Who We Are

Thank you for expressing interest in a career with us. We are currently accepting resumes for "Native Seed Collection Crew Leader" positions. Starting in March of 2022, EcoSource will be hiring two Collection Crew Leaders for seasonal work. Each crew member will have a crew of four members to collect and clean native seeds.

Native Seed Crew Leader

The Native Seed Crew Leaders (hiring 2) will assist the Native Seed Specialist in identifying and monitoring wildland sources of native seed in and around Harney County, harvesting, drying, cleaning and storing native seed. The Native Seed Crew Leader will document collection information and be responsible for the crew following EcoSource’s protocol for native seed collection. This position will spend a significant amount of time in the field and in the warehouse. The Native Seed Crew Lead will assist the Native Seed Specialist with day to day leadership for the Native Seed Collection and Cleaning Crew.

Responsibilities:

Training: The Crew leaders will be trained by the Native Seed Specialist and will help to train the Native Seed Collection and Cleaning Crew. The Native Seed Crew Leaders will help to identify areas where further training is needed.
Monitoring: Scouting, identifying native plants for seed collection and monitoring plant phenology for upcoming seed collections.
GPS mapping for collection sites and navigation.
Collecting native seeds from wild plant populations determined by the Native Seed Specialist. Collection will follow EcoSource’s protocols(based on the Seeds of Success protocols)for collection.
Recording data for the collection, drying, cleaning, weighing and storing Native Seeds.

Qualifications:
Experience in biology, botany, nursery plant production, plant science or other related fields.
Experience identifying plants with a taxonomic key and/or experience with local native plant species.
Experience with state listed noxious weeds.
Using GPS ONX for data collecting, mapping and navigation
Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps.
Willingness to work in harsh, ever changing desert conditions including extreme temperatures, rough terrain, wild animals and insects.
Ability to hike, stand, bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting native seeds, the ability to use hand tools for collections and occasional lifting.
Ability to work a non-standard schedule (such as starting at 6am)
Ability to work as a team, focusing on each team member’s strengths.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Possibility of camping when collecting in really remote areas.

Please contact Jennifer Taynton for a more complete job description
jennifer@ecosourceseeds.com

EcoSource is hiring! We are looking for responsible individuals who are interested in starting a career in the native seed industry creating a Restoration Based Economy in Harney and Malheur Counties in Eastern Oregon.
This position will spend the majority of its time collecting seeds in remote areas in Eastern Oregon. The Collection Crew Member will be a key member of our small team working to increase the supply of native species for ecological restoration projects. Applicants with an interest in seed collection, conservation biology, and restoration ecology are strongly encouraged to apply.

START DATE: End of March (some flexibility) END DATE: End of September (some flexibility)

Specific Responsibilities of Seed Collection Crew Member:
● Conduct fieldwork: monitor phenology of target species, assess seed quality and collect native seeds, record site data, document activities
● Clean and process seed
● Collaborate closely with EcoSource Crew Leaders and Management to meet collection targets
● Manage data and ensure quality control
● Prioritize safety; adhere to check-in/check-out procedures and communications via cell phone or SPOT device to ensure crew safety
● Flexibility to work collaboratively on related EcoSource projects in the same geographic area on an as-needed basis

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
● Plant identification skills and experience using technical keys and collecting plant vouchers; wild seed collection experience preferred but we are willing to train you.
● Excellent communication skills
● Highly organized and detail-oriented
● Outgoing, energetic, and flexible
● Data management experience; experience with Excel
● Experience using GPS mapping applications
● Preferred to have a valid driver's license and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on rugged, off-highway gravel or dirt roads
● Comfortable in a backcountry setting: the ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions while maintaining attention to the task and crew safety. Our crews may be required to spend overnight while collecting depending on distance and collection requirements.
● Ability to work in bent-over, kneeling, or standing positions for significant periods of time
● Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. and hike up to 6 miles per day