Title: Native Seed Collector - Grand Junction, CO
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Department: Conservation Training
Reports to: Manager, Conservation Training Programs
Seasonal Part-time, approximately 12 weeks (May 20, 2024 to August 9, 2024)

Salary: $21.50/hour

Position Overview The seasonal part-time, native seed collector positions will work to support two native seed collection crews, operating in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction and Uncompahgre Field Offices. Crews will work four 10-hour days in remote areas to find and collect native seed, while generally camping out for 3-consecutive nights due to the large area covered and long travel distances. We anticipate these positions to work approximately 20 hours per week.

Duration: May 20^th - August 9^th, 12 weeks

Location: Western Slope, Colorado (e.g. Grand Junction, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Paonia)

Responsibilities The primary responsibility of the native seed collectors will be to work with their lead botanist to implement all aspects of the Seeds of Success (SOS) program. SOS is a national native seed collection program with a mission to collect wildland native seed for research, development, germplasm conservation, and ecosystem restoration.

This position will work across land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to collect seed for habitat restoration. The BLM is the nation's largest land management agency largely overseeing lands in the West. The goal of the BLM is to conserve land while managing multiple uses such as recreation (e.g. hiking, biking, kayaking), and economic development (e.g. grazing, mining). Collaboration with both State Office staff at the BLM, as well as field-based staff at the field office will occur through weekly meetings and coordination throughout the season.

This position will be employed by the Chicago Botanic Garden through a contract with the BLM. The Garden was a founding partner of the SOS initiative in 2002, and has been active in the program since. Over the last 25 years, the primary goal of the Garden Plant Science and Conservation Department has been to improve plant conservation outcomes through: basic and applied scientific research, collegiate education, and supporting practitioners. To this end, the garden has 27 conservation scientists, over 40 students, and over 100 practitioners in 2024. Direct management and support for crews will come from the Garden Conservation Training team. A two-day training in the SOS protocol will be provided virtually by the SOS Headquarters team, and the Garden will provide an in-person onboarding and training on field safety, logistics, and field botany.

The roving native seed collectors will communicate with the senior botanist, who will assess their availability, and crews' needs, and send either one or both of them to assist seed collection crews. Rovers are not expected to work a consistent schedule, but rather be 'on call'. Rovers will be expected to be able to navigate to field sites, and maintain positive attitudes to support crews. Depending on rovers experiences, additional indoor work such as soil texturing and ESD verification, and supporting lead botanists hitch planning for certain geographic locales may be available.

Responsibilities and Duties:
- Coordinate with their senior botanist to effectively communicate availability
- Successfully navigate to prospective sites, many of which are in remote areas, using road maps/apps/GIS and 4WD vehicles and hiking.
- Ensure safe working conditions
- Collect and process voucher specimens with lead botanist
- Support the lead botanist as required, provide additional botanical support
- Collect seed for duration of activities
- Maintain a good attitude in face of adverse situations

Requirements and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field (botany, ecology, biology, environmental science, etc.)
- Three seasons of field experience in natural resources management (preferred), or research
- Experience identifying plants using dichotomous keys, or a thorough education in plant systematics
- Coursework or practical experience using GIS software such as ESRI products (e.g. ArcMap, ArcPro)
- Experience collecting scientific data in field settings, especially field conditions
- Experience in electronic data capture (e.g. Survey123, Collector), and enacting QA/QC
- Experience working on, or managing, teams.
- Experience driving 4WD vehicles.
- Experience camping, or car camping
- Organized, self-starter, able to learn quickly and adapt to changes and challenges

Location Western Slope of Colorado, preferably central Western

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors

Physical Demands This position is primarily fieldwork based. Field work will include long periods of driving and long periods of walking on rough, uneven ground; bending, crouching, and stooping to collect seeds. Field work often occurs in remote locations, where cellular connection is unavailable or inconsistent. Field conditions can be extreme with hot summer conditions and cold nights in the spring.

To Apply Complete an application online. Your application should include a Chicago Botanic Garden application along with a cover letter, resume, and the names of three (3) professional references. Questions about the position should be directed to Reed Benendorf at and Chris Woolridge at .

In your cover letter, be sure to address your interest in the position and how you meet the qualifications outlined in the position description. If you are interested in other locations, please also state the BLM field offices you would be interested in working in, and the localities you would be interested in being based out of. For example: 1) Montrose (Grand Junction), 2) Price (GJ, Salt Lake City), 3) Vernal (GJ, SLC), 4) Grand Junction (GJ)

Why Apply? Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.