This Field Technician role is a contract-funded position for five months, working on a Seeds of Success (SOS) collection crew in the areas managed by the BLM Eagle Lake and Applegate Field Offices. The crew will be based out of Susanville, California. As BLM office space will not be provided, the crew will be provided a Verizon MiFi hotspot, laptop, and tablet (with cellular) for conducting scouting research, participating in calls, writing reports, and using/updating the Great Basin Ecoregional Reporting Tool through ArcGIS Online Field Maps and Survey123, as well as updating data on Google Drive spreadsheets. Due to the remoteness and large size of the area the crew is responsible for, frequent camping will be required to make the best use of travel time. However, living out of personal vehicles is not encouraged due to safety concerns. A storage unit will be rented to provide space for processing seeds, temporarily storing seeds, and staging equipment. The crew will also be provided a 4x4 work truck. The Field Technician will be responsible for assisting in planning scouting and collecting trips, and conducting large native seed collections as part of the SOS program. This team will likely spend 90 percent of their time in the field. The start date of this position is June 6, 2022, with a term of 21 weeks, and an end date of October 28, 2022.

• Help identify at least 30 potential collection locations of priority species through scouting, analysis of herbarium records, previous SOS collections, and vegetation mapping. For most species, the team will prioritize populations that can provide at least 80,000 estimated Pure Live Seed (PLS).
• Help collect three herbarium vouchers for each potential collection site. Take appropriate photos as instructed for seed certification.
• Help monitor phenology of target plant populations to plan and execute collections.
• Help ensure collection of all required population scouting data, seed collection data, and photos are properly recorded and shared with the Chicago Botanic Garden and BLM.
• As part of the team, make 20 collections using the BLM SOS protocol(training provided). Incorporate Pure Live Seed (PLS) estimates and raw weight to collect at least 80,000 PLS per each operational collection.
• Participate in weekly calls with the Chicago Botanic Garden, biweekly calls with BLM and the Garden, monthly Great Basin PCRP seed collection coordination calls, and monthly national SOS calls.
• Help 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. Also maintain data on 2022 Scouting/Collection Update Google Drive spreadsheet maintained by Great Basin SOS Coordinator.
• Communicate with all parties clearly, effectively, and in a timely manner.
• Accurately report time and effort activities in a timely manner, adhere to all Chicago Botanic Garden policies and procedures for employees, and communicate with the Chicago Botanic Garden manager.
• Complete end-of-season dutiesin a timely manner, including data entry into SOS Data Portal, and final report.

Key Garden competencies/behaviors desired:

• Communicates in a manner that gains the trust and support of others at all levels.
• Works effectively with others despite differences of opinion and style; builds alliances.
• Has a tolerance for opposing points of view.
• Strives for collaboration. Works cooperatively, as a positive contributor to the team.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and shows kindness in all workplace interactions.
• Makes decisions appropriate for level of responsibility.
• Can effectively adapt to change; can shift gears comfortably;is flexible, and embraces change with a "can-do" attitude.
• Is self-aware; knows personal strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback and is open to negative feedback as an opportunity for improvement.
• Is cool under pressure; can be counted on to hold things together during tough times; can handle stress; is not knocked off balance by the unexpected; is a settling influence during a crisis.
• Recognizes problems, constructively identifies and articulates solutions.
• Follows safety guidelines to ensure a safe working environment and consistently demonstrates safe work behaviors.
• Is welcoming of new hires.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• B.S. in botany, plant science, ecology, biology, or a related field
• Strong plant identification skills (to species) and knowledge of plant taxonomy; strong knowledge of plant biology. Familiarity with plants and ecosystems of the western United States
• Experience scouting, planning, and conducting seed collections (through SOS programs or other seed handling/collecting work)
• Experience maintaining accurate and detailed data records (in field and in electronic databases - Excel/Access)
• Capable of conducting fieldwork safely in rough terrain in harsh environmental conditions
• Experience hiking and backcountry camping, and the willingness to do so for this position
• Experience driving large field vehicles with four-wheel drive; driving on gravel and dirt roads
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training
• Excellent organization skills and ability to handle several projects and deadlines at once
• Self-starter, independent worker, able to learn quickly and adapt to challenges

*The Chicago Botanic Garden requires all existing employees to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated by October 15, 2021; hires after this date must be fully vaccinated upon hire or may request a medical/religious exemption after an offer is extended.*

Apply for Field Technician - Bureau of Land Management (Susanville, CA) using the link below:

This position will be primarily based in the field with only occasional office work at the beginning and end of the season. Fieldwork often occurs in remote locations, where cellular connection is unavailable or inconsistent. Field conditions can be extreme: hot summer conditions with potential for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and lightning strikes; high altitude sun exposure; and occasional wildlife encounters (rattlesnakes, bears, etc.). Vegetation monitoring activities, planting, seeding, and watering can be physically demanding due to hiking and stooping and bending for long periods of time.

Come work in a setting that is like no other as you : 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.

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 construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is a M/F, Disabled, and Vet EEO/AA Employer.

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, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the 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.