Field Crew Leader=20
JOB TITLE: Field Crew Leader=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, 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 botany, ecology or related fields.=20 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 Field Crew Leader will, with one technician, establish permanent plots throughout central Washington, and 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, though some plots will be at higher elevations. The 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. Provides leadership and experience to the seasonal crew (crew leader plus one technician) responsible for conducting vegetation surveys in permanent plots according to an established protocol.=20 2. Supervise and efficiently coordinate activities for seasonal crew.=20 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. Identify and collect abundance measurements for specific species of grasses, forbs and shrubs (indicator species). 6. Identify dominant native and exotic species and estimate percent cover of each. Use taxonomic keys to identify unknown species. 7. Recognize phenological stages in dominant and indicator species. 8. Estimate vigor of indicator species. 9. Measure abundance and productivity of herbaceous species. 10. Prepare electronic data loggers for data collection in the field. 11. Enter data electronically, and manage electronic data files. 12. Check data for accuracy and completeness. 13. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment) 14. Oversee bi-weekly completion of timesheets by crew and other administrative tasks. 15. Assist with coordination and planning of field efforts and administrative tasks for other Conservancy field crews. 16. May assist with supervision of interns and/or volunteers =20 REQUIREMENTS: Listed skills are required unless otherwise stated 1. Bachelor's degree in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or closely related field. Current or enrolling graduate student preferred.=20 2. Demonstrated experience in the field sampling understory vegetation (presence and abundance). 3. Demonstrated experience identifying flora and fauna in sagebrush steppe and ponderosa pine systems.=20 4. Demonstrated ability to utilize a taxonomic key for plant identification. =20 5. Previous experience in a wide range of biological data collection (birds, insects, vegetation, fuels, soils, weather) preferred. 6. Previous experience as a team leader or supervisor of field crew involved in the collection of scientific data. 7. Experience using electronic data loggers, and handheld computer units. 8. Demonstrated experience in the use of topographic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS).=20 9. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. Experience with GIS preferred. 10. Highly motivated, and with demonstrated interest in the research project. The potential exists for a graduate student to use these data as part of his or her thesis/dissertation. 11. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member.=20 12. Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and requirements, and able to work independently with little supervision. 13. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.=20 14. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor.=20 15. Valid driver's license required. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle, standard transmission. Own transportation to field sites or central meeting place for field crew. 16. 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] 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.
