Environmental Scientist - Assistant Seed Bank Manager

Job Code #: JC-523110 Apply here: CalCareers

Position #(s): 541-720-0762-904

Working Title: Assistant Seed Bank Manager

Classification:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,418.00 - $6,035.00 A

$5,370.00 - $7,350.00 B

$6,796.00 - $9,321.00 C

Working Conditions

• This position is located in Davis, CA.

• This position is eligible for a hybrid telework option, in accordance with CAL FIRE’s telework policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

• Field work requires physical performance calling for above-average ability, endurance, and superior conditioning, including occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities under adverse environmental conditions over extended periods of time. Conditions in the field will require walking or hiking on difficult terrain, driving long distances, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting over 25 pounds.
• A valid Class C Driver’s License is required for driving state vehicles.

• May be subject to working nights, weekends, or holidays in support of emergency incidents or program operational needs.

• Extended travel away from assigned headquarters may be required, locally or statewide, and may involve overnight stays, up to 10% of the time.

• Overtime may be available depending on operational need.

Minimum Requirements: 

Education: Possession of a bachelor's or advanced degree with a major in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline. (Admission to a masters or doctoral degree program in a biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline shall be considered to meet these education qualifications.)

Duty Statement:

This position supports the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Wildfire Resilience Program. Under the direction of the Seed Operations Division Supervisor, the Environmental Scientist performs scientific analysis and maintains detailed records on processing, cleaning, testing, stratification, germination, and storage of genetically superior seed for forest and woodland plant species. The incumbent will work on a broad array of scientific issues including evaluating seed viability, analyzing climatic seed zones based on numerous environmental factors, and preparing preliminary reports based on scientific discoveries. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: *Coordinate and maintain detailed records on cone and seed processing, cleaning, analyzing testing and purifying genetically superior seed for forestland clients including CAL FIRE Demonstration State Forests. *Ensure cone and seed maturity and quality assessments of seed prior to storing in the Seed Bank. *Prioritize testing and tracking of seedlots based on timing and needs of CAL FIRE and clients. *Perform all necessary activities related to seed processing including extraction from cones, drying cones, and x-ray analysis.

 *Develop new processing and handling procedures based on current science and upgrades to equipment used for testing and analyzing seeds for seed bank clients. *Assist in coordinating seed sales to commercial nurseries on behalf of CAL FIRE and forest landowners including all appropriate packing, shipping and record keeping. *Collaborate with the L.A. Moran Seed Bank Manager and Division Supervisor by determining reforestation needs based on forests impacted by events such as wildfire, drought, disease, or insects. *Coordinate with nursery operations to meet anticipated needs for CAL FIRE and private external nursery operations. *Assist with cone surveys, sampling, and collection. *Participate in the cone survey coordination regarding follow-up and field visits as well as contacting climbers. *Conduct ArcGIS data analysis and mapping. *Arrange for seed deployment as needed based on agreements for growing seedlings between CAL FIRE, the USDA Forest Service, Resource Conservation Districts, and other private external nurseries.

Responsible for general upkeep as well as identifying and reporting maintenance and repair needs for all Seed Bank, processing, storage, transport equipment and facilities inclusive of refrigerated storage units, seed processing and testing equipment, seed dryer, and related hand tools. *Maintain cleanliness of Seed Lab and Seed Bank. *Assist with training and provide directions to CAL FIRE staff, Conservation Corpsmembers, incarcerated crews, volunteers, and any other parties working in the Seed Lab. *Host individuals, stakeholders, and agency representatives during tours of the Seed Lab and Seed Bank. 

*Aid with development, revision, and use of seed lab best practices, daily production tracking, seed division operational reports, safety practices, equipment protocols, program annual reports and statistics, website content, cone surveying resources, annual seed needs, terms of sale and deliver presentations as appropriate. *Perform other duties as required to support the Wildfire Resilience and Reforestation Services Programs, other CAL FIRE programs and staff, and other stakeholders or members of the public. Accept emergency response assignments as appropriate. 

*Maintain minimum job required training certification incumbent with classification and position. *Attend appropriate trainings and workshops to enhance and increase knowledge specific to Seed Lab, reforestation and other resource management practices.