Seed Collection Conservation Crew Member

American Conservation Experience is hiring a Seed Collection Conservation Crew Member for a 12 to 24-week term based in Flagstaff, AZ. The role involves hands-on plant identification and native seed collection across the Southwest, including fieldwork in challenging conditions. Crew members receive a living allowance, training, and benefits like an AmeriCorps Education Award. This physically demanding position requires camping and working outdoors, often in remote locations.
Seed Collection Crew Member - American Conservation Experience

Join American Conservation Experience (ACE) as a Seed Collection Crew Member and explore the Southwest while gaining hands‑on experience in plant identification and native seed collection.

ACE is a nonprofit conservation corps based in Flagstaff, Arizona. This position is ideal for people who want to build skills for a career in conservation while working with a team of motivated peers.

Term Length
• 12 weeks: 450 hours
• 24 weeks: 900 hours

Locations
• Grand Tetons / Yellowstone region
• Northeastern Wyoming
• Throughout the Southwest

Schedule

Project Schedules Vary, but Members Typically Work
• 8 days on / 6 days off
• 4 days on / 3 days off

Members usually have 3-6 days off between project cycles to explore the region.

Pay And Benefits
• Living allowance: $400 per week (paid bi‑weekly)
• AmeriCorps Education Award:
• $1,956.35 for 450 hours
• $3,697.50 for 900 hours
• Selected applicants will receive an AmeriCorps Orientation and clear guidance on prohibited activities
• Training (if you are in the 24‑week term): Wilderness First Aid and chainsaw certification
• Tent camping and free housing during off days near the project site (note: some projects will be camping on off days)
• Food provided on project/hitch days
• Possible childcare assistance and student loan forbearance

Gear and Travel

ACE Provides
• Tent and PPE
• Transportation to and from worksites

Members Must Bring
• Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
• Rain gear
• Hiking boots
• Personal camping items (a list will be provided)

ACE does not provide relocation assistance.

What You’ll Do

Field work and additional responsibilities might include but are not limited to:
• Invasive species removal; predominant work will be spraying herbicide using backpack sprayers.
• Native species seeding and planting
• Plant identification and seed collection
• Mapping and monitoring
• Members get experience with, or in conjunction with, the following tools and equipment, depending on their level of training:
• Herbicide backpack sprayers, spray bottles, GPS units, and measuring tools.
• Other duties as assigned

This is a physically demanding field position. Members will hike on rough terrain, carry tools and equipment, and camp in remote locations. Conditions may include extreme heat or cold, high winds, insects, and wildlife.

Professional Development

Participation in ACE’s LEAF (Lead, Educate, and Facilitate) Program is required and includes:
• A professional meeting with ACE staff
• Facilitating a conservation lesson
• Two monthly professional development or community engagement events

Apply
• A resume
• A cover letter
• At least two professional references

Applications are reviewed as they arrive, and the position may close early.

For questions, contact Sara at spena-lee@usaconservation.org.

ACE participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job‑related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Salary: $400 per week