The Southwest Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE SW) (www.appliedeco.org) will be hiring a botany technician to lead and be a part of a two-person native seed collection crew. The seed crew will conduct fieldwork on National Park Service (NPS) properties in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern Colorado. This is an exciting opportunity to apply leadership skills and network with partners and other seed collectors while helping to further the Southwest Seed Partnerships mission of improving the supply of native seed for restoration projects in the Southwest.
The botany technician will work closely with IAE staff and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) botanists and will also coordinate with staff from the NPS Intermountain Region and USDA Forest Service Region 3 to collect seed from native plants for production and restoration efforts in the Southwest. This position will be based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Most of the work will occur at NPS properties in the region. This position will be for 14 weeks with the possibility of extension depending on funding, weather, and plant phenology. The work week will be four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday. Mondays will include office work (i.e., data entry, site planning) and the rest of the week will be spent in the field. The crew will meet at the IAE SW office and travel to field sites together in an IAE SW vehicle. Specific Responsibilities of Botany Technician: Supervise and work alongside one field technician Collaborate closely with Southwest Seed Partnership Coordinator and team in Santa Fe to meet collection targets Oversee the following fieldwork: plan and schedule fieldwork, camping logistics, monitor phenology of target species, collect botanical voucher specimens, assess seed quality and collect native seeds, record site data, prepare documentation, and help to ship seed Manage data and ensure quality control Prioritize safety; adhere to check-in/check-out procedures and communications via cell phone or SPOT device to ensure crew safety Frequent overnight camping for field work Minimum Qualifications: Three years of coursework in biology, botany, or a related field Interest in botany, conservation biology, and/or restoration ecology Outgoing, energetic, and flexible Excellent communication skills and experience working on a team Leadership experience or enthusiasm for acquiring leadership experience Highly organized and able to manage complex objectives and take initiative Preferred Skills: Bachelors degree in biology, botany, or a related field Plant identification skills and experience using technical keys (familiarity with Southwest flora is a plus) Pre-existing knowledge of the BLM Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol or prior seed collection experience Plant voucher collection experience Experience using GPS Ability to drive a 4WD truck on rugged, off-highway gravel or dirt roads Data management experience; experience with Excel Comfortable in a backcountry setting: ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions while maintaining attention to the task and crew safety (First aid training a plus) Ability to work in bent-over, kneeling, or standing positions for significant periods of time Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. and hike up to 6 miles per day Compensation and Start Date: $14.00/hr. plus overnight food/camping or lodging expenses as needed. Paid leave available for holidays; and unpaid leave permitted for cultural events and supervisor approved vacation. This is a full-time temporary position with no additional benefits. Employment term runs from August 6th November 8th with the possibility of extension. Preference will be given to youth (ages of 18-25 years at the time of hire), and those who identify as a member of a Native American Tribe, or identify as American Indian/Native American. To apply for this position, please submit: Brief cover letter describing your interest in the position. If would like to be considered for a similar position in Las Cruces, NM, please indicate this in your cover letter. Resume identifying any relevant experience (paid or unpaid) College transcripts (unofficial transcripts are fine) Names and contact information for three references Email applications to: [email protected] by 7/25/18; use subject line NPS Botany Technician; applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please direct any questions about the position to [email protected]
