The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management’s Moab Field Office, is recruiting one individual to join our AmeriCorps Program as Seeds of Success (SOS) Native Seed Collection Technician. The Technician will conduct native seed collection and associated activities (e.g. seed cleaning and storage) in support of the Colorado Plateau Native Plants Program (CPNPP). 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.”

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;
Participating in restoration projects, including planting native plants, watering plants, repairing fences, removing non-native plants;
Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events; and
Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects.

Compensation and Timeline:

This is an AmeriCorps position, and member will receive a living stipend of $8,526.00, as well as a $75/week housing stipend.
This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid to members bi-weekly throughout their term of service. Upon completion of the 5-month AmeriCorps term of service, members shall receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award valued at $2199.92 that can be used to pay off qualified student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college or program.
5-month appointment running mid-April – September 2017; possibility of extension based on plant phenology, performance and available funding;
Full time, 40 hours per week.

Location: The Technician will be based out of the BLM’s Moab Field Office. Located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau in eastern Utah, the Moab Field Office encompasses 1.8 million acres of scenic canyon country. Carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers, Moab’s public lands include a vast variety of arches, natural bridges, mesas, and spires. The area offers tremendous access to hiking/back packing, rock climbing/bouldering, mountain biking, fishing, and numerous other outdoor activities. Viewing sites for desert plants and animals are also easily accessible.

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 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;
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.

TO APPLY, Please follow this link to apply directly through our online web portal:
http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ASPT&req=2017-ACI-008

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.