The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is recruiting one (1) Seed Menu Interns to join our AmeriCorps program to develop an approach for developing ecologically based seed menus that will enhance the vegetation management efforts of the BLM.
Service Activities
Primary Responsibilities:
• Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for the program;
• GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features;
• Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times;
• Collecting seed from plant populations for both operational and conservation collections and completing data forms in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol;
• Processing and shipping seed.
• Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping as necessary.
• Collecting tissue samples of target species for genetic analysis and processing and shipping.
• Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities;
• Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work;
• Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events;
• Provide support for arid land restoration projects;
• Monitoring and maintenance of reciprocal transplant study plots;
• Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects.
Related Responsibilities:
● Participate in trainings provided by BLM staff and community partners;
● Meet with Host Site Supervisor on a regular basis;
● Participate in required national service days; and
● Participate in regular AmeriCorps team meetings.
Physical Demands:
Field work involves driving GBI trucks on both highways and 4WD roads, often for 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 0-2 miles per day. Seed collection requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, PDAs, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips will often 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
Community Need Addressed
• Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for the program;
Position Outcomes
• Provide support for arid land restoration projects;
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Stipend
1. Living Allowance stipend*: $8,384.20
2. AmeriCorps Education Award**: $2,215.24
3. Housing Stipend: $75/week
4. Medical, dental and vision insurance provided at no cost
Skills you will gain
botany
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time
Decisions
Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process
Tools
Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand
Planning
Create environment of contribution, Set goals
Service
Understand and anticipate the needs of others