Field Seed Collection Technician at AECOM in Bakersfield, CA

COMPANY DESCRIPTION Work with Us. Change the World. At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations. There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world. We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us. JOB DESCRIPTION AECOM is seeking a highly motivated Field Seed Collection Technician for immediate variable part-time employment in the Mojave Desert region of California and Nevada. This remote, field-based role will support various natural resource and restoration projects throughout the Mojave, primarily focusing on seed collection (such as Joshua tree and other target species) and potentially seed scouting, under the guidance of a field crew lead and senior biologist. Ideal candidates can start in August 2026; however, we will consider start dates anytime between now and spring 2027, which marks the beginning of the next seed collection season. Work is seasonal, primarily occurring in concentrated periods during spring and summer, lasting a few weeks to months based on project needs. This position requires the ability to be local to assignments (i.e., travel expenses other than rental vehicles will not be covered by AECOM).  AECOM is proud to offer our employees exciting and challenging fieldwork opportunities within a dynamic and flexible working environment. The responsibilities of this position could include all or a subset of those listed below based on relevant experience: • Scouting and seed collection for Joshua trees  when in season, with the potential to scout and collect seed for additional Mojave species as directed. • Collect seeds following species- and client-specific protocols (e.g., percent harvest limits, labeling, cleanliness, chain‑of‑custody). • Track and label seed collections; maintain field logs; support staging for cleaning/processing. • Navigate to remote collection sites using maps, GPS, and route plans. • Provide field labor and support for all aspects of seed collection efforts. • Work as part of a team. • Consult with supervisors regarding unusual challenges or developments encountered during fieldwork. • Actively participate in AECOM’s health and safety culture. • Promote compliance with OSHA and AECOM-specific safety policies. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Requirements: • High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of relevant native seed collection work experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.   • Must possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record to travel between field site locations.  • Ability to be local to assignments in the Mojave Desert region and mobilize quickly to field sites • Must pass a State and Federal criminal history/security background check; many projects/ clients are security sensitive. • Must pass pre-employment drug screen. • Physically able, with or without an accommodation, to work in outdoor environments with uneven terrain, variable outdoor conditions including heat, dusts, chemicals, moisture, and dryness.  The overall physical demands of this position are strenuous. • Position requires frequent (more than 50% of workday) standing/walking and lifting of less than 25 pounds.  Often (25-50% of workday) performing repetitive bending & stooping, power gripping/squeezing (hand tools, levers, etc.), repetitive or fine hand movements, and lifting 25-50 pounds.  Rarely (less than 10% of workday) performing work with arms above shoulder level, operation of vehicles, climbing stairs, using portable ladders, wearing fall protection, operation of heavy, moving, or dangerous equipment, and lifting 50-75 pounds.  Position will include wearing associated personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses/goggles, face shield, and safety shoes/boots. Preferred Qualifications • Knowledge of southern California and/or southern Nevada wildlife and plant species. • Experience with seed collection best practices (clean handling, labeling, tracking). • Experience with GPS navigation and electronic data collection (mobile forms, GPS-enabled apps). • High-clearance/4x4 driving experience on remote roads. • Possess current CPR/First Aid certification. • Flexible and willing to support multiple projects as needed. • Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. • Excellent work ethic and team-player attitude. • Strong attention to detail, with proven ability to follow specific instructions. • Ability to effectively communicate verbally in the English language with other project staff. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION • Sponsorship Opportunities for US Employment Authorization are not available for this position. • Relocation Benefits are not available for this position. • Must pass pre-employment drug screen. At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.   About AECOM  AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.  AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.  What makes AECOM a great place to work  You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.  As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.