The Modoc National Forest is looking for up to 4 qualified field botanists
and 2 weed crew members for summer 2011. The employment extends from May
through September (start and end dates are flexible). The positions are
based out of the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Alturas, CA, and will work
throughout the 1.6 million acre forest. Plant habitats include red fir,
whitebark pine, and mixed conifer forests; pumice flats; sagebrush and
juniper covered lava flows; vernal pools; and fens. Excellent opportunity
to learn a diverse flora from Modoc Plateau, Great Basin, and Southern
Cascades floristic provinces. Over 1200 plant species occur on the Forest,
including 2 federally listed, 27 sensitive, and 55 watch list species.
Job descriptions and Qualifications:
Botany Surveying (GS-5, $15.00/hour): Botanists conduct field surveys for
threatened, endangered, sensitive, and watch list plants. Surveys require
documenting locations using GPS and topographic maps, and maintaining
field records.
Desired Skills: Must be able to identify plants to species using
dichotomous keys, and have completed a plant taxonomy or systematics
course. Familiarity with California or Great Basin flora a plus. Must be
able to navigate cross-country using map and compass. GPS and GIS skills
are helpful. Must be physically able to work long days in rough terrain,
walking 5-10 miles per day.
Weed Crew (GS-4, $13.41/hour): Weed crews locate and manually remove
invasive
Plants, document weed locations using GPS and topographic maps, and
maintain field records of treatments.
Desired Skills: Ability to identify plants, and to perform strenuous
physical labor in hot weather conditions and rough terrain. GPS, GIS and
navigational skills are helpful.
Basic Qualifications:
• GS-4: Minimum 2 years college with 12 semester hours of
science/technical courses, or 6 months general experience plus 6 months
specialized experience at GS-3 level.
• GS-5: Bachelor’s degree with 24 semester hours of
science/technical courses, or 1 year specialized experience at GS-4 level,
or a combination of education and experience.
• Over 18 years of age, and a U.S. Citizen
To Apply:
Apply through the automated Forest Service job application site, AVUE:
https://www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html
For Botany Surveying Positions, apply for: Biological Science Technician
(Plants): OCRT-404-5-PLANT-DT
For Weed Crew Positions, apply for: Biological Science Technician
(Plants): OCRT-404-4-PLANT-DT
NOTE: You must list Alturas, CA as one of your top nine location choices
to be considered for these positions. Please attach college transcripts
when applying.
For more information contact: Judy Perkins, Forest Botanist, Modoc
National Forest, 800 W. 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101;
[email protected]; (530) 233-8827.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2011
