Vegetation Sampling Field Positions, northeastern California 2020

To Apply: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnatureserve.atsondemand.com%2F%23%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cfa95fa37c876498e1a2508d79fecf518%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637153712389453011&sdata=2U9LXJTrU1Qlj7a5VHmjOxfquxQ%2Fp3LJIt4JbKmqvFU%3D&reserved=0

Job Description:

NatureServe is a 501(C)3 organization that supports biodiversity conservation at the local, national and international levels through our network of member programs and other institutional alliances. NatureServe is recruiting seasonal biological field technicians to collect data in support of vegetation community sampling in sagebrush and woodland habitats in northeastern California. The project involves field data collection of Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) information on BLM lands in the Applegate and Eagle Lake districts in northeastern California and adjacent Nevada, with supplemental data collection in support of ongoing fuels and fire monitoring.

NatureServe is seeking to fill up to four full-time, seasonal (April 27th- August 12th) field biological technicians and up to four lead field biological technician to conduct field sampling. The work will include following established vegetation and soil sampling methods on existing ecological monitoring sites, including plot and line-based sampling, identification of plants to the species level, digging soil pits and analyzing soils. Knowledge of native plants, the flora of northeastern California, ecological field monitoring methods, field sampling and project management needed. Availability for participation in BLM AIM training in Reno NV, April 27th- April 30th strongly preferred.

Lead Technician positions would start up to 2 weeks in advance of the field season to assist with planning field logistics and safety. Lead Technician position includes responsibility for supporting crew safety in the field, and coordinating sampling logistics and scheduling, including organization and quality control of paper and electronic field data.

Must be able to work 10 hour days for 8 days at a time (followed by 6 days off), while camping in remote locations.

Required qualifications:

Two years of coursework in ecology, natural resources, range management, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Field experience collecting scientific data.

A valid driverÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚Â™s license required for all positions.

Ability to identify plants in the field to the species level and experience using dichotomous keys required for all positions.

Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules (typically 10 hours a day for 8 days) while car camping.

Ability to hike up to 5 miles / day while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs), and ability to assist in digging soil pits and in analyzing soils and erosion data required for all positions.

Desired qualifications

Willingness to work in challenging conditions including hot and cold weather, rugged terrain, and outdoor hazards while maintaining a commitment to team safety.

Careful attention to detail and strong organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms and electronic data entry.

Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions.

Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads preferred

Required Experience:

Required for lead

Experience coordinating logistics of data collection and safety planning for field crews conducting biological sampling required for Lead Technician position.

A completed BS/BA degree with two years of coursework in ecology, natural resources, range management.

Field experience collecting scientific data and experience with vegetation data sampling

Experience navigating with topographic maps, aerial photography and GPS to remote field locations

NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

For additional information contact: Patrick McIntyre at patrick_mcintyre@natureserve.org