SUMMARY: The Montana Natural Heritage Program seeks experienced field technicians for summer field projects in wetland ecology and botany. All projects require field botany or field ecology skills. Knowledge of plant taxonomy and species identification required. Experience in wetland ecology and identifying Montana flora preferred. Specific positions available include:
Field Technicians will be responsible for collecting data in wetlands within several locations across the state as part of wetland condition assessment projects. Data will be collected using both rapid assessment protocols and more in-depth vegetation surveys. Fieldwork will involve extensive collection of vegetation, soil, and environmental data, and detailed completion of field survey forms. Successful applicants will navigate to randomly selected wetlands. Some remote sites will require multi-day backcountry trips. Field Technicians will begin in June 2009. DUTIES: 1. Using GPS and provided maps, navigate to plot locations via paved roads, dirt roads, trails, and off-trail. 2. Assist the project lead in the collection of field data on vegetation, soils, hydrology, and landscape setting following predefined wetland condition assessment methodologies. Requires ability to reliably identify plants and plant communities within Rocky Mountain wetlands and riparian areas. 3. Collect and prepare plant specimens for verification and long term storage in a regional herbarium. 4. Enter and maintain data in electronic formats (databases, spreadsheets, GPS, GIS). 5. Other duties as needed. QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. or M.S. degree in botany or ecology, natural resources, or related field, or 3 years equivalent field experience required; 1. Knowledge of dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, and the major angiosperm plant families required. 2. Willingness to travel extensively during field season, work unusual schedules (up to 10 consecutive days), backpack, car camp, and live in rustic conditions for extended periods in remote areas of Montana required. 3. Good physical condition and ability to work long hours in the field required. 4. Careful attention to detail required. 5. Knowledge of Rocky Mountain flora required. 6. Comfort and familiarity with the use of computers required. 7. Experience or familiarity with the use of GPS required. 8. Knowledge of Montana flora preferred. 9. Experience with aerial photograph and topographic map interpretation preferred. 10. Experience working in wetlands and knowledge of wetland ecology preferred. 11. Experience with species identification and vegetation sampling techniques preferred. 12. Experience with vegetation community classification or habitat typing preferred. 13. Experience with soil sampling and soil taxonomy preferred. 14. Demonstrated interest in, and enthusiasm for, conservation preferred. PAY RATE: $12/hour DURATION: 3-4 months (approx. June September 2010) POSITION(S) WILL REMAIN OPEN AND WILL BE FILLED AS SUITABLE APPLICANTS ARE FOUND. APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5PM MARCH 31, 2010. SEND RESUME, COVER LETTER, AND 3 REFERENCES (WITH PHONE NUMBERS). TO: Karen Newlon Montana Natural Heritage Program 1515 East Sixth Avenue Helena, MT 59620 Or, preferably, by email as an attachment to: [email protected] Announcement will remain open until all positions are filled.
