Physical Demands:

Field work involves driving GBI trucks on both highways and 4WD roads, sometimes up to 100+ miles per day, as well as hiking off designated trails or routes across rugged terrain, up to 5 miles per day, but more typically 0-1 mile per day. Seed collection requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from fog, cold winds and precipitation in the early spring to temperatures over 100F with humidity in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, tablets, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data/seed collection trips will regularly be required. Schedules are often determined by plant phenology.

Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis.

• Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment.
• Bend, lift, pull, and push.
• Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time.
• Drive for many hours a day on highways and 4WD roads.
• Handle plant material for many hours a day.
• Walk and stand for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment.
• Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season).
• Occasionally work 10+ hour days.
• Travel and camp overnight & up to 8 days at a time for project work.

Timeline:

• 24-week appointment beginning in April-May 2025 pending favorable DOI background investigation

Locations:

Multiple positions are available across DOI lands in California. Please indicate your availability and preferred locations/positions when applying. We encourage applying early to help your chances of getting your top-choice locations. Crews will be based out of the following locations:

1. Cosumnes River Preserve
   • Crews will primarily focus on work within Cosumnes River Preserve (~20 miles south of Sacramento), but may also travel to Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
2. Redding area
   • Crews will focus on work within the Redding BLM Field Office, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and FWS land in the Northern Central Valley.

3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks 

   • Position would collect seed on NPS land, with the potential to expand efforts onto BLM and Forest Service managed lands. In addition to seed collection, this position may also have opportunities to help with native plant nursery projects and cone surveys. 

Area covered by crews may also include DOI lands adjacent to locations mentioned above.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $21 hourly, Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
• Housing Stipend: $125/week
• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
• Paid leave and holidays
• Additional benefits:
  • Eligibility for pro deals through GBI, such as Outdoor Prolink and Black Diamond
  • Training provided; SOS Seeds Collection and Protocol training, Wilderness First Aid, Defensive driver's training (eligible for discounts on your personal vehicle insurance), report writing, and technical skills trainings
  • Opportunity to network with GBI and federal partners for career advancement

Technical Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, taxonomy/systematics, or related field;
• Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with plants of the California Floristic Province;
• Experience with data entry;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
• Familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road;
• Understanding and/or experience using ArcGIS Pro, and ESRI apps like Field Maps and Survey 123, helpful.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness and ability to work in ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, and as part of a team;
• Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites, or poorly developed sites for multiple days, up to 8 days;
• 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, to follow plant phenology, or for coordination with team members;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team (Crews will be two people, which requires technicians to co-lead, take initiative, and behave in a manner that promotes team integrity.

To Apply

Please apply online through the application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:

This project is under the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicant meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website.

EEO Statement:

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.