TITLE: Sierra Nevada Forest Carnivore Monitoring - Crew Member (GS-04, 05)
DESCRIPTION: The USDA Forest Service will continue implementing a long- term monitoring program for various carnivores in the Sierra Nevada, 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: - Establish an array of 6 trackplate survey stations encompassing an area around the primary survey location, check every 2 days over a 10 day period and collect data from stations, 80% - Prepare survey equipment and supplies, 10% - Enter and manage data, 10% 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. Field season begins June 1 and runs through mid-September, if not later. The end date varies depending on funding and work availability. SALARY: 12.36/hr (GS-04) to 13.83/hr (GS-05) QUALIFICATIONS: - Ability to work independently with high degree of initiative - Safe, responsible driving habits - Ability to confidently navigate off-trail through difficult terrain using map and compass - Excellent physical condition; capable of hiking 3-10 miles off-trail/day - Applicants 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. - Prior experience with non-invasive carnivore survey methods and knowledge of Sierra Nevada flora is preferred, but not 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 Carnivore Monitoring Position. In your email specify the grade level(s) to which you would like to apply. Please attach your resume or a brief description of relevant experience. As these positions are highly competitive, you are encouraged to apply to 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. Go to: http://www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html. Under the 2007 Centralized Temporary Jobs link, the following job announcement numbers for the GS-04/05 positions are listed: GS 0404-04, Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) = ADS04-WOFSJOBS-004DT GS-0404-05, Biological Science Technician (Wildlife) = ADS04-WOFSJOBS-005DT ** 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 Member 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: 01 June 2007 APPLICATION DEADLINE: 01 March 2007 CONTACT: Jessica Bolis 559-784-1500 x1174 CAmartes at fs.fed.us (preferred, after 20-Jan-07)
