The USDA Forest Service Sierra Cascade Ecology Program is looking for four qualified field botanists and/or ecologists to work in northern California for 3-6 months during the summer of 2009. Salaries range from $14.24 (GS- 5) to $18.26 (GS-7) per hour, depending on experience. Government housing may be available.
Job Description: This summer we are looking for field assistants to work on several different ecological studies, including: 1) Evaluating the effect of grazing on a threatened vernal pool plant, Orcuttia tenuis. Field assistants will collect data on plant demography, species composition, and site characteristics at a number of vernal pools on both the Lassen and Modoc National Forests. 2) Conducting post-fire regeneration surveys on the Plumas and Lassen National Forests. We will be measuring seedling density and characterizing post-fire plant communities and forest structure at a number of recently burned sites. 3) Monitoring rare plants and plant communities. We will be continuing ongoing research looking at the effects of forest thinning on rare plants, the effects of grazing on fen and meadow ecosystems, and the effects of burning on beargrass. This is a great opportunity to develop botanical skills and participate in a wide range of ecological studies! Qualifications: We are looking for applicants who have strong skills in the following areas: plant identification, data collection and data entry, use of GPS, topographic map and compass navigation, and operating vehicles on rough roads. Applicants must be physically fit, willing to travel for extended periods, and to work under difficult field conditions. Field crews will occasionally camp in remote field locations. Preference will be given to energetic, detail-oriented candidates with experience in botanical and ecological monitoring methods. Minimum Requrements: • GS 5: Bachelors degree or 1 year experience as a GS-4. • GS-7: Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years graduate work in biology, botany, natural resources, range science, biology, or related area, or 1 year experience as a GS-5. • Over 18 years of age, valid drivers license, and a U.S. Citizen This position will be based in Quincy, CA. Contact Kyle Merriam, Sierra Cascade Province Ecologist, phone: 530-283-7777, email: [email protected] for more information. To Apply: Apply using the automated Forest Service site AVUE: https://www.avuecentral.com/ Job Titles: Biological Science Technician (Natural Resources), GS-0404- 05/07 Announcement Numbers: TEMP-OCR-404-5-RESNAT (GS-5), TEMP-OCR-404-7-RESNAT (GS-7). Choose "Quincy, CA" as your duty station. WE WILL BEGIN REVIEWING APPLICATIONS ON FEBRUARY 13, 2009
