Pollinator and Vegetation Sampling Crew Lead – Oregon

National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.

Job Description

Position:       Wildlife Biologist II – Pollinator (1 position)

Reports to:     Sr. Research Scientist – Western Forest Wildlife Ecologist

Work Week:      Exempt position; 40+ hours per week to meet work demands

Revised:        February 12, 2020

Duty Station:   Western Oregon

Duration:       Position dependent: April 15 – October 2020 (less than 6 months)

Salary:         $3,000 – $3,200 per month; commensurate with experience

Field work will take place in the rugged and scenic Coast Range of western Oregon. Work will involve physically demanding work in challenging conditions (heat, cold, rain, sun, steep slopes, loose rock, logging slash, stinging insects, hazardous plants), potentially working long days including some weekends, driving on logging roads, and navigating through difficult forest terrain. Primary duties of crew members will consist of collecting pollinators using a variety of techniques (netting, traps) in managed forest stands, quantifying floral resources, and entering data.

Essential Job Functions:

1.      Train crew to conduct Pacific Northwest botanical surveys, including tree, shrub and forb species.

2.      Coordinate survey schedules and workflow for 1-3 other crew members.

3.      Use forest survey equipment (e.g. hypsometers, GPS) to collect detailed vegetation/habitat measurements and information at multiple study sites.

4.      Position will require working outdoors in inclement weather, often in recently harvested forest stands.  Must be able to carry heavy gear (30+ lbs.) on steep slopes with challenging field conditions.  Must be able to get to and work from several remote locations throughout Oregon, drive unimproved forest roads, read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public.

5.      Willingness to have a flexible work schedule and travel between study locations. The ability to camp outdoors overnight at designated camp sites is required.

6.      Gather data using specific protocols, enter data with both tablets and Excel, create summaries of data and work accomplished.

7.      Communicate with multiple stakeholders, providing regular updates on field progress and challenges.

8.      Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others toward meeting the goals of the National Council of Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. (NCASI).

9.      Develop a familiarity with NCASI’s mission, policies, practices, and procedures.

10.     Become acquainted with the environmental issues of the forest products industry.

11.     Read, absorb, process, and communicate complex information. Assist the supervisor in responding to technical queries by NCASI clients and others in a competent and timely manner.

Additional Responsibilities:

1.      Undertake additional activities as assigned by Supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

1.      Prior experience with insect collection (e.g., netting bees) and sampling pollinators in a field setting.

2.      Experience identifying plants using field guides such as Pojar and MacKinnon (2004) and taxonomic keys like Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973).

3.      A Bachelors degree in a biological sciences discipline or related environmental field with a focus on entomology, animal ecology, or botany. Two or more seasons of similar experience.

4.      Must have driving record which can be approved by Federal Agencies to drive government vehicles and insured at standard rates.

5.      Data entry, data management (Microsoft Excel), and GIS experience.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

1.      Knowledge of bees and/or hoverflies in the Oregon coast range

2.      Successful applicants will be self-motivated, have a strong work ethic, and be able to work harmoniously in a group living situation.

3.      Track record of working in a safe, efficient, and cooperative manner in a team setting.

4.      Prior land navigation and field experience.

To Apply:  Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Laurie Clark, NCASI, 8769 Hwy 42, Tenmile, OR 97481, preferably delivered electronically to: lclark@ncasi.org with “Pollinator Crew Application – Bio II” in the subject line.  Applicant review will begin February 28, 2020 and continue until the position is filled. NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.