Native Seed Technician

Seeds of Success Native Seed Technician

Position Background: The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition is hiring six (6) native seed technicians to work as part of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Seeds of Success (SOS) program. Technicians will get to conduct surveys to locate source populations for seed, collect seed for use in rehabilitation efforts, and work closely with federal staff and other partners. The project’s main goal is to increase the regional availability of native seed for large scale rehabilitation projects in collaboration with the BLM, Great Basin Native Plant Project, and other partners. Positions will be located in BLM offices, and are available in three different locations:

Ely, NV (2)

Elko, NV (2)

Fillmore, UT (2)

Expected start date is Mid April and will continue until September, with the possibility of work into October as necessary.

Native Seed Technician Position Description: Primary responsibilities include: identifying, scouting and collecting native seed from target species populations, following rigorous SOS protocols, and completing associated data sheets. Both smaller (10,000 seeds) and restoration collections (3-5lbs. of seed) will be harvested. Much of the time will be spent driving and hiking throughout eastern Nevada/western Utah, while monitoring the phenology of target populations. In addition to the collection of seed herbarium voucher specimens, tissue samples for molecular analysis, and associated metadata will be collected from each population. Technicians will be trained on SOS protocols, plants of the Great Basin, general field safety and more.

This is primarily a field position with about 15% office work. Individuals must be able to hike up to 4 miles a day carrying a 30 pound pack, drive several hours a day on rugged two-track roads, camp in remote backcountry settings, and work 10+ hours a day in variable, sometimes extreme temperatures (30° - 105°F). The work will require repeated bending over for long periods of time.

Schedule: Technicians will work both an 8 day on 6 off schedule, as well as a 4 day on 3 day off work schedule depending on seed readiness at any given time.

Desired Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources or related field

- Experience identifying plant species using dichotomous keys; plant taxonomy coursework a plus

- Interest in learning about the Great Basin, its plant species, and rehabilitation efforts

- Willingness to live and work outdoors in a highly variable desert climate for 4-8 days at a time

- Ability to follow rigorous standardized protocols and record detailed notes

- Ability to work effectively in small group settings

- Ability to bend over and kneel repeatedly, conducting tedious tasks for several hours at a time

- Valid driver’s license; 4WD experience helpful

- A passion for the outdoors and conservation work

Compensation: $15.00/hour, plus a camping per diem of $38 per day when camping.

Any questions regarding the details of the position can be sent to phellmann@envlc.org