Field Crew Leader JOB TITLE: Field Crew Leader LOCATION: Central Washington, location may be negotiable SUPERVISOR: Arid Lands Ecologist
POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented, responsible Crew Leader to participate in research into the impacts of climate change on the forest-shrubland ecotone east of the Cascade Range in central Washington state. The ideal candidate will be a current graduate student or a recent graduate interested in pursuing graduate studies in ecology or related fields. This research project is designed to lay the ground work for a network of long term monitoring sites in the ecotone extending from California to southern British Columbia. The objectives are (i) to determine current trends in the forestshrubland ecotone, and (ii) to begin monitoring early warning indicators of potential future changes. The Field Crew Leader will, with one or two technicians, collect data on tree, shrub and understory composition and size and age distributions of trees and shrubs at two transects that cross from the sagebrush steppe to the ponderosa pine forest on the east slope of the Cascades. Data will also be collected on bioclimatic variables and a range of early warning indicators of vegetation shifts, including plant phenology and productivity, population parameters of ecotone-specific plant and animal species, litter production, fuels, and insects and pathogens. Work involves installing and sampling permanent plots in sagebrush steppe, open woodlands and forests, coring trees for dendrochronological and productivity analyses, and management of dataloggers for bioclimatic data collection. Data collection will concentrate on two sites. Specific locations are still being determined, and could range from Yakima to Okanogan Counties, Washington. The nature of the work requires extended periods in the field, in hot and sometimes inclement weather. This is a full-time, non-exempt position supervised by the Arid Lands Ecologist. This position is expected to start mid May 2007, and continue through October, 2007, though dates are somewhat flexible. DUTIES: 1. Serve as part of a seasonal crew (crew leader plus one or two technicians) responsible for conducting vegetation surveys in permanent plots according to an established protocol. 2. Supervise and efficiently coordinate activities for seasonal crew. 3. Act as liaison between vegetation crew and the Arid Lands Ecologist, based in Wenatchee, Washington. 4. Assist with selection and installation of permanent plots. 5. Core trees in permanent plots, and maintain increment borers and associated equipment, prepare cores, and count tree rings. 6. Identify trees and shrubs and complete standard forest inventory measurements and similar measurements for dominant shrubs. 7. Recognize phenological stages in dominant and indicator species. 8. Measure overstory tree diameters, heights, and live crowns. 9. Conduct surveys for mistletoe, bark beetle and other pest and pathogen infestations. 10. Identify native and exotic species. Use taxonomic keys to identify unknown species. 11. Measure abundance and productivity of herbaceous species. 12. Measure woody debris, litter and duff. 13. Prepare electronic data loggers for data collection in the field. 14. Check data for accuracy and completeness. 15. Enter data electronically in the field, and manage electronic data files. 16. Oversee bi-weekly completion of timesheets by crew and other administrative tasks. 17. Assist with coordination and planning of field efforts and administrative tasks for other Conservancy field crews. 18. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment) 19. May assist with supervision of interns and/or volunteers REQUIREMENTS: Listed skills are required unless otherwise stated 1. Bachelors degree in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or closely related field. Current or enrolling graduate student preferred. 2. Previous experience in extracting tree cores for dendrochronological analyses. 3. Previous field experience in sampling forest overstory and understory vegetation, including forest inventory for scientific purposes. Experience with Forest Inventory Analysis protocols preferred. 4. Experience identifying flora and fauna in sagebrush steppe and ponderosa pine systems. 5. Ability to utilize a taxonomic key preferred. 6. Previous experience in a wide range of biological data collection (birds, insects, vegetation, fuels, soils, weather) preferred. 7. Previous experience as a team leader or supervisor of field crew involved in the collection of scientific data. 8. Experience using electronic data loggers, and handheld computer units. 9. Demonstrated experience in the use of topographic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS). 10. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. Experience with GIS preferred. 11. Highly motivated, and with demonstrated interest in the research project. The potential exists for a graduate student to take on part or all of the work as part of his or her thesis/dissertation. 12. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member. 13. Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and requirements, and able to work independently with little supervision. 14. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 15. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor. 16. Valid drivers license required. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred. 17. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. TO APPLY: Please send resume, cover letter, a list of three references, and availability between May and October to: Eastern Cascades Field Crew Committee ATTN: Robyn Takamine The Nature Conservancy of Washington 1917 First Ave Seattle, WA 98101 Or by email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Application Deadline: 3/23/07, or until position is filled Note: Lodging will not be provided. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
