Georgia Seed Network Field Technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Dry Branch GA 2

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

40 hours a week

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

The Georgia Native Seed Network ( GNSN) is a new initiative by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and its partners to address the inadequate supply of Georgia ecotype plant materials. The program will focus on producing local ecotype seeds for regions throughout Georgia where there is significant demand from numerous fully funded ongoing habitat conservation and restoration projects. These plant materials will primarily be cached for post-wildfire restoration actions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Still, they will also be used for restoration throughout the state. This involves identifying and collecting seeds, vouchering and assessing the genetics of populations of restoration species, establishing production sites, and managing an inventory of plant material for the state. The Georgia Native Seed Network aims to develop regional standards, protocols, and best practices for seed increase, collection, and storage. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia will manage the network.

This position will serve as technical expert in plant identification and plant community classification. Coordinate seed collecting efforts in Georgia and neighboring states for source-identified plant materials increase and seed banking. Utilize iNaturalist, partner recommendations, plant community data, field experience to find and identify target plant species in natural areas. Ground truth observations in situ, assess species identification and status of populations (determine and document if occurrence is sizeable for seed collecting). Coordinate permits, permissions, species priority needs among partners (including Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife Service, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Southeastern Grasslands Institute, Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance members), site scouting, habitat quality evaluation. Coordinate seed collecting assessments, seed collecting, initial processing for short term storage, paper work, data entry, labeling, databasing, vouchers, shipping to Bend Oregon or to other seed storage partners.

Walking and hiking in fields to collect seeds and able to lift up to 50lbs.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.