Georgia Seed Network Project Coordinator

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number

S12843P

Working Title

Georgia Seed Network Project Coordinator

Department

PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA

About the University of Georgia

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.

About the College / Unit / Department

College / Unit / Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full / Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

40 hours a week

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date

10 / 29 / 2024

Open until filled

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

12 / 09 / 2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

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 ([email protected]).

USG Core Values Statement

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 .

Position Information

Classification Title

Public Service Paraprofessional / Professional

FLSA

Non-Exempt

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Preferred Qualifications

Position Summary

The Georgia Native Seed Network ( GNSN ) is a new initiative by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia ( SBG ) 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, collecting vouchers, 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 has secured funding for two years. While the continuation of funding and employment is anticipated, it is not guaranteed.

The successful candidate's primary role will be to serve as the Program Coordinator for the Georgia Native Seed Network.

The Coordinator will primarily oversee the field operations of the Georgia Native Seed Network. This position will coordinate the field team to meet the network's objectives.

The Coordinator will also work with the Program Manager to develop the Network, create reports, and pursue funding opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies

• Knowledge of and prior experience in seed collection and processing, preferably using the SOS Seed Collection Protocols.
• Experience with plant identification at the species, genus, and family levels, preferably in eastern North America.
• Knowledge of the native seed supply chain (from seed collection to production and application in restoration) and relevant protocols and guidelines.
• Experience operating heavy equipment (tractors, skid steers, etc.)
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation.
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass.
• Proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS products preferred, specifically Survey123 and Collector.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and work effectively with various audiences, such as broader public and private landowners, gardeners, agency personnel, volunteers, non-profit staff, undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and high school-aged students.
• Experience writing project reports, publications, and grant proposals.

Physical Demands

• Work in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings. Including able to hike over rugged terrain and various landscapes (wetlands, grasslands, rugged hills, slopes, etc.).
• Able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability and willingness to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues or for coordination with team members.
• A willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days. Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing environmental conditions.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Is this a Position of Trust?

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Does this position require a P-Card?

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Credit and P-Card policy

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 .

Background Investigation Policy

• 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 .

Duties / Responsibilities

Duties / Responsibilities

Technical and Field Work : 65%

• Lead the fieldwork planning and implementation for the Seed Program, including :
• Drafting species target lists
• Planning fieldwork.
• Identifying native plant species.
• Monitoring phenology.
• Scouting native plant populations.
• Performing seed collections.
• Perform SOS seed collections in accordance with the SOS Technical Protocol.
• Obtain permits for seed collection.
• Plan and coordinate the seed post-harvest processing step (e.g., preparing seed collections for shipment, cleaning, and storage).
• Lead implementation of seed collections in different states
• Plant propagation.
• Grassland and grassland-associated ecosystem restoration.
• Provide technical assistance to partnering producers
• Establish native plant production plots
• Record, enter, edit, maintain, and organize accurate data records of field collection activities.
• Conduct field data quality control and ensure field team members adhere to established field collection protocols.
• Operate heavy equipment
• Operate power tools
• Other tasks as required to meet project objectives.

Percentage of time

Duties / Responsibilities

Program Development and Support : 30%

• Coordinate with the GNSN Manager, USFWS , SGI staff, State Botanists, partners, collaborators, and contractors to accomplish field activities
• Assist with regional prioritization of species to target for collection
• Attend monthly SOS collectors calls to provide SBG updates to the SOS National Curator.
• Assist the Manager with communicating with internal and external stakeholders (including social media platforms, interim and final reports, regular update emails, Zoom calls, and phone calls).
• Assist the Manager in the development of the Seed Program across the Southeastern US, focusing on Georgia and border states, also partnering, developing, and sharing resources with a diverse category of partners.
• Assist the Manager in writing, preparing, reviewing, and coordinating grant reports and proposals as needed.
• Maintain equipment in good working order, keep accurate inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Travel as needed both in and out of state to develop and support the program and meet with partners / advisors in different regions.

Estimated travel and field work is 50% of working month.

• Participate, when possible, in SBG official events and volunteer days.
• Represent SBG when attending meetings and conferences.
• Assist with coordinating and conducting annual workshops and outreach events.
• Other tasks as required to meet project objectives.

Percentage of time

Duties / Responsibilities

Training and Development : 5%

• Attend annual SOS training or refresher courses to receive the latest updates on SOS technical protocol.
• Train and supervise seasonal field technicians and volunteers in native seed activities (e.g., collection, cleaning).

Percentage of time