https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/job/seeds-of-success-native-seed-collection-specialist-winnemucca-nv/
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management Winnemucca District Office, is recruiting to hire a Seeds of Success (SOS) Native Seed Collection Specialist. The Specialist will draw on their previous experience and education to coordinate and manage both field and office components of the SOS Seed Collection/Native Plant Program on behalf of the BLM. Specialist responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for the program, including monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times; • Coordinating and actively conducting native seed collection(s): o GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features; o Collecting seed from plant populations and completing data forms in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol; o Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities; and o Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events. • Maintaining and organizing accurate records of field collection activities; • Coordinating the collection and proper processing of herbarium vouchers; • Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects; • Conducting field data quality assurance/control and ensuring established field collection and safety protocols are adhered to; and • Ensuring GBI and BLM equipment are maintained and treated properly. Compensation and Timeline: • Rate of Pay: $17.00/hour • Health Insurance (medical, dental, and prescription) • 42-week term of service (contingent upon anticipated funding) beginning February 01, 2016, or upon availability and completion of a Department of Interior Background Investigation; possibility of extension based on performance and available funding • Full time, 40 hours per week • Local applicants with housing and/or minimal relocation time will be strongly considered Location: The BLM Winnemucca District Office manages approximately 8.3 million acres of public lands in northwestern Nevada. Most of the district is within the Basin and Range physiographic province and the Great Basin hydrologic province with elevations ranging from just below 4000’ to almost 10,000’. The presence of numerous mineral exploration projects, small- to large-scale mining operations for locatable minerals, active sales of mineral materials, and development activities for geothermal energy provide challenges for multiple-use land management concepts and the potential for significant conflicts with other resources. The district is fairly typical of a semi-arid high desert in the Basin and Range. Average annual precipitation is about 8” in the valleys and over 15” in the higher mountain ranges; most of that falls from October through April. Summertime high temperatures are typically over 90°F in the valleys, while the overnight lows are often in the 50°s. Qualifications: Technical Requirements: • Bachelors degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, plant science, taxonomy/systematics, or related field; • Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys; familiarity with plants of the Great Basin, highly desirable; • Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation; • Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass; • Experience using ArcGIS software, preferable; and • Knowledge of and prior experience implementing SOS Seed Collection Protocols. Other Requirements: • Previous experience working within the Great Basin, highly desirable; • 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 for coordination with team members; • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; • Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days, if necessary; and • Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-paved roads. • Successful applicant(s) must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI); applicants already in possession of a fully adjudicated DOI BI should highlight this in their cover letter. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter (including where you found this position posted and status of DOI BI), their résumé, and a list of three professional references to [email protected]. Please indicate “Winnemucca SoS” in the subject line. 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.
