Back to All Events

Biological Scientist - Seed Bank Manager in Eldorado National Forest


INTRODUCTION

This position is located at a Forest Service Nursery/Seed Extractory.  The incumbent is responsible for implementing seed operations and managing seed stores for reforestation and vegetation restoration activities.

MAJOR DUTIES
Provides managerial assistance for a complete array of seed extractory functions. Provides technical assistance to nurseries and other users of seed throughout the western United States. This entails the effective operation of seed extraction, processing plant, and storage facilities. Performs seed orchard work such as digging drainage ditches, controlling weeds both chemically and manually, pruning and removing trees, replanting and identifying new stock, installing and operating irrigation systems, and protecting trees from insect and animal damage.  Identifies and collects mature pollen, bags and pollinates female flowers, and collects the seed orchard cone crop.

Assists in planning, programming, budgeting and periodic surveys to obtain data for use in current and long-range management of the seed processing operations at a nursery seed extractory. Prepares work plans that ensure targets are met and makes needed revisions as changing conditions require. Recommends priorities for the annual program of work and is responsible for their implementation. Plans the receipt, unloading, and storage of all seed lots; as well as plans and directs proper storage procedures to prevent seed spoilage. Monitors seed moisture content to assure correct levels before seed is put in cold storage and directs seed drying when necessary. Oversees weighing, placement of seed containers, placement of seed lot identification in and on containers, and supervises placement of containers in the cold storage facility. Sends seed samples to laboratories for testing. Administers storage of seed by seed lot and maintains seed inventory and records. Oversees periodic physical inventories of seed stores and assures that seed record inventory and physical inventory is reconcilable at all times.

Posts seed records to the computer seed management systems, keeping all systems up to date at all times. Prepares reports and replies to correspondence concerning seed operations. Oversees the drying, seed extractions, de-winging, counting, bagging, and identification of controlled-cross progeny cones received from the seed orchard. As needed, researches and documents proper extraction methods when new seed species arrive for processing.

Assesses and recommends maintenance of all physical facilities involved in the seed operations. Coordinates with and maintains close informal working relationships with other seed orchard personnel in the Region, as well as Regional and Zone Geneticists and Forest level personnel concerned with seed and/or progeny seed and seedling operations. Maintains close contact and cooperation with various Forest Service and University personnel and scientists regarding state of the art seed processing, handling, stratification, testing, etc. practices.  Working with other staff areas, assists in planning and redesigning the seed plant. Ensures needed supplies are on hand by maintaining a current inventory and projecting needs.  Responsible for the coordination of all seed shipments to various seed clients receiving seed from the nursery seed extractory. This includes receiving orders, scheduling deliveries, arranging freight, and providing the Nursery Manager with seed orders as they are received. Assists in the planning and delivery of seed training workshops to a variety of audiences by preparing presentations and exhibits on technical concepts and processes.

May administer contracts as the Forest Contracting Officers Representative. Contracts address miscellaneous forest products, janitorial services and other needs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides technical and administrative supervision to subordinate and temporary employees 20% or less of the time.  Plans work to be accomplished, sets and adjusts short-term priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work. Assigns work based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees. Evaluates work performance. Gives advice, counsel or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters. Hears and resolves minor complaints from employees. Refers group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to a higher level supervisor or manager. Interviews candidates for employment; recommends or selects for temporary positions.  Finds ways to improve production or increase the quality of work directed.

Responsible for furthering Civil Rights goals by taking positive steps to assure the accomplishment of equal opportunity objectives and by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices regarding race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. Specifically, incumbent initiates nondiscriminatory practices and affirmative action for: (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all employees; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of their skills.

ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST

The Eldorado National Forest is recognized as a desirable place to work.  Elevations range from 2000 ft. in the foothills to more than 10,000 along the Sierra Crest.  A Mediterranean climate extends over most of the Forest, with warm, dry summers, and cold, wet winters.  Average precipitation ranges from 40 to 70 inches, occurring primarily from October to April.  There is significant snowfall above 3000 feet elevation.

 

The Forest and surrounding communities offer a wide variety of recreational activities.  There are lakes, reservoirs, several cross-country and downhill ski areas, two unique wilderness areas (Desolation and Mokelumne), over 40 developed campgrounds, several resort areas, golf courses, and outstanding local wineries and fruit orchards.  Opportunities abound for water skiing, white water sports (Class II to Class V), mountain biking, OHV travel, rock climbing, fishing, hunting and hiking.  Local community theatres offer stage plays and a variety of musical entertainment.  Although El Dorado County makes up the largest segment of the Forest, portions of Alpine, Amador and Placer counties lie within the Forest Boundary.  In close proximity to the forest are the communities of South Lake Tahoe and Sacramento, which offer additional recreational and cultural activities including professional and semi-professional sports.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITINO VISIT: 

https://fsoutreach.gdcii.com/?id=4E2540E7316F45C987038D6026FC6C1D


For more community information check the following websites:

Eldorado National Forest http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado

El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce http://www.eldoradocounty.org

City of Placerville http://www.ci.placerville.ca.us

Amador Chamber of Commerce http://amadorcountychamber.com

Amador County http://www.co.amador.ca.us/about/about-the-county