IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
JOB NUMBER: 850001
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
SUPERVISOR: Idaho Rangeland Ecologist
LOCATION: Study sites in southern Idaho
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Biological Field Technician will participate in The Nature Conservancy’s research efforts to develop methods of assessing and monitoring the condition and trend of arid, sagebrush-steppe rangelands at multiple spatial scales. Our objective is to develop a framework for rangeland monitoring that will integrate field-based and remote sensing methods for measuring rangeland attributes into a system that allows rangeland managers to quantitatively assess the condition of rangelands across very large landscapes. The Biological Field Technician will be responsible for collecting data necessary to: 1) establish the baseline condition of rangeland sites over large landscapes, 2) create statistical models to link measures of rangelands from satellite images and aerial photography to relevant rangeland attributes, and 3) assess the accuracy of methods of assessing rangeland condition.
The Biological Field Technician will work at two field sites in southern Idaho: the Owyhee Uplands in the southwestern corner of the state, and the Big Desert area to the west of Craters of the Moon National Monument. Both of these sites have been identified by The Nature Conservancy as high-priority sites for conservation of sagebrush-steppe ecosystems. This is a three month position and work is expected to begin mid-May and conclude mid-August with flexible start and end dates. Rigorous outdoor activities in remote areas and some overnight camping will be required. Must have valid driver’s license.
DUTIES:
• Serve as part of a two-person seasonal field crew responsible for conducting surveys of vegetation and other parameters at shrub-steppe plots according to an established protocol.
• Assist with location and establishment of field plots
• Collect data necessary to establish the condition of rangeland sites and relate site characteristics to remotely-sensed measures of rangelands. Includes identifying and estimating abundance of grasses/forbs/shrubs, estimating biomass production, estimating canopy and ground cover, evaluating soil erosion, and other necessary measures.
• Evaluate the accuracy of remotely-sensed metrics of rangeland characteristics.
• Map invasive species.
• May work with local land managers to identify and obtain other existing rangeland assessment and monitoring data.
• Enter data and assist with data quality control and data management.
• Work with another crew member to effectively coordinate daily activities.
• Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organize and maintain equipment).
REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s degree or working toward a bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, biology, wildlife, or a closely related field or equivalent combination of education and 0-2 years experience. Previous field experience in sampling rangeland vegetation desirable.
• Ability to use a taxonomic key and understanding of plant taxonomy.
• Experience identifying southern Idaho flora desirable.
• Familiarity with southern Idaho, ecology of sagebrush-steppe environments desirable.
• Demonstrated orienteering skills, including the use of topographic maps, aerial photographs, and global positioning systems (GPS).
• Familiarity with GIS and remote sensing concepts. Experience with GIS (e.g., ArcView, ArcGIS) and especially mobile GIS/GPS (e.g., ArcPad) software desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and complete field-related activities.
• Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team. Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to meet project deadlines. Ability to make decisions independently in remote landscapes.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record required.
• First Aid and CPR certification desirable.
• Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of biological diversity.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
• Work requires long hours in isolated settings.
• Physical exertion such as hiking with field gear over rough terrain. Work is done in hot or otherwise inclement conditions and presents occasional possibility of injury.
• Willingness to travel to remote areas. Work will require some camping at primitive sites.
TO APPLY:
Submit cover letter, resume, and three references by 5/16/08 to:
Email idahojobs@tnc.org (preferred method of submission). Please include job title in subject line of email.
Or mail to:
Karen Colson
Idaho Rangeland Ecologist
The Banner Bank Building
950 W. Bannock St., Ste 210
Boise, Idaho 83702
