JOB TITLE: Science Technician I – Plants Crew Leader
JOB NUMBER: 85001
JOB FAMILY: Science
SALARY GRADE: 3
SUPERVISOR: Ellsworth Creek Ecologist
DATE REPOSTED: March 7, 2008
DATE DUE: March 14, 2008
NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1
POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY:
The Science Technician I – Plants Crew Leader will participate in research
efforts that further The Nature Conservancy’s terrestrial and aquatic
restoration goals at the Conservancy’s Ellsworth Creek Preserve and throughout
southwestern Washington. A pivotal question for restoration concerns the role
old-growth forest remnants play in supporting biological diversity across the
existing young-managed forest landscape. It is unknown if old-growth forest
patches serve as “lifeboats” for biological diversity, and, if so, how
placement of these stands across the landscape affects recolonization and
recovery of managed forests. To investigate these questions, the Conservancy is
conducting a study to characterize elements of biological diversity within
remnant old-growth forest patches and young, managed forest stands at Ellsworth
Creek and other areas throughout the Willapa Hills of southwestern Washington.
The Science Technician I – Plants Crew Leader will partake in a rigorous survey
of overstory and understory vegetation that is intended to provide an
assessment of forest composition and structure in old-growth and young, managed
forests. Work involves installing and sampling plots in riparian and/or upland
old-growth and managed forests. The nature of the work requires extended
periods in the field (typically 9-11 hour days), often in inclement weather.
The crew will be based in southwestern Washington, near the towns of Long Beach
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 position
supervised by the Ellsworth Creek Ecologist. This position is expected to start
June 9, 2008, and continue through September 26, 2008 (dates slightly
flexible).
DUTIES:
1. Serve as part of a seasonal vegetation crew (crew leader plus three
technicians) responsible for conducting vegetation surveys in permanent plots
according to an established protocol.
2. Supervise and efficiently coordinate activities for seasonal vegetation crew
(including finding and reserving camping sites or other housing arrangements).
3. Act as liaison between vegetation crew and Ellsworth Creek Ecologist.
4. Assist with identification of appropriate study sites.
5. Assist with location and installation of plots.
6. Identify and estimate abundance of understory herbs, shrubs,
grasses/sedges/rushes, seedlings, and saplings.
7. Estimate abundance of non-vascular plants and substrate.
8. Measure large woody debris and stumps.
9. Measure overstory tree diameters, heights, and live crowns.
10. Conduct surveys for mistletoe infestation.
11. Collect macrolichen litterfall.
12. Use taxonomic keys and dissecting scope to identify unknown plant species.
13. Prepare electronic data loggers for data collection in the field.
14. Check data for accuracy and completeness.
15. Enter data and manage electronic data files.
16. Oversee bi-weekly completion of timesheets and other administrative tasks
by crew.
17. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, lichen
collections, etc.).
18. May occasionally assist with coordination and planning of field efforts and
administrative tasks for other Ellsworth Creek field crews and supervision of
interns and/or volunteers.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or closely related
field.
2. Previous field experience in sampling forest overstory and understory
vegetation.
3. Experience identifying flora in the Pacific Northwest.
4. Ability to utilize a taxonomic key.
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and complete field related
activities.
6. Experience collecting and/or identifying lichens helpful, but not required.
7. Experience using an electronic data logger preferred.
8. Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topographic maps,
aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS).
9. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. Experience
with GIS preferred.
10. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work
effectively as a team member.
11. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to
manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to meet project deadlines.
12. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor.
13. Valid driver’s license required. Experience driving on forest roads and
using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred.
14. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
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 very
inclement (rainy, cold, and windy) weather conditions.
Crew leader will likely work approximately 1-5 hours of overtime per week
organizing field crew, identifying unknown species, and downloading and
reviewing data.
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
longer than four days. These weeks will be compensated with shorter subsequent
work weeks and/or more days off.
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 running
water). Camping in rainy, cold weather is highly probable.
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
Conservancy. Private space will be provided when available, but is not
guaranteed. Employees are expected to maintain clean and organized living
spaces.
The Conservancy will also try to provide lodging facilities for crews during
non-work days throughout the season. Lodging during non-work days will likely
consist of a combination of group housing and camping at developed camp sites.
This will require people to be flexible and accepting of a somewhat 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.
SALARY:
$14 / hour
TO APPLY:
Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), and a list of three
references by March 14, 2008 to address below: (In cover letter, please
indicate if you are interested in being on the crew if not selected as crew
leader.)
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
State “Hiring Committee: Science Technician I – Plants Crew Leader” in subject
heading.
OR
Regular mail: The Nature Conservancy
Washington Field Office
Hiring Committee: Science Technician I - Plants 1 Crew
Leader
ATTN: Shauna Staukerbaum
1917 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL – YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE RECEIVED!!!!!
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
www.nature.org
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