We are seeking botanists to travel across the Intermountain West to collect native seed for habitat restoration projects. These positions are with the Chicago Botanic Garden and funded by contracts with the Bureau of Land Management, the pay for Lead Botanists is $22.60/hr, and for Field Technicians $18.50/hr. Food is covered at federal government per diem rates. The crews will be implementing the Seeds of Success protocol.
We are still hiring for a crew member or crew lead in the following locations:

- Burns, OR (based out of Boise area). They will operate in both the Burns and Vale field office.
- Bishop, CA (based out of Bishop). They will operate in the Tonopah, Stillwater, and Mount Lewis field offices.
- Elko, NV (based out of Elko). They will operate in the Tuscarora, Wells, and Bristlecone Pine field offices.

Each two-person crew will be covering multiple BLM field offices, collectively encompassing several millions of acres. The work schedule involves working four-10 hour days, and camping out for these three nights. Camping is required to minimize the travel time (which will still be quite significant). The first portion of the seasons involves scouting for populations of target species across ecological domains relevant to restoration projects. The second portion of the season involves collecting seed from these populations.

Given the geographic extent, and funding for gas, these positions offer an unparalleled opportunity for one to become familiar with the flora of the Intermountain West.

All crews have access to support personnel to assist with electronic data capture, scouting strategies, paperwork, plant identification, herbarium specimen and seed collection tracking and accessioning,

Interested applicants may reach out to either:
rbenkendorf@chicagobotanic.org, 815-355-0631 or Chris Woolridge at cwoolridge@chicagobotanic.org

Attached are the responsibilities for the formal posting, we previously had three tiers of positions posted together. But the following more accurately reflect the responsibilities of the incumbent.

Responsibilities:

- Identify potential collection locations of priority species through scouting, analysis of herbarium records, previous SOS collections, and vegetation mapping.
- Collect herbarium vouchers for each potential collection site. Take appropriate photos as instructed for seed certification.
- Monitor phenology of target plant populations to plan and execute collections
- Ensure collection of all required population scouting data, seed collection data, and photos are properly recorded and shared with CBG and BLM.
- Update and maintain all required population and geospatial data on Ecoregional Tools through ArcGIS Online Field Maps and Survey123. Sync data at the end of each field trip or at least every 10 days.
- Maintain running Field Report spreadsheet with road and trail mileage, as well as number of potential collection sites assessed, and number of collection sites monitored for seed ripening.
- As part of the team, make operational collections using the BLM SOS protocol https://www.blm.gov/ (training provided). Incorporate Pure Live Seed (PLS) estimates and raw weight to collect at least 80,000 estimated PLS for each collection, larger collections are encouraged.
- Timely, accurate reporting of time and effort activities, adherence to all Chicago Botanic Garden policies and procedures for employees, and communication with the Chicago Botanic Garden manager and BLM point of contact.
- Timely completion of end-of-season duties, including data entry into SOS Data Portal, and final report.

Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or Associate's degree in botany, plant science, ecology, biology, or a related field
- Plant identification skills (to species) and knowledge of plant taxonomy; strong knowledge of plant biology. Familiarity with plants and ecosystems of the western U.S.
- Experience maintaining accurate and detailed data records (in field and in electronic databases)
- Capable of conducting field work safely in rough terrain in harsh environmental conditions
- Experience hiking and camping, and the willingness to do so for this position
- Experience driving vehicles with 4-wheel drive; driving on gravel and dirt roads
- Excellent organization skills
- Self-starter, independent worker, able to learn quickly and adapt to challenges