TITLE: Sierra Nevada Forest Carnivore Monitoring - Crew Leader (GS-06, 07)
BACKGROUND: The USDA Forest Service will continue implementing a long-term monitoring program for various carnivores in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, including, but not limited to, fisher (Martes pennanti) and American marten (M. americana). Monitoring will occur primarily on the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests and adjacent wilderness areas. Sampling may occur on other forests in the Sierra Nevada, as well as in Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. The 3 survey crews will be based out of duty stations that may include: Sequoia National Forest (Tule River/Hot Springs Ranger District), Sierra National Forest (High Sierra RD and Bass Lake RD). Each crew will consist of 1 crew leader and 6-8 crew members and Student Conservation Association interns. Surveys will occur from ~2000 to 12000 depending on location and will occur largely in forested areas (mixed conifer, montane hardwood, true fir, sub-alpine), although some sites will be in shrub-dominated areas. Survey locations are based on a systematic grid. Accessing many of these locations requires hiking off-trail in remote areas and difficult terrain. Surveys involve establishing an array of 6 trackplate stations encompassing an area of ~1 km² around the primary survey location. Hair snares will be installed at trackplate stations to collect genetic samples. At each array, data is collected every 2 days for a 10 day period. Crew members should expect to work alone approximately 50% of the time. Extensive car camping and/or backpacking will be required and may involve up to 7 consecutive days. Crew members may be required to camp alone if required. Change of duty stations during the field season may be required. For additional information, refer to the annual reports for Fisher and American Marten Status and Trend Monitoring at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/snfpa/am/monitoringreport2005/index.html http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/snfpa/am/monitoringreport2004/index.html DUTIES: - Day-to-day oversight of crew activities - Planning and scheduling surveys - Maintaining a safe work environment - Data management and quality control - Forming and maintaining relationships with local Forest Service staff and law enforcement - Punctual completion of timesheets, travel vouchers, medical paperwork, etc. - Helping crew members to complete surveys as needed - Leading bi-weekly crew meetings to address data issues, safety concerns, or protocol updates - Making decisions effectively with little input from supervisors - Notifying supervisors in a timely manner of any problems or needs - Crew leaders mostly work independently, with help from supervisors as needed Housing is available and will likely be a rented private residence with individual or shared rooms. Government barracks will be available if private housing is not. Government provided housing is approximately $6/day. Vehicles will be provided for fieldwork and official government business. While field season does not begin until June 1, crew leaders are expected to begin work in mid-May for additional training. Field season runs through mid-September, if not later. The end date varies depending on funding and work availability. SALARY: 15.42/hr (GS-06) to 17.13/hr (GS-07) QUALIFICATIONS: Prior supervisory experience is preferred. Familiarity with non-invasive carnivore survey methods is also preferred. This position requires balancing many responsibilities; applicants should be organized and be able to set priorities for themselves and their crew. Applicants should also be able to make decisions independently and communicate effectively. Crew leaders must be able to work well with their crew while maintaining a level of professional separation. All employees are expected to be safe, responsible drivers. Applicants must be confident navigating off-trail through difficult terrain using map and compass. Applicants need to be in excellent physical condition and should be prepared to encounter strenuous field conditions that include physically demanding days, hot temperatures, steep terrain, dense vegetation, poison oak, and insects. The work is strenuous but rewarding. Qualifications for the GS-06 level include either a year of experience at the GS-05 level or the completion of 9 semester hours of graduate level education in a related field or some combination thereof. GS-07 requires a year of experience at the GS-06 level or the completion of 18 hours of graduate level education or some combination thereof. Positions are open to all U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age. A valid state drivers license is required. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Interested individuals should send a brief note of inquiry to CAmartes at fs.fed.us (after 20-Jan-07) with subject line reading Crew Leader Position. In your email, be sure to indicate that you are interested in a crew leader position. Please attach your resume or a brief description of relevant experience. As these positions are highly competitive, you are encouraged to apply at more than one grade level to increase your chances of being selected for employment. Hiring will occur through AVUE Digital Services. Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2007 to be considered for employment. While the official job announcement is not presently available, it is being prepared. We will notify interested individuals when the position is posted. ** This online AVUE application allows you to apply for many Biological Science Technician jobs throughout the country. To be eligible for the Sierra Nevada Forest Carnivore Monitoring Crew Leader positions, YOU MUST SELECT PORTERVILLE, CALIFORNIA AS A PREFERRED LOCATION when filling out the applicant information section in AVUE. You may also view these announcements in USAJobs at www.usajobs.opm.gov. START DATE: Mid-May APPLICATION DEADLINE: 01 March 2007 CONTACT: Jessica Bolis 559-784-1500 x1174 CAmartes at fs.fed.us (preferred, after 20-Jan-07)
