Field Seed Collection Technician

About the role

AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Field Seed Collection Technician for immediate variable part-time employment in the Mojave Desert region of California and Nevada. This remote, field-based role will support various natural resource and restoration projects throughout the Mojave, primarily focusing on seed collection (such as Joshua tree and other target species) and potentially seed scouting, under the guidance of a field crew lead and senior biologist.

Responsibilities

• Scouting and seed collection for Joshua trees when in season, with the potential to scout and collect seed for additional Mojave species as directed.
• Collect seeds following species- and client-specific protocols (e.g., percent harvest limits, labeling, cleanliness, chain-of-custody).
• Track and label seed collections; maintain field logs; support staging for cleaning/processing.
• Navigate to remote collection sites using maps, GPS, and route plans.
• Provide field labor and support for all aspects of seed collection efforts.
• Work as part of a team.
• Consult with supervisors regarding unusual challenges or developments encountered during fieldwork.
• Actively participate in AECOM’s health and safety culture.
• Promote compliance with OSHA and AECOM-specific safety policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of relevant native seed collection work experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record to travel between field site locations.
• Ability to be local to assignments in the Mojave Desert region and mobilize quickly to field sites.
• Must pass a State and Federal criminal history/security background check; many projects/clients are security sensitive.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen.
• Physically able, with or without an accommodation, to work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, dusts, chemicals, moisture, and dryness. The overall physical demands of this position are strenuous.
• Position requires frequent (more than 50% of workday) standing/walking and lifting of less than 25 pounds. Often (25-50% of workday) performing repetitive bending & stooping, power gripping/squeezing (hand tools, levers, etc.), repetitive or fine hand movements, and lifting 25-50 pounds. Rarely (less than 10% of workday) performing work with arms above shoulder level, operation of vehicles, climbing stairs, using portable ladders, wearing fall protection, operation of heavy, moving, or dangerous equipment, and lifting 50-75 pounds.
• Position will include wearing associated personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses/goggles, face shield, and safety shoes/boots.