Botanical Field Technician
JOB TITLE: Botanical Field Technician=20 LOCATION: Central Washington, location may be negotiable SUPERVISOR: Arid Lands Ecologist POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY:=20 We are looking for a highly motivated, detail-oriented, field technician 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 recently graduated student interested in obtaining field experience in arid and semi arid systems. Botany, ecology, forestry and rangeland students near graduation and with botanical background are also strongly encouraged to apply. 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 forest-shrubland ecotone, and (ii) to begin monitoring early warning indicators of potential future changes.=20 The Botanical Field Technician will work with the Field Crew Leader to establish permanent plots throughout central Washington, and to collect data on presence and abundance of specific species identified as potential indicators of vegetation shifts driven by climatic changes. These species will mostly be understory species (grasses, forbs and some shrubs). Plots will be concentrated along the ecotone between the sagebrush steppe and the ponderosa pine forest on the east slope of the Cascades. The Technician and Field Crew Leader will also install and monitor dataloggers to collect bioclimatic variables at a subset of plots. Work involves installing and sampling permanent vegetation plots in sagebrush steppe, open woodlands and forests, identifying and measuring characteristics of specific species, following a set protocol, and management of dataloggers for bioclimatic data collection. The nature of the work requires significant travelling through the area, driving along back-country roads, hiking to remote locations, and working for extended periods in the field, in hot and sometimes inclement weather. Depending on plot locations, the field crew may be camping out during the week. This is a full-time, non-exempt position supervised by the Arid Lands Ecologist. This position is expected to start April 21 2008, and continue through August 1, 2008.=20 DUTIES: 1. Serve as part of a seasonal crew (under a field crew leader) responsible for conducting vegetation surveys in permanent plots according to an established protocol.=20 2. Assist with installation of permanent plots. 3. Identify and collect abundance measurements for specific species of grasses, forbs and shrubs (indicator species). 4. Identify dominant native and exotic species and estimate percent cover of each. Use taxonomic keys to identify unknown species. 5. Recognize phenological stages in dominant and indicator species. 6. Estimate vigor of indicator species. 7. Measure abundance and productivity of herbaceous species. 8. Prepare electronic data loggers for data collection in the field. 9. Enter data electronically, and manage electronic data files. 10. Check data for accuracy and completeness. 11. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment) =20 REQUIREMENTS: Listed skills are required unless otherwise stated 1. Bachelor's degree in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or closely related field. Students close to graduating in these fields are strongly encouraged to apply. 2. Previous field experience in sampling understory vegetation and identifying plant species. 3. Experience identifying flora and fauna in sagebrush steppe and ponderosa pine systems.=20 4. Ability to utilize a taxonomic key. =20 5. Previous experience in a wide range of biological data collection (birds, insects, vegetation, fuels, soils, weather) preferred. 6. Experience using electronic data loggers, and handheld computer units preferred. 7. Demonstrated experience in the use of topographic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS).=20 8. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel.=20 9. Highly motivated, and with demonstrated interest in the research project.=20 10. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member.=20 11. Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and requirements, and able to work independently with little supervision. 12. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.=20 13. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor.=20 14. Valid driver's license required; own transportation to field sites or central meeting place for field crew. Ability to drive a standard transmission, 4x4 vehicle. 15. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. =20 =20 TO APPLY: Please send resume, cover letter, a list of three references, and availability between April and August to: Eastern Cascades Field Crew Committee ATTN: Shauna Starkebaum The Nature Conservancy of Washington 1917 First Ave Seattle, WA 98101 =20 Or by email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] EMAIL APPLICATIONS PREFERRED Application Deadline: Friday 02/29/08, or until position is filled Note: Lodging will not be provided. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
