BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (GG-05 or GG-06) We are seeking a highly-motivated ornithologist to perform avian point counts from in isolated and scenic areas of Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho and northeastern California. This work is part of a large-scale experimental study investigating the response of avian communities to woodland invasions in sagebrush ecosystems. Sampling protocol consists of variable distance point counts and data entry. We will be collecting data on the entire suite of species with focal species including gray flycatcher, dusky flycatcher, sage thrasher, sage sparrow, vesper sparrow, Brewer?s sparrow, black-throated sparrow, and green-tailed towhee. Applicants should know or be able to quickly learn western bird species by sight and sound. Last season we detected over 150 species. Vegetation sampling will follow bird survey efforts at a subset of surveyed point count locations. Preference will be given to an energetic, detail-oriented candidate with experience in songbird point-count surveys. Experience creating and manipulating Microsoft Excel documents and using GIS/GPS for navigation purposes is highly desirable. This is a physically demanding job, involving hiking and camping in rugged terrain for 8 to 10 days and extended hours in the field during some periods of this research. Remote field conditions include exposure to wind, dust, heat, cold, and intense sun at elevations exceeding 5,000 feet.
This position will be filled at either the GG-6 level ($16.73/hour plus $18 field per diem) or the GG-5 level ($15.00/hour plus $18 field per diem) dependent on applicant experience and education. The position start date is April 26th and will extend to August 28th, with possible extension based on crew availability and site phenology. Dependent on demonstrable skills, the GG-6 crew member will help with supplementary training in field methodologies and GIS and data management tasks. If you are applying for the GG-5 position, please reference job # SRFS-10-009. If you are applying for the GG-6 position, please reference job # SRFS-10-010. If you are applying for consideration at both levels, please reference both job numbers (SRFS-10 -009 and -010) in your cover letter. To qualify for the GG-5 position, applicants need either: 1) three years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled (equivalent to 90 semester/135 quarter hrs) plus 3 months of field work experience, or 2) 9 months of field survey experience. In addition, all GG-5 applicants must have at least 3 months of songbird survey experience. To qualify for the GG-6 position, applicants need either: 1) 4 years of college with courses related to the work of the position to be filled, or 2) 1 year and 9 months of field experience. In addition, all GG-6 applicants must have at least 3 months of songbird survey experience. For inquiries related to the positions, please contact Steve Hanser (208 426-2892, [email protected]). To apply, please send: 1) cover letter indicating desired field location and field season availability, 2) resume including professional experience (** PLEASE ** indicate starting and ending dates (mm/dd/yyyy) with hours per week worked for each position), 3) three references, and 4) copies of academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable). Applications can be sent via mail or email to Michelle Schatz (Address: USGS Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 777 NW 9th Street, Suite 400, Corvallis, Oregon 97330-6169, Phone: (541) 750-1040, Email: [email protected]). Applications must be received by March 29, 2010. Steve Hanser Wildlife Biologist USGS Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center Snake River Field Station 970 Lusk St. Boise, ID 83706 [email protected] PH: 208-426-2892 FAX: 208-426-5210
