Southwest Seed Collection Coordinator (NPS, Tucson AZ)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with National Park Service, is recruiting one (1) 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 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. Additional duties will include the coordination of projects to improve seed storage infrastructure in the region. Seed collection crews are hired through several partner organizations and will include up to 6 seed collection crews covering DOI lands (over 30 unique management units) in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts 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 Southern Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, including the ecoregions: AZ/NM Mountains, Chihuahuan Deserts, High Plains, Southwestern Tablelands, Madrean Archipelago, and Sonoran Basin & Range;
• Coordinate with DOI staff to plan annual wild seed collection target species lists;
• 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 construction of seed storage infrastructure at NPS facility in Tucson, AZ including scheduling contracted work, tracking spending and timelines, and communicating with NPS staff regarding project progress;
• Ensure safe seed handling and shipping to appropriate facilities;
• Coordinate and establish effective communication with project partners and/or funders to implement project objectives;
• Prepare and submit seed collection permits;
• Scout and collect native seed of multiple species from wild populations across the defined region;
• Responsibly collect plant voucher specimens;
• 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: 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. 12-16 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:
Tucson, AZ:
Tucson lies within the Sonoran Desert (home to saguaros!), surrounded by sky island mountain ranges. It’s known for its diverse food, history, and culture, as well as hiking and biking.

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 plant communities in the region (Sonoran Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, etc.) 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 DOI background check.