JOB TITLE: Biological Science Technician Crew Position PROJECT DESCRIPTION This project examines the ecological impacts of chipping and mastication fuel treatments in different coniferous ecosystems across Colorado and New Mexico. We are investigating the impacts of these treatments on: 1) fuel loadings, 2) understory vegetation, 3) nutrient cycling, 4) seedling recruitment, and 5) soil moisture/temperature.
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Biological Science Technician will partake in a rigorous survey of overstory and understory vegetation, fuel loadings, soils, and abiotic variables. Work involves installing and sampling plots in treated and untreated coniferous forests, as well as revisiting plots installed in summer 2007. The nature of the work requires extended periods in the field (typically 9-11 hour days), often in inclement weather. The duty station will be based in Fort Collins, Colorado, but the crew will travel the majority of the work week. Camping at sites for several days a week will be required. Tents and cookware will be provided. This is a full-time, non-exempt position and is expected to start in May 2008 and continue through August/September 2008. DUTIES: 1)Be a part of a seasonal crew (crew leader plus one or two technicians) responsible for conducting surveys in plots according to an established protocol. 2)Identify and estimate abundance/cover of understory forbs, shrubs, graminoids, regeneration, and abiotic substrate. 3)Measure surface fuels, stumps, tree diameter, height, and live crowns. 4)Use taxonomic keys and dissecting scope to identify unknown plant species. 5)Prepare, download, and install electronic data loggers for data collection in the field. 6)Check and enter data for accuracy and completeness. 7)Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, making new datasheets, etc.). REQUIREMENTS: 1)Coursework leading to a degree in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or closely related field. 2)Previous field experience in sampling forest overstory and understory vegetation. 3)Ability to utilize a taxonomic key to identify flora in lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and Pinyon-Juniper Intermountain West ecosystems. 4)Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topographic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS). 5)Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. 6)Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member. 7)Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor. 8)Valid drivers license required. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires long (10+ hour) days of physical exertion such as hiking with heavy field gear over steep terrain and through dense vegetation and logging slash. Work is often done in remote, isolated areas and inclement (rainy, cold, and hot) weather conditions. LODGING: 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 Forest Service. Private space will be provided when available, but is not guaranteed. Employees are expected to maintain clean and organized living spaces. Camping at most sites will be required. Developed campgrounds will be used when available, but camping may also occur at undeveloped sites (i.e., no running water). Camping in rainy, cold weather is highly probable. Lodging during non-work days is the responsibility of the individual. SALARY: $12.13 to $13.61/hr (based on experience) + travel per diem. TO APPLY: Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), a list of three references, and a copies of academic transcripts (unofficial acceptable) by March 15, 2008 to email address below: Mike Battaglia [EMAIL PROTECTED] 240 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526 ************************************ Mike Battaglia Phone: (970) 498-1286 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ***************************************
