The USGS Canyonlands Research Station is seeking a full-time temporary technician to assist with a desert ecology and restoration research project. The project evaluates vegetation responses to multi-year severe drought in dryland ecosystems and the resilience of restored biological soil crusts to simulated wind and water erosion. The field sites border Canyonlands National Park near Moab, UT.
Position duration: May 10 – June 19, 2018, with potential for up to two weeks extension contingent on project needs and availability. Job description: The incumbent will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher, a biologist, and other technicians to assess the influence of extreme drought on individual-, community-, and ecosystem-level vegetation dynamics and implement simulated erosion events using wind and rainfall simulators. Fieldwork will include assisting in the operation of field erosion simulators, vegetation monitoring, plant growth measurements, and surface-stability and biological soil crust cover estimates. Other responsibilities may include organizing and processing field-collected samples in the lab. The technician will live in a shared residence in Canyonlands National Park. Qualifications: Applicants should be interested in working in desert ecosystems on climate and restoration research. Additionally, the successful applicant will possess the following: *Ability to work up to 10-hour days outside in variable and sometimes adverse weather conditions, including temperatures >100°F *Ability to learn quickly, follow guidance, and collect data accurately and with attention to detail *Willingness to live and work in isolated, remote locations for extended periods *Ability to stay motivated and focused while performing repetitive tasks *Ability to bend over and kneel for extended periods of time, carrying up to 25 pounds *Ability to work both independently and in small groups Compensation: $15.38/hour. Housing in Canyonlands National Park will also be provided. To apply: Please send a cover letter detailing your preparedness for the position, resume, and list of three professional references (including email address and phone number) as a single PDF document to Alix Pfennigwerth ([email protected]) by February 28, 2018.
