JOB TITLE: Science Technician I Plants 1 Crew Leader JOB NUMBER: 6029 LOCATION: Astoria, Oregon SUPERVISOR: Ellsworth Creek Ecologist PREPARER: Liane Davis DATE: January 2, 2007
POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: The Science Technician I Plants 1 Crew Leader will participate in research efforts that further The Nature Conservancys terrestrial and aquatic restoration goals on the Conservancys Ellsworth Creek Preserve. The preserve, located in southwestern Washington, harbors the entire Ellsworth Creek watershed as well as adjacent estuary and forest habitat. This preserve includes nearly 300 acres of remnant old-growth forest surrounded by approximately 7000 acres of younger forest that was intensively managed for timber production prior to Conservancy ownership. The Conservancy is now conducting extensive research to investigate methods of restoring late-successional characteristics in the younger forests. Rigorous scientific study of several abiotic and biotic responses is being conducted in order to assess restoration effectiveness. The Science Technician I Plants 1 Crew Leader will partake in a rigorous survey of overstory and understory vegetation that is intended to provide a pre-treatment assessment of forest conditions throughout the watershed. Work involves installing and sampling permanent plots in riparian and upland managed forests in order to characterize vegetation composition and structure. The nature of the work requires extended periods in the field (typically 9-10 hour days), often in inclement weather. The crew will be based in Astoria, Oregon. This is a full-time, non-exempt position supervised by the Ellsworth Creek Ecologist. This position is expected to start early to mid May, 2007, and continue through October, 2007. DUTIES: 1. Serve as part of a seasonal vegetation crew (crew leader plus three technicians) responsible for conducting vegetation surveys in permanent plots according to an established protocol. 2. Supervise and efficiently coordinate activities for seasonal vegetation crew. 3. Act as liaison between vegetation crew and Ellsworth Creek Ecologist. 4. Assist with installation of permanent plots. 5. Identify and estimate abundance of understory herbs, shrubs, grasses/sedges/rushes, seedlings, and saplings. 6. Estimate abundance of non-vascular plants and substrate. 7. Measure large woody debris and stumps. 8. Measure overstory tree diameters, heights, and live crowns. 9. Conduct surveys for mistletoe infestation. 10. Use taxonomic keys and dissecting scope to identify unknown species. 11. Prepare electronic data loggers for data collection in the field. 12. Check data for accuracy and completeness. 13. Enter data and manage electronic data files. 14. Oversee bi-weekly completion of timesheets and other administrative tasks by crew. 15. Assist with coordination and planning of field efforts and administrative tasks for other Ellsworth Creek field crews. 16. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment) 17. May assist with supervision of interns and/or volunteers REQUIREMENTS: 1. Bachelors degree in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or closely related field. 2. Previous field experience in sampling forest overstory and understory vegetation. 3. Experience identifying flora in the Pacific Northwest. 4. Ability to utilize a taxonomic key. 5. Previous experience as a team leader or supervisor of field crew involved in the collection of scientific data preferred. 6. Experience using an electronic data logger preferred. 7. Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topograhic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS). 8. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. Experience with GIS preferred. 9. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member. 10. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 11. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor. Work requires long days of physical exertion such as hiking with heavy field gear over very steep terrain, dense vegetation, and logging slash. Work is often done in very inclement (rainy, cold, and windy) weather conditions. 12. Valid drivers license required. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred. 13. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. SALARY: Salary range is $14250 - $15600, dependent on qualifications, past experience, and project funding. Salary is based on a 26 week position. Lodging will not be provided. TO APPLY: If you are interested in more than one position at Ellsworth Creek, please apply for each position separately and indicate your order of preference in the cover letter. (Official job postings can be found at www.nature.org/careers under listings for 'Astoria, OR'; Additional 'Science Tech I - Plants 2 Crew Member' position to be posted by end of month) DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL!!!!! (application will not be received!) Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), and a list of three references by March 2, 2007 to address below: Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] State Hiring Committee: Science Technician I Plants 1 Crew Leader in subject heading. OR Regular mail: The Nature Conservancy Washington Field Office Hiring Committee: Science Technician I - Plants 1 Crew Leader ATTN: Robyn Takamine 1917 First Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER _________________________________________________________________ Valentines Day -- Shop for gifts that spell L-O-V-E at MSN Shopping http://shopping.msn.com/content/shp/?ctId=8323,ptnrid=37,ptnrdata=24095&tcode=wlmtagline
