Seasonal job opportunity - Ecologist/botanist position at Seney NWR,
Michigan
Project description:
Seney National Wildlife Refuge in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is
reknown for it extensive sedge meadows and bogs and associated plant and
bird communities. Hydrology and periodic disturbance, such as fire, are
important ecological processes that maintain the historical plant and
animal communities. This study examines factors influencing the
distribution and abundance of plant and bird species in sedge meadows, and
their responses to summer prescribed burning.
An ecologist is needed to lead field work during May-early September,
particularly in the collection of detailed vegetation data (plant cover to
species, vertical and horizontal shrub cover) on experimental plots. Solid
botanical interests, knowledge, and skills for identifying grasses,
sedges, and forbs are therefore important. The ecologist will also work
with another individual to conduct nocturnal rail surveys and collect
other habitat data in the sedge-shrub habitats; knowledge of birds is
helpful but not necessary. 2008 will be the second year of this study and
the third year for vegetation work. The refuge has an extensive
herbarium, plant taxonomy references, and a dissecting scope for plant ID
work; refuge housing is available.
This position provides a great opportunity to spend the entire growing
season in sedge meadows and sedge-shrub habitats in a largely undisturbed
system, and thus an opportunity to botanize through the season. It will
also provides involvement in a breadth of other ecological aspects of
peatlands such as fire ecology and avian communities, and participation in
one of the most active, research-focused refuges in the nation.
Work period: 5 May to ~30 October 2008
[availability for early start is important]
Type of services required: One individual is needed to work with 2 other
individuals to conduct detailed surveys of the plant community and
structure in sedge-shrub-bog habitat, and also conduct nocturnal surveys
for yellow rails and other wetland birds. Specifically, the individual is
expected to lead 1) collection of plant-cover and shrub data on
experimental plots; 2) nocturnal surveys for yellow rails, and 3)
collection of habitat data at rail survey points. S/he will usually work
with one assistant and coordinate activities with a third individual who
will be conducting breeding bird surveys, done concurrently with the
yellow rail surveys. The ecologist also will periodically work with
refuge staff and may periodically direct a refuge intern or volunteer
during field activities. The ecologist usually will work independent of
direct supervision and thus must be highly self-motivated, understanding
of the value of accurate and complete data, able to navigate by map,
compass, and GPS, and work well with others. The ecologist will be
expected to ensure that planned field work is conducted according to
schedule and following study protocol; coordinate all study activities
with the refuge biologist; provide leadership to the assistants during
field work; collect field data; maintain weekly communications with the
supervisor as to progress, problems, and data; enter data into
spreadsheets; compile, and organize field data; and write an annual
report.
Field work.?All field work will be conducted at Seney National Wildlife
Refuge. Nocturnal rail surveys will be conducted during May and June and
habitat data collected in late June-late July. During late July-August,
the ecologist will focus on data collection on plant communities (plant
cover to species, vertical and horizontal shrub cover, litter depth,
photopoints, etc). A 4WD vehicle, GPS unit, and 2-way radio will be
provided to assist with navigation, data collection, and safety.
Data work.?Data will be entered on a laptop computer (provided) using
Excel software. Digital images will be downloaded, organized, and
labeled. The individual will be required to complete an annual report to
summarize their activities in Word.
Required skills and experience.?The individual will need a B.S. or B.A.
degree, or be an undergraduate, in botany, plant sciences, wildlife,
natural resources, or related field and be skilled in plant
identification. The individual must currently be a student or have been a
student within the past 12 months as of 5 May 2008. The vegetation work
requires experience and abilities to identify plant species in the field
(including grasses and sedges), key out plants when uncertain, and collect
and archive voucher specimens. Training on area plant species and
particularly challenging identifications will be provided by a regional
expert, but previous experience and demonstrated abilities for these
aspects are critical. Excellent hearing is required for bird surveys;
experience with bird calls and survey methods for marsh birds is
desirable. The individual must demonstrate skills and experience in
collecting accurate and complete data under field conditions, ability to
work independently in remote field conditions (including at night), and
ability to lead 1 to several individuals in the field. Must be skilled
with microcomputer system and file management (specifically Windows
operating system, Excel, and Word). Experienced with 4WD vehicles, CPR,
and first aid skills are also helpful. Must have a valid driver?s license
for operation of federal vehicles. Prescribed burning experience, S-190 &
192 courses fire training course, and a Red Card are a plus but not
necessary. For involvement with prescribed-burning activities, the
individual is required to have completed S-130 and S-190 fire fighter
courses and successfully complete the required pack test.
Working conditions.?Most work will be performed outdoors. Field work will
be conducted in sedge-shrub-bog wetlands in Seney National Wildlife
Refuge. Access to general areas is by 2- and 4-wheel drive vehicles on
refuge gravel roads; however, direct access to most surveyed areas
requires hiking long distances on uneven, soft, and often flooded ground,
sometimes at night. Field work therefore requires very good physical
condition, ability to walk long distances (>5 km daily) on difficult
substrates, good field sense, and good navigational abilities. The
individual will be required to carry equipment weighing up to 20 pounds.
Field work will involve exposure to a wide range of weather conditions
including cold, snow, water, mud, and severe heat. Exposure to biting
insects (black flies, mosquitoes, and deer and horse flies) is high. Work
at the close of the study will be on computers in an office setting.
Compensation.?Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and
experience, as follows: $15.35/hour for individual who has completed a
B.S. or B.A. degree, or $13.62/hour for an individual who is an
undergraduate. This rate includes an amount for self-employment taxes.
The individual is expected to work, on average, a 40?45 hour week, but
some weeks may require longer hours. Although pay will cover all hours
worked, the individual will not receive a premium rate for work beyond 8
hours/day or 40 hours/week. If any travel related to work occurs, travel
costs will be compensated as would be done for federal employees. The
individual also will be eligible for Workers Compensation at government
expense the same as a federal employee. The individual is responsible for
all costs of other transportation to and from Seney and for personal
transportation at the study area; a federal vehicle will be provided for
transportation around the study area. Housing is available on the refuge.
The Government does not provide meals or other living expenses.
Individuals whose parents work for USGS are not eligible.
Duty stations.?The individual will be stationed at Seney, Michigan, for
work on the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.
Please send, electronically a complete resume and list of references;
please send electronically or via surface mail a copy of transcripts and,
if completed, proof of college diploma (copies ok) to:
Dr. Jane Austin
U.S. Geological Survey
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
8711 37th Street SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Jane Austin
US Geological Survey
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
8711 37th Street SE
Jamestown, ND 58401
Phone: 701-253-5510
Fax: 701-253-5553
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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When we talk among ourselves, all we get back are echoes.
But when we talk with others of a different mind, we are made to think.
And it is in thinking that we learn, and in learning that we grow.
Romeo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada
