Biological Science Technician (Botany), U.S. Geological Survey, GG-0404-5
Spend an exciting spring working and camping in the beautiful Sonoran
Desert! The USGS will be hiring two temporary field technicians to
take part in a study of Sonoran Desert plant communities. The work is
part of a project seeking to characterize post-fire vegetation
recovery and successional trends in desert tortoise (Gopherus
morafkai) habitat. The technicians will collect data in areas that
previously burned between 8 and 33 years ago. Sampling will also
occur at unburned control sites.
The position is expected to begin in mid-March of 2013 and extend for
3-4 months. Technicians will be stationed out of the USGS Las Vegas
Field Office, with field work conducted at multiple desert locations
throughout central Arizona. Backcountry camping will be required
while in the field. The pay rate will be $15.00 per hour. Technicians
will gain valuable field research experience while working in a
scenic, biologically diverse desert environment.
Job Responsibilities
-Follow monitoring protocols to accurately measure and record ecological data
-Accurately identify all plant species along vegetation transects
-Safely operate 4WD vehicles on two-track roads and navigate to field sites
-Accurately enter, organize, and error-check data
-Work a highly variable schedule that often requires working 10 days
or more at a time (with 4 or more days off afterwards)
-Assist with the day-to-day operations & logistics of field research
Required Qualifications
-A B.S. in a directly related discipline or 12 months of relevant
field experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
-Coursework and experience in plant taxonomy and ability to
independently ID plant species using dichotomous keys-Ability to
navigate using a handheld GPS, compass, and topographic maps
-Ability to work safely and effectively as part of a team in remote
backcountry settings
-Detail-oriented, flexible, and able to maintain a positive attitude
despite long days & adverse field conditions
-Willing to camp for 10 days at a time (possibly more) in the desert
backcountry, enduring extreme temperatures and weather conditions
-Valid U.S. driver's license; able to pass federal background check
Desired Qualifications
-Experience conducting vegetation surveys and identifying Sonoran desert plants
-Current first aid & CPR certification
-Experience camping in backcountry settings for extended periods
If interested: Please send resume, transcripts (unofficial
transcripts accepted), and 3 references to
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected] by February 6. NOTE: THIS IS A
PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT; WE WILL CONTACT QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WITH
INFORMATION ON HOW TO COMPLETE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION
