About the Bay Area Early Detection Network: The Bay Area Early Detection Network (BAEDN) is a collaborative partnership of regional land managers and invasive species experts which serves the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. BAEDN coordinates Early Detection and Rapid Response to infestations of invasive plants, proactively dealing with new outbreaks before they can grow into large and costly environmental threats. This “stitch-in-time” approach prevents the environmental and economic damage caused by these invaders; educates citizens regarding natural resource stewardship; and reduces the need for the planning and resources required to control large, established invasive plant populations.
The Early Detection Contractor (“Contractor”), with direction from the BAEDN Steering Committee Chair, will work with the BAEDN Rapid Response Coordinator and other contractors to continue development and implementation of the Bay Area Early Detection Network. The Contractor will work with BAEDN staff and partners to complete the following tasks: •Complete new science-based weed risk assessments of non-native plant species to identify priority detection targets: o Refine and automate BAEDN’s existing weed risk assessment procedures o Identify new species for list, evaluate 2010 species for continued listing o Develop additional species-based information to support assessment of 2010 deferred species o Coordinate Species Listing Workgroup and obtain any additional expert opinion needed regarding proposed priority species lists o With Species Workgroup, develop local/sub-regional lists, watch lists, and “wild extirpation” lists •Obtain additional non-native plant occurrences in the nine county Bay Area: o Obtain additional GIS datasets from partners o Integrate new datasets into the Calflora/BAEDN database • Continue updating the prioritized list of occurrences for treatment: o Create current baseline point-maps as needed showing known occurrences, based on existing data o Refine BAEDN’s existing occurrence prioritization procedures o Prioritize additional occurrences for treatment using occurrence prioritization procedures o Ensure Rapid Response Coordinator has current information o Coordinate with Rapid Response Workgroup as needed •Lead ongoing technical improvements to the shared occurrence reporting database, including tools to enable public reporting of new detections and to improve tracking of outcome by BAEDN staff: o Meet with BAEDN staff, partners and system users to identify specific technical needs and user interface design o Identify additional partners able to provide support for system updating o Work with technical contractors to ensure delivery of technical improvements •Work with BAEDN staff to maintain early detection field protocols: o Refine curriculum based on protocols o Train partners in application of protocols o Promote the protocols via web-based publications and other outreach tools •Coordinate and comminicate regularly with BAEDN staff, committees, and partners •Work with BAEDN staff and contractors to complete reports summarizing and celebrating BAEDN progress, identify and track partner contributions, and develop additional funding. Timeline for completion of tasks will be developed by the Contractor in coordination with BAEDN staff and Steering Committee Chair. Contractor will be hired through the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts on an unbenefited contract basis, with pay $50-$70/hour depending on experience. Funding is expected to terminate December 31, 2011. Work is largely office-based, though frequent travel throughout the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area region is expected and some longer-range travel possible. Mileage will be reimbursed at IRS standard rates and other travel is reimbursable with receipts. Contractor must provide own phone, internet, and office. Minimum qualifications: • Degree in invasion biology or related field, or equivalent experience: at least seven years combined research/post-college schooling and field experience. • Knowledge and experience with field management of invasive plants, including field mapping, prioritization, and management of a treatment program; development of invasive plant eradication plans; experience applying treatments in the field and strong understanding of all the tools and approaches used to manage invasive plants. • Strong knowledge of plant species and habitats in California, especially non-native plants of the San Francisco Bay Area. • Experience building invasive plant management partnerships, networks, or NGOs. • In-depth knowledge of RCDs, WMAs, CDFA terrestrial noxious weed program, and other key stakeholders. Understanding of their work, constraints, needs, concerns, and demonstrated ability to include these stakeholders in development of new programs. • Excellent knowledge of available plant mapping methods and systems, the Calflora database, field data collection tools, and ability to lead continued work with these systems. • Very strong communications skills, including technical reports, outreach and publicity materials, and public speaking. • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; webpage design and management. • Excellent organizational skills and project management experience. • Valid California Driver's License, clean driving record, good driving skills. TO APPLY: Submit resume and supplemental statement addressing the above tasks and qualifications to [email protected]. Bids will be accepted until May 25, 2011. The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts and the Bay Area Early Detection Network provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. About CARCD: The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts supports Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) in their locally led conservation efforts. RCDs lead the effort to conserve their local resources by providing technical assistance, education, partnership and leadership. What's important to the community is important to us because we are the community. Find your local RCD at www.carcd.org
