use in restoration and reclamation in areas
of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.” The Technicians will conduct
native seed collection and associated activities (e.g. seed cleaning and
storage) on BLM lands managed by the Carlsbad (N.M.) Field Office, which
has a major need for seed collection, including in some geologically
specific areas (gypsum-rich). Specific tasks may include, but are not
limited to the following:
· Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant
species suitable for the program;
· GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other
features;
· Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal
seed collection times;
· Collecting seed from plant populations and completing data forms
in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol;
· Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping seed as
necessary;
· Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering
and editing data related to restoration activities; and
· Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for
program improvements, priorities, and future projects.
The Technicians will also have an opportunity to support a wide array of
other natural and cultural resource projects through their appointment,
which may include: wildlife surveys (e.g. herp, bird, terrestrial insect,
aquatic macroinvertebrate, and bat surveys); participating in restoration
projects; AIM survey work; herbicide treatment monitoring or research on
herbicide effects on seed production, etc., given the widespread use of
herbicide to deal with mesquite and creosote across New Mexico ("Restore
New Mexico" Program).
*Compensation and Timeline**:*
· Living Allowance: $8,000
· Housing: BLM-provided housing option or a $75/week housing stipend
· Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $2,150 that can be used to pay
off qualified student loans or paying for expenses at a Title IV accredited
college or program.
· 20-week term of service (June, 22, 2015 – November 06, 2015);
*Location**:*
The Technician(s) will be based out of the BLM’s Carlsbad Field Office
(CFO), located in the southeast corner of New Mexico. The CFO manages two
million acres of public lands and showcases high desert treasures and
backcountry adventures. Recreational activities, including hiking,
horseback riding, camping, biking, off-road vehicle use, fishing, caving,
hunting, and wildlife/ wildflower viewing (among others) can be explored in
a variety of topographic and vegetative genres.
*Qualifications**:*
· Bachelors degree with coursework and field experience related to
biology, botany, plant science, or related field;
· Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity
with Colorado Plateau plants;
· Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and
navigation;
· Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
· Understanding and/or experience using ArcView GIS software,
helpful;
· Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert
conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a
team;
· 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, or after dusk to conduct bat surveys;
· Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with
a diverse audience;
· Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple
days, if necessary;
· Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD
vehicles on- and off-paved roads; and
- Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or
legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps
Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two
full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website
(NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules,
regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service
Agreement; and (5) will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed
in the Member Service Agreement.
*How to Apply:*
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter
(including where you found this post), their résumé, and a list of three
professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at
[email protected]. Incomplete applications will not be
considered.
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal
employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage
women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to
all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without
regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender
identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information &
Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against
individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the
employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or
participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose
discrimination.
