*Overview*
This is an outreach notice for a physical science technician position with the National Park Service (NPS) Southeast Coast Inventory & Monitoring Network (SECN). Interested applicants should email their resume and an example of GIS work to Lisa Cowart Baron (lisa_baron@nps.gov) before 30 June 2020.
*Position Information*
This position is with the NPS SECN and is based in the networkÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Jacksonville, Florida field office at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The SECN is one of thirty-two networks across the country that gather and analyze information on specific National Park natural resources that can indicate the overall health of parks. The information collected helps parks make sound, science-based management decisions that help us preserve America’s special places. The work performed by this position is part of networkÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s long-term Vital Signs monitoring program and will be supervised by the SECN Coastal Ecologist.
The National Park ServiceÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Southeast Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network Coastal Program is seeking an enthusiastic, responsible, and meticulous individual to work with coastal shoreline change and salt marsh monitoring projects. This position will assist the Coastal Ecologist in planning and executing physical science monitoring efforts at coastal parks located in the Southeast. These parks include Canaveral National Seashore, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Fort Frederica National Monument, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and Cape Lookout National Seashore. For more detailed information about these projects and our parks, please visit our website at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fscience.nature.nps.gov%2Fim%2Funits%2Fsecn%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cad62ae70ca7e4dee45dc08d80f7af33b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637276368051960978&sdata=bV%2B46DX7k2IpOIpDpRZvP%2F5I5ajzb%2BUJhwvnds1Gous%3D&reserved=0.
The coastal shoreline change monitoring project involves working on the beach both on foot and with the use of Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) or All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The salt marsh monitoring project involves accessing salt marsh monitoring stations by boat or on foot and working on narrow structures in the marsh. Both projects require the ability to drive and maneuver large trucks with a trailer or trailered boat on roads, in parking areas, and on boat ramps. Basic training in general safety, boat safety, use of power tools, use of ATV/UTV, and Motorboat Operation training will be provided (if applicable). Previous boat and UTV/ATV experience is not required, but it is highly desired. In general, the incumbent will need to be comfortable being on the water, in isolated environments, have a safety conscious attitude, and exercise good judgement. This position will be the Coastal Program field lead and will be responsible for equipment inventory and maintenance, field preparations, and data management (data collection and entry). For this position, experience with GPS and GIS is required. The incumbent will be trained to collect, post-process, and manage geospatial data according to SECN protocols. Once trained, the incumbent may assist in training others using these methods and techniques. Occasionally, the incumbent will assist with other physical science and monitoring efforts, which may include supporting stream monitoring and terrestrial monitoring efforts. In addition to general office duties, such as scanning, copying, and filing documents, etc., the incumbent will be expected to assist in editing and providing feedback on standard operating procedures.
This position entails a high level of responsibility and initiative. The ability to work efficiently, independently, and be detail oriented is essential. Previous experience organizing and leading field efforts is preferred. Good leadership skills, commitment to program mission, and respect for authority are essential.
*Major Duties*
The incumbent will be responsible for implementation of the SECN protocol for monitoring shoreline change and salt marsh elevation change. In addition, the incumbent will assist with other network monitoring activities. This position may require up to 50% travel for fieldwork, training, or other work-related duties.
*Major tasks*
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Organizing, scheduling, coordinating, and conducting the collection of shoreline and salt marsh data and other samples as needed, and evaluation of quality assurance compliance. He/she will synthesize ancillary data from related network coastal monitoring activities, conduct geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, and assist the SECN Coastal Ecologist to complete analysis needed to inform park resource management staff.
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Maintains up-to-date working knowledge of coastal monitoring equipment maintenance/use and competently performs tasks documented in standard operating procedures. Assists in training Park staff and interns on basics of coastal program monitoring field and office methods. Assist Coastal Ecologist in working with Park staff and partners on technical issues related to coastal program monitoring and/or equipment issues when appropriate.
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Utilizes a variety of computer programs to compile, reduce, store, retrieve, analyze, and report data and other related information. Conducts data entry and implements quality assurance/quality control procedures. Works with the Coastal Ecologist and Data Manager to ensure preservation of paper and electronic files. Generates metadata for data generating, including tabular data, pictures, and GIS files.
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Provides cartographic, GPS, GIS, and spatial data management assistance when needed in support of the Coastal ProgramÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s shoreline and saltmarsh monitoring projects, including processing GPS data, analyzing GIS data, drafting professional quality maps, and generates computerized digital maps.
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Prepares graphs, computations, mathematical calculations, and illustrations for technical studies and presentations. Compiles and summarizes information. Prepares draft project reports which include literature research, descriptions of methods, preliminary data analysis, graphs and charts, results, and recommendations for planning, protection, and mitigation activities. Performs research and assists in writing scientific reports. Provides advice, assistance, and training to students, student conservation assistants, and volunteers involved in projects and field research.
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ensures safe use and maintenance of field sampling equipment and vehicles. Evaluates and mitigates safety risks prior to and while conducting field operations.
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Provides assistance to other SECN data collection efforts and protocol development effort when needed. Works with supervisor and other SECN protocol leads to ensure efficient allocation of time and resources.
*Basic Requirements*
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ BachelorÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s degree in science related area, such as environmental science, geology, etc.
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience with GPS and GIS Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Comfortable in isolated environments Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Comfortable being on the water in small boats Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ability to be trained to operate UTV and ATV Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ability to be trained in small boat safety and operations Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ability to learn how to trailer small boat and trailer Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Comfortable driving long distances (8-10 hours) Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Ability to carry 50 pounds
*Desired Skills and Experience*
Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience with survey GPS equipment and SOPs Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience with small boat operations Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience with trailering Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢ Experience operating UTV and ATV equipment
*AREA INFORMATION*
The Southeast Coast Inventory and Monitoring Network (SECN) is based in Athens, Georgia with remote office locations in St. Marys, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida. The Southeast Coast I&M Network includes fifteen parks with significant natural resources and extends along the Atlantic coast from the North Carolina-Virginia border south to Cape Canaveral, Florida and inland as far as Atlanta, Georgia and the Alabama Coastal Plain. Parks within the Network include: Canaveral National Seashore, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Congaree National Park, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Fort Sumter National Monument, , MooreÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s Creek National Battlefield, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Kennesaw Mountain National Military Park, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Ocmulgee National Monument, Cumberland Island National Seashore, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Fort Frederica National Monument, and Fort Matanzas National Monument. These parks host important examples of a broad range of ecosystems including upland forests and streams; bottomland and floodplain forests; and coastal barrier islands and estuaries.
This position is duty stationed at Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve in Jacksonville, FL. The Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve park units are located on or near the banks of the St. JohnÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s River, approximately 13 miles from downtown Jacksonville. The park contains multiple operating sites and is spread throughout Duval County. All services and amenities are available within the city of Jacksonville. Temperatures are usually above 90 degrees more than 90 days per year and seldom fall below 30 degrees in the winter. There are two four-year universities, a state college/community college with 4 campuses and other educational opportunities in Jacksonville or within commuting distance.