JOB TITLE: Science Technician I - Plants
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt SUPERVISOR: Ellsworth Creek Ecologist NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 3 DATE: January 11, 2008 =20 POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY:=20 =20 The Science Technician I =96 Plants will participate in research efforts th= at further The Nature Conservancy=92s terrestrial and aquatic restoration g= oals at the Conservancy=92s Ellsworth Creek Preserve and throughout southwe= stern Washington. A pivotal question for restoration concerns the role old-= growth forest remnants play in supporting biological diversity across the e= xisting young-managed forest landscape. It is unknown if old-growth forest = patches serve as =93lifeboats=94 for biological diversity, and, if so, how = placement of these stands across the landscape affects recolonization and r= ecovery of managed forests. To investigate these questions, the Conservancy= is conducting a study to characterize elements of biological diversity wit= hin remnant old-growth forest patches and young, managed forest stands at E= llsworth Creek and other areas throughout the Willapa Hills of southwestern= Washington.=20 =20 The Science Technician I =96 Plants will partake in a rigorous survey of ov= erstory and understory vegetation that is intended to provide an assessment= of forest composition and structure in old-growth and young, managed fores= ts. Work involves installing and sampling plots in riparian and/or upland o= ld-growth and managed forests. The nature of the work requires extended per= iods in the field (typically 9-11 hour days), often in inclement weather. T= he crew will be based in southwestern Washington, near the towns of Long Be= ach and possibly Bay Center and/or South Bend. Camping at sites for several= days may occasionally be required. This is a full-time, non-exempt positio= n supervised by the Ellsworth Creek Ecologist. This position is expected to= start June 23, 2008, and continue through September 26, 2008 (dates slight= ly flexible).=20 =20 =20 =20 =20 DUTIES: =20 1. Serve as part of a 4-person seasonal vegetation crew responsible f= or conducting vegetation surveys in forest plots according to an establishe= d protocol. =20 2. Identify and estimate abundance of understory herbs, shrubs, grass= es/sedges/rushes, seedlings, and saplings.=20 =20 3. Estimate abundance of non-vascular plants and substrate. =20 4. Measure large woody debris and stumps. =20 5. Measure overstory tree diameters, heights, and live crowns. =20 6. Conduct surveys for mistletoe infestation. =20 7. Collect macrolichen litterfall.=20 =20 8. Assist with location and installation of plots. =20 9. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, li= chen collections, etc.). =20 10. May assist with supervision of interns and/or volunteers.=20 =20 REQUIREMENTS: =20 1. Bachelor=92s degree or working toward a bachelor=92s degree in bot= any, ecology, biology, forestry, or closely related field.=20 =20 2. Previous field experience in sampling forest overstory and underst= ory vegetation.=20 =20 3. Experience identifying flora in the Pacific Northwest preferred.=20 =20 4. Ability to utilize a taxonomic key. =20 =20 5. Experience collecting and/or identifying lichens helpful, but not = required. =20 6. Experience using an electronic data logger preferred. =20 7. Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topogra= phic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS).=20 =20 8. Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and complete field = related activities. =20 9. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel.= =20 =20 10. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effe= ctively as a team member.=20 =20 11. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to= manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to meet project deadlines. =20 12. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor. =20 =20 13. Valid driver=92s license required. Experience driving on forest roads= and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred. =20 14. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. =20 =20 =20 WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: =20 Work requires long (10+ hour) days of physical exertion such as hiking with= heavy field gear over extremely steep terrain and through dense vegetation= and logging slash. Work is often done in remote, isolated areas and in ver= y inclement (rainy, cold, and windy) weather conditions. =20 Work weeks will typically consist of four 10-hour days. However, some days = may extend longer due to the need to finish sampling in one location. This = is generally compensated with subsequent shorter days. In addition, due to = remoteness of some areas and the need to camp, some work weeks may extend l= onger than four days. These weeks will be compensated with shorter subseque= nt work weeks.=20 =20 Camping at some sites will be required. Developed campgrounds will be used = when available, but camping may also occur at undeveloped sites (i.e., no r= unning water). Camping in rainy, cold weather is highly probable. =20 =20 =20 =20 LODGING: =20 Crew members are expected to live together during the work week, either at = camp sites (developed and undeveloped) or in group housing provided by the = Conservancy. Private space will be provided when available, but is not guar= anteed. Employees are expected to maintain clean and organized living space= s.=20 =20 The Conservancy will also try to provide lodging facilities for crews durin= g non-work days throughout the season. Lodging during non-work days will li= kely consist of a combination of group housing and camping at developed cam= p sites. This will require people to be flexible and accepting of a somewha= t mobile lifestyle. Any lodging paid for by the Conservancy during non-work= days is considered a taxable benefit (i.e., employees must pay tax on the = cost of lodging). Lodging cannot be provided for spouses/partners, children= or other dependents, or pets. =20 =20 SALARY:=20 =20 $13 / hour =20 =20 =20 TO APPLY: =20 Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), and a list of th= ree references by March 21, 2008 to address below: =20 =20 Email: =20 [EMAIL PROTECTED] =20 State =93Hiring Committee: Science Technician I =96 Plants =94 in subject h= eading. =20 =20 OR =20 =20 Regular mail: =20 The Nature Conservancy=20 Washington Field Office Hiring Committee: Science Technician I - Plants=20 ATTN: Shauna Staukerbaum 1917 First Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 =20 DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL - YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE RECEIVED!!!!!!! =20 =20 =20 THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLO= YER _________________________________________________________________ Helping your favorite cause is as easy as instant messaging.=A0 You IM, we = give. http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/Home/?source=3Dtext_hotmail_join=
