Biological Field Technician

Biological field technician processes, cleans, and stores native plant seeds for restoration projects, operating primarily in the field Responsibilities include identifying plant species, monitoring phenology, seed collection, and recording data. Key requirements often involve physical labor in varied weather conditions, operating in remote areas, and using GPS/mapping tools.

This position is designated as At-Will and is open to applicants 19 years of age and older.

• Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for collection.
• Mapping of populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features using tablets, handheld devices, ArcGIS Online, and ESRI apps such as Field Maps and Survey 123.
• Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times.
• Collecting seed from plant populations for both operational and conservation collections in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol.
• Processing and shipping seed following standard industry procedure.
• Collecting herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping in accordance with the SOS Technical Protocol.
• Recording data electronically and via paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities.
• Photographing collection sites and plants.
• Maintaining and regularly conducting inventory of field gear.
• Assisting with the coordination of volunteer activities.
• Assisting with species survey work, as needed.
• Providing support for arid land restoration projects.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Two years of post-secondary education in Natural Resources, Conservation, Biology, Botany, Entomology, Weed Science or related fields.

Knowledge of:

• Native vegetation, GIS, fire ecology, dryland restoration, and land management.

Ability to:

• Operate hand and power tools in a safe manner.
• Navigate uneven terrain while carrying tools and equipment.
• Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public and other organizations.
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance.
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion.
• Understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations.
• Maintain prompt and regular attendance.
• Perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Biology, Botany, Weed Science, or related fields.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources, Entomology, Biology, Botany, Weed Science, or related fields.

Knowledge of:

• How to use a dichotomous key for plant and insect identification.

Licensing And Other Requirements

• Valid driver's license

Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Also, the employee is occasionally pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds. The noise level is occasionally loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach and grasp. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.

May come in contact with dogs, spiders and snakes. Employees work in and around steep rugged terrain for work site access and trail design; carrying loads for extended distances over rough terrain to remote work sites#J-18808-Ljbffr