About The Institute for Applied Ecology

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit founded in 1999 with a mission to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.

IAE values diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. IAE will not sponsor H1B visas. Non-U.S. residents must also include a copy of their work visa.

Number of available positions: 1

Location: Flagstaff, AZ (some travel required)

Status: Seasonal, Full-time

Compensation: $22.25/hr.

Plus, travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging), 16 hours PTO and sick leave, paid holidays, overtime pay, and a $150 gear stipend.

Start date: 8/4/2025

End date: 11/7/2025

About the role

Our Southwest office seeks to hire a seed crew lead to head a 2-person crew in support of ecoregional conservation projects, including:

• Restoration and conservation efforts in the Kaibab National Forest
• Seed collection to support post-fire habitat restoration and to provide the starting seed for native seed production fields
• Field support for local native seed farming and other conservation projects as needed

A vehicle will be provided for travel to field sites. Fieldwork will involve travel to distant field sites and car camping is required. The work schedule will typically be 10-hour days, Monday-Thursday, but work during non-traditional hours and on weekends may occasionally be required. The work of these teams will benefit diverse conservation efforts. Learn more about a typical seed collection season on the Southwest Seed Partnership blog.

What you'll do

Specific Responsibilities: Seed Collection Crew Lead

• Conduct fieldwork: scout for target plant populations, determine phenology of target species, collect botanical voucher specimens, assess seed quality and collect native seeds, record site data, document activities, and prepare seed for shipping
• Use ESRI products, such as Survey123 and Field Maps, to collect data in the field 
• Manage data collection and entry, and oversee QA/QC 
• Collaborate closely with IAE Southwest team to meet collection targets 
• Prioritize safety; adhere to check-in/check-out procedures and communications via cell phone or GPS device
• Communicate with land managers or partners to facilitate access to project sites; represent IAE in a professional manner
• Oversight of seed collection technician(s) in the field
• Plan overnight camping and field work schedule

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Flexibility - IAE’s Southwest office is comprised of a small, dynamic team in which opportunities frequently arise to assist colleagues with tasks and projects outside the direct scope of the position
• A positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany
• Excellent communication skills and experience working on a team
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Data management experience; experience with ESRI products and data QA/QC
• Ability to work in bent-over, kneeling, or standing positions for significant periods
• Ability to work in and respond to adverse field conditions, which may include extreme heat and
• sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife
• Able to navigate off-trail on uneven terrain
• Ability to lift at least 20 lbs. and hike up to 3 miles per day
• Must have a valid driver's license (in good standing) and the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on
• rugged, off-highway gravel or dirt roads
• Comfortable in a backcountry setting: ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions
• while maintaining attention to the task and safety
• Experience navigating to remote field sites using GPS
• Experience or willingness to camp
• Plant identification skills and experience using technical keys
• One or more seasons of ecological field experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience leading a group of two or more people
• Seed collection experience and/or knowledge of the Seeds of Success (SOS) protocol
• Experience collecting plant vouchers 
• Skills in identifying plants from New Mexico, Arizona, or other areas of the Southwest
• Coursework/training in botany and/or a degree in botany or a related field