The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Anchorage Forestry Sciences Lab will be hiring up to five (5) temporary seasonal field crew positions for the Summer of 2007. These positions will work with the Coastal Alaska unit of the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. FIA is the United Statesâ continuous, national forest resource inventory (http://fia.fs.fed.us/).
All Anchorage Forestry Sciences Lab positions are stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. Office-based training starts in mid-May 2007. During the Alaska field season, which typically runs from the beginning of June to the end of August, crews will be working throughout Southeast and Southcentral coastal Alaska. The work schedule is 10.5 days in the field, with 8-13 hour days, and 4.5 days off in Anchorage. Low cost government housing is provided in Anchorage. While in the field, crews live on the research vessel Maritime Maid ( http://maritimehelicopters.com/boat.htm). Crews skiff or helicopter to work sites each day and return to the boat in the evening. Though living conditions on the boat are sometimes challenging (cramped quarters, continuous background noise), life on the Martime Maid affords great opportunities to kayak, fish, view wildlife and glaciers, and experience the beauty of Alaskaâs wild coastal waters. In the field, crews use maps, aerial photos, and GPS units to navigate to plot locations. Measurements taken by crews include: tree/sapling/seedling data (species, diameter, height, defect, insects and disease, damage, etc); understory vegetation data (species and percent cover); and lichen diversity data (species and abundance). Work conditions are often arduous. Work may be performed in inclement weather (cold, rain, snow) and on rugged, steep, slippery, and/or brushy slopes. Significant amounts of on-trail and off-trail hiking are required. Crew members must carry a 45lb pack daily, with pack weights sometimes exceeding 60lbs. Excellent physical conditioning is absolutely required. Additionally, Alaska crew members must travel in small aircrafts, helicopters and boats and carry a firearm for bear protection (training provided). At the end of the Alaska field season, crew members may have the option of going to Washington, Oregon, or California to assist inventory work in those states. Applicants MUST be able to arrive in Anchorage by May 13th, 2007. Hourly wages range from $12.07 (GS-05) to $13.46 (GS-06), plus a 24% tax-free Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave and overtime. If you are interested in applying, click on these links: GS-05: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=49908287 GS-06: http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=49912878 Follow the link in the Job Summary section to the Avue Central website. A profile must be created on Avue, and Anchorage, Alaska must be selected as a preferred location. Applications will be accepted through February 9th, 2007. For more information on these positions, please contact Steve Trimble ( [EMAIL PROTECTED], 907-743-9417) or Connie Hubbard ([EMAIL PROTECTED], 907-743-9420).
