JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Science Technician I Amphibians/Streams JOB NUMBER: 6029 LOCATION: Astoria, Oregon SUPERVISOR: Ellsworth Creek Ecologist PREPARER: Liane Davis DATE: March 10, 2007
POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: The Science Technician I Amphibians/Streams will participate in research efforts that further The Nature Conservancys terrestrial and aquatic restoration goals on the Conservancys Ellsworth Creek Preserve. The preserve, located in southwestern Washington, harbors the entire Ellsworth Creek watershed as well as adjacent estuary and forest habitat. This preserve includes nearly 300 acres of remnant old-growth forest surrounded by approximately 7000 acres of younger forest that was intensively managed for timber production prior to Conservancy ownership. The Conservancy is now conducting extensive research to investigate methods of restoring late-successional characteristics in the younger forests. Rigorous scientific study of several abiotic and biotic responses is being conducted in order to assess restoration effectiveness. The Science Technician I Amphibians/Streams will partake in a rigorous survey of headwater streams that is intended to provide a pre-treatment assessment of headwater stream amphibian abundance throughout the watershed. Work involves sampling of permanent reaches in headwater streams using a daytime spotlight survey technique in order to identify and quantify abundance of headwater amphibian species. The crew will also participate in physical stream habitat surveys of headwater streams in order to characterize stream habitat and water quality. The nature of the work requires extended periods in the field (typically 9-10 hour days), often in inclement weather. The crew will be based in Astoria, Oregon. This is a full-time, non-exempt position supervised by the Ellsworth Creek Ecologist. This position is expected to start early to mid June, 2007, and continue through September, 2007. Additional time to assist vegetation survey crews may be available in early October, but is not guaranteed. DUTIES: 1. Serve as part of a 2-person seasonal amphibian/streams survey crew responsible for conducting amphibian (approximately 3/4 of time) and stream physical habitat surveys (approximately 1/4 of time) of permanent reaches in headwater streams throughout the watershed according to established protocols. 2. Assist with location and installation of permanent stream reaches. 3. Survey headwater stream reaches for in-stream and stream associated amphibian surveys using a daytime spotlight survey technique. 4. Accurately identify in-stream and stream associated amphibian species. 5. Collect environmental data associated with headwater amphibians (e.g., air and water temperature, habitat characterization). 6. Survey headwater stream reaches for physical habitat characteristics, including bankfull and wetted widths, thalweg depth, large woody debris, substrate size, bank characteristics, bed gradient, channel sinuosity, canopy cover, and fish cover. 7. Collect macroinvertebrate samples from riffle habitat for lab identification. 8. Quantify abundance of riparian vegetation and identify invasive vegetative species in riparian areas. 9. Work with another crew member to effectively coordinate daily activities. 10. Enter data and assist with data quality control and data management. 11. Check data for accuracy and completeness. 12. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, preparing macroinvertebrate samples) 13. May assist with supervision of interns and/or volunteers. REQUIREMENTS: 1. Bachelors degree or presently working toward a degree in herpetology, stream ecology, fish and wildlife, fisheries, natural resources, biology, or closely related field. 2. Previous experience conducting amphibian surveys in the Pacific Northwest. Previous experience with a spotlight survey or light touch technique preferred. 3. Ability to accurately identify amphibian species of Washington. 4. Previous field experience conducting physical stream habitat surveys. Experience using the U.S. EPA Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Protocol (EMAP) physical stream habitat protocol preferred. 5. Previous experience sampling stream macroinvertebrates. Experience using the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) or Washington Department of Ecology protocol preferred. 6. Ability to accurately identify invasive plant species preferred. 7. Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and complete field related activities. 8. Experience checking data for accuracy and completeness. 9. Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topograhic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS). 10. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel and Access. 11. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member. 12. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to meet project deadlines. 13. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor. Work requires long days of physical exertion such as hiking with heavy field gear over very steep terrain, dense vegetation, and logging slash. Work is often done in very inclement (rainy, cold, and windy) weather conditions. Streams are often small and covered in thick vegetation and wood/debris, making survey conditions difficult. 14. Willingness and interest in assisting other field crews (e.g., vegetation survey crew) preferred. 15. Valid drivers license required. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle. 16. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. SALARY: $10 - $12 / hour depending on qualifications, past experience, and project funding. Lodging will not be provided. TO APPLY: If you are interested in more than one position at Ellsworth Creek, please apply for each position separately and indicate your order of preference in the cover letter. Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), and a list of three references by March 21, 2007 to address below: Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] State Hiring Committee: Science Technician I Amphibians/Streams in subject heading. THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER _________________________________________________________________ Get a FREE Web site, company branded e-mail and more from Microsoft Office Live! http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/mcrssaub0050001411mrt/direct/01/
