Colorado Plateau Seed Collection Coordinator (NPS, Multiple Locations)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with National Park Service, is recruiting one (1) Colorado Plateau Seed Collection Coordinator to participate in working alongside NPS and other DOI staff to implement coordination, training, and field work for seed collection crews in AZ, NM, CO, and UT within the national program Seeds of Success.

Frequent field work is required to conduct scouting for populations, seed collections, and support field crews. Coordinator will review seed crew data for errors and communicate regularly any errors to crew. They will support National SOS training of crews with regional information, help establish and implement crew field schedules, and ensure safe seed handling and shipping to appropriate facilities. Seed collection crews are hired through several partner organizations and will include up to 7 seed collection crews covering DOI lands (over 30 unique management units) in the Colorado Plateau and adjacent ecoregions. This is a highly collaborative, dynamic position – expect shifting priorities and conditions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead all aspects of seed collection planning and implementation across Department of Interior Lands in the Colorado/Arizona/New Mexico Plateaus, Wasatch-Uintah Mountains & Southern Rockies Ecoregions;
• Help establish and implement seed collection crews for up to 8 field crews, including setting work schedules, hiring, and training them;
• Supervise crews and ensure proper protocol is followed during data and seed collection, as well as correcting any mistakes made;
• Coordinate with DOI staff to plan annual wild seed collection target species lists;
• Develop and maintain project work plans;
• Coordinate and establish effective communication with project partners and/or funders to implement project objectives;
• Prepare and submit seed collection permits;
• Scout and lead collection of native seed of multiple species from wild populations across the Colorado Plateau and adjacent ecoregions;
• Responsibly collect plant voucher specimens;
• Ensure safe seed handling and shipping to appropriate facilities;
• Document seed collection activities and results following Seeds of Success protocols;
• Maintain accurate records of field work and results, including implementing QA/QC measures to ensure that data are entered correctly;
• Maintain accurate paper and digital records of seed collection, cleaning, seed tests, and inventory data, including writing reports from that data;
• Additional duties may include: coordination of seed storage infrastructure projects, participating in professional development and skill building workshops such as grant writing Seeds of Success training, plant identification workshops, etc;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Frequent overnight, out-of-town travel is required; and
• 50-75% travel during the collecting season.

Timeline:

• Start Date: April 6th, 2026; 9 month term with potential for extension depending on funding;
• Full Time (40 hours/week); and
• Monday – Friday (with flexibility to switch to a 4/10 schedule during the field season)

Travel details: 

• 4×4 truck operation; and
• Est. 10-12 weeks overnight travel to further units, plus frequent day trips for field work in units close to the worksite. Mostly camping. May have some weeks with lodging.

Location: 

Potential duty locations: 

Flagstaff, AZ:
Located in northern Arizona and situated at 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is a college city that lies within the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the United States, known for its easy access to mountain biking, skiing, and hiking. 

Moab, UT:
Located in central Utah on the western flank of the La Sal Mountains alongside the Colorado River, Moab is a city that stands out for its dramatic red rock scenery. It’s also known for its mountain-biking, hiking, and rafting opportunities. 

Grand Junction, CO:
Located on the western slope of Colorado alongside the Colorado River, Grand Junction is situated in the Grand Valley.  The city is known for its mountain-biking, hiking, fishing, and rafting opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $30 hourly;

Benefits: 

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, natural resources or related field and at least one year of seed collection experience, preferably with the Seeds of Success program;
• Experience planning and coordinating field logistics, such as scheduling personnel, organizing equipment and materials, and managing permitting and site access;
• Plant identification skills (including common weeds). Familiarity with Colorado Plateau plant communities is preferred;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Positive attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience developing and maintaining relationships with partners, private landowners and colleagues;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite and ArcGIS;
• Experience using ESRI mobile applications and ArcGIS Online (AGOL) for digital data collection and management: Survey123 and FieldMaps;
• Navigational and mapping skills using a variety of tools, including aerial photos, compass, GPS and mapping applications such as FieldMaps, Avenza, or Gaia;
• Good physical condition. Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions;
• Current valid driver’s license;
• Ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle; and
• Ability to pass a DOI background check.