A field technician is needed to assist with dendrochronological sampling in aspen woodlands in the mountains of northern Nevada, as a part of a project to assess aspen dynamics in relation to aspen-associated bird communities. Sampling in these scenic mountain woodlands is a great way to spend the summer! The work will consist of assisting in collecting tree cores for aspen age data using an increment borer and other dendrochronology equipment, as well as some general vegetation sampling. The work will involve camping at remote mountain sites for 8-10 days, followed by a brief break of 3-4 days. Work will include long days, hiking over rugged terrain, driving 4-wheel drive vehicles, possibly operating ATVs, and navigating in a remote forested landscape with GPS units and GIS software. Field conditions involve exposure to wind, dust, extreme heat and cold, and hiking at high elevations (5,000 10,00 feet). Electronic entry of field data using PCs and PDAs will be required. Campers will have periodic access to a base camp with either a trailer or a wall tent, but overnight camping in a personal sleep tent will usually be necessary. Technicians will camp in teams of three in the Jarbidge Mountains, Ruby Mountains, Santa Rosa Mountains, and a series of small ranges in northwestern Nevada (the Bilk Creek/Pine Forest/Black Rock Ranges). You may restrict your application to a duty station of Elko (for the Jarbidge or Ruby Mts) or Winnemucca (for the Santa Rosa and western ranges), otherwise indicate that either duty station is acceptable.
Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants need at least 6 months of field experience or 1 year of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled, PLUS at least 3 months of field or laboratory work experience. We are particularly interested in applicants with a strong work ethic, proven ability to live and work in remote areas under rugged conditions, and experience in vegetation sampling. Salary / Position Type: Successful applicants will be hired as a Biological Science Technicians, GG-04, at $13.41/hr plus $18/day field per diem, and will be full-time, temporary employees of DOI, USGS, Snake River Field Station. Length of Appointment: approximately 6/07/10 through 9/15/10. How to Apply: For information about the work, please contact Dr. Douglas Shinneman, 208-426-5206, [email protected]. Send application materials by email or mail to Michelle Schatz ([email protected]), USGS- Biological Resources Division, Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 777 NW 9th St., Suite 400, Corvallis, OR 97330. Include the following in your application: a) reference to Job# SRFS-10-004; b) letter of interest indicating availability for the field season; c) resume, including professional experience, especially evidence that you meet the qualifications (see above); d) when listing professional experience, be sure to indicate starting and ending dates, and hours worked per week, to verify that you meet the qualifications; e) copies of academic transcripts, unofficial transcripts are acceptable; f) list of 3 references and their contact information. Applications must be received by February 12, 2010.
