The Rocky Mountain Network is one of 32 ecological monitoring networks within the National Park Service. The ROMN comprises six units: Glacier National Park, Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site, and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana; and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, and Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
During the summer of 2011, the ROMN is conducting field-based monitoring in wetlands grasslands/shrublands and streams. We are hiring undergraduate or graduate students for 2 field positions based out of Fort Collins, Colorado. Both positions require extensive travel. Job Description: Dates: Start date is flexible, but no later than June 20, 2011; earliest end date is August 19, 2011; work between these core dates is dedicated primarily to field work for which you would need to be available full time (40 hours/wk). Description of duties: Field technicians will work as part of a team to sample wetlands, uplands, and streams following a set of provided protocols. Sampling in wetlands and grasslands/shrublands will focus on the cover, frequency, and composition of vegetation (additional forest measurements are taken in some woodlands); stream sampling will focus on biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of streams. In addition to field monitoring activities, crews may assist with other protocols or duties as assigned. The working environment will be largely outdoors with a wide range of weather conditions and limited access to shelter. Crews will primarily work for a few weeks at a time at Rocky Mountain NP, Great Sand Dunes NP & Pr., and Florissant Fossil Beds NM. There may also be opportunities to work in our Montana parks. Required Qualifications: 1. Applicants must be currently enrolled half- or full- time graduate or undergraduate students at an accredited two or four year-college or university. Applicants who will have completed the requirements for their degree prior to the ending date of this temporary appointment will not be considered as they will no longer meet the definition of student. Additionally the applicant must have either enrolled or intend to enroll for the fall semester. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. 2. Applicants must be able to work under strenuous field conditions. These include: carrying up to 50lbs. of gear over irregular terrain; working long days in the field (8-12hrs. per day depending on tasks and travel- work week will not exceed 40 hours); and working under a range of weather conditions including (not limited to) heat, sun, wind exposure, and rain. Stream monitoring includes wading in cold and often fast mountain streams. 3. Applicants must be able to follow protocols (instructions) precisely and work independently. 4. Applicants must be willing and able to travel extensively and continuously (10 weeks total) throughout Colorado and possibly Montana, which may include both backcountry and car camping (note: technicians will be compensated for travel expenses per NPS travel policies). 5. Applicants must have valid drivers license and must pass a standard background security check. Desired Qualifications: Skills and training in botany (especially Colorado grassland and wetland species) are highly desirable. Applicants should be able to identify plants based on their physical characteristics (some training will be provided, but you need the basic skills/understanding of botanical systematics, e.g. familiarity with dichotomous keys). Some experience with stream ecology methods, such as sampling water chemistry and aquatic macroinvertebrates, is desirable. Salary: Students will be hired at the GS-4, GS-5, or GS-7 level ($14.39, $16.10, or $19.95/hr) for approximately eleven 40-hour weeks. Additional, part-time work outside of this time period may be available. To qualify for the GS-4: Applicant must have 6 months of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-3 and 6 months of general experience OR 2-year course of study above high school. To qualify for the GS-5: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level OR 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation. To qualify for the GS-7: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level OR one year of graduate-level education. Note: Education and experience may be combined for all grade levels. Housing and Transportation: Employees will be stationed in Fort Collins and must provide their own housing. However, for most of the monitoring season, they will be traveling to the parks for field work. During that time (10 of the 11 weeks), accommodations will be provided (a mixture of government housing, cabins, and tent camping) and meals and incidental expenses will be covered (~20$/day). Employees must have transportation to and from the Fort Collins office (limited bus service is available). Application Requirements: To apply, mail hard copies of your resume, 1-2 reference letters (may be sent directly), unofficial current transcripts, and proof of Fall 2011 enrollment (acceptance letters or transcripts) to Donna Shorrock, 1201 Oakridge Dr., Suite 200, Fort Collins, CO 80525 or fax at 970-225-3573. Applications must be received on or before February 28, 2011 to be considered. Address any questions via email to [email protected]. See http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/romn/ for information about our program and a link to the job announcement. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.
