JOB OPPORTUNITIES: ECOLOGY TECHNICIANS

JOB DESCRIPTION: The OÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West at the University of Montana is currently recruiting ECOLOGY TECHNICIANS for the 2021 field season. We will be partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, which is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term vegetation data at multiple scales across the BLM Districts in the Western U.S.

We have multiple projects in Idaho, north-central Montana, and Wyoming. All positions are field-based and require primitive camping in isolated regions. Crews will typically work eight 10-hour days, from Tuesday to Tuesday, with a six-day break between hitches. We expect staff to commit to the entire field season, practice safety awareness (including vehicle safety), and contribute to building a healthy, productive and enjoyable work environment.

JOB LENGTH: April/May through August/September, full-time

COMPENSATION: $13-$15 per hour + per diem for field days

TO APPLY: Please submit letter of interest, CV and three (3) professional references to Dr. Kay Hajek (karyn.hajek@mso.umt.edu  ). The subject line should read “2021 Terrestrial AIM ApplicationÃf¢ÒÂEURҝ.

DEADLINE: Application review is ongoing until all positions are filled.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    BachelorÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s degree in botany, soil science, range ecology, natural resources management, or related subject.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    A minimum of one full season of vegetation or soils field data collection in a professional setting.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Coursework and experience in plant taxonomy or systematics OR in soil morphology and soil classification.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Ability to identify rangeland plants to species or subspecies in the field using a dichotomous key (e.g. Flora of the Pacific Northwest, Hitchcock and Cronquist), including challenging taxa (e.g., Poaceae, Asteraceae, Cyperaceae) OR Ability to dig soil pits, describe soil horizons, textures, and stability, and familiarity with the Field Book for Describing and Sampling Soils and the Munsell color chart.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience following established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience with data entry and management using electronic devices.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and preferably with Collector for ArcGIS and Survey123.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience driving 4WD trucks, especially on unpaved roads. Valid driverÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s license and clean driving record (DUI or other serious convictions need not apply).

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and to work independently as required.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field where hazards may be encountered (e.g., snakes, bears, lightning, fires, cold/wet weather, heat/sun exposure).

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather conditions and ability to carry 40 pounds in a backpack over rugged mountainous terrain.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    Willingness to stay in frequent communication with UM staff.

Ãf¢ÒÂEURÒ¢    CPR and First Aid Certification required; Wilderness First Aid is preferred.

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