>JOB DESCRIPTION > >JOB TITLE: Science Technician I Amphibians/Streams >JOB NUMBER: 6029 >LOCATION: Astoria, Oregon >SUPERVISOR: Ellsworth Creek Ecologist >PREPARER: Liane Davis >DATE: May 8, 2007 > > >POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: > >The Science Technician I Amphibians/Streams 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 Amphibians/Streams will partake in a rigorous >survey of headwater streams that is intended to provide a pre-treatment >assessment of headwater stream amphibian abundance throughout the >watershed. >Work involves sampling of permanent reaches in headwater streams using a >daytime spotlight survey technique in order to identify and quantify >abundance of headwater amphibian species. The crew will also participate in >physical stream habitat surveys of headwater streams in order to >characterize stream habitat and water quality. 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 June 11, 2007, and continue >through September, 2007. Additional time to assist vegetation survey crews >may be available in early October, but is not guaranteed. > > >DUTIES: > >1. Serve as part of a 2-person seasonal amphibian/streams survey crew >responsible for conducting amphibian (approximately 3/4 of time) and stream >physical habitat surveys (approximately 1/4 of time) of permanent reaches >in >headwater streams throughout the watershed according to established >protocols. > >2. Assist with location and installation of permanent stream reaches. > >3. Survey headwater stream reaches for in-stream and stream associated >amphibian surveys using a daytime spotlight survey technique. > >4. Accurately identify in-stream and stream associated amphibian species. > >5. Collect environmental data associated with headwater amphibians (e.g., >air and water temperature, habitat characterization). > >6. Survey headwater stream reaches for physical habitat characteristics, >including bankfull and wetted widths, thalweg depth, large woody debris, >substrate size, bank characteristics, bed gradient, channel sinuosity, >canopy cover, and fish cover. > >7. Collect macroinvertebrate samples from riffle habitat for lab >identification. > >8. Quantify abundance of riparian vegetation and identify invasive >vegetative species in riparian areas. > >9. Work with another crew member to effectively coordinate daily >activities. > >10. Enter data and assist with data quality control and data management. > >11. Check data for accuracy and completeness. > >12. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, >preparing macroinvertebrate samples) > >13. May assist with supervision of interns and/or volunteers. > > >REQUIREMENTS: > >1. Bachelors degree or presently working toward a degree in herpetology, >stream ecology, fish and wildlife, fisheries, natural resources, biology, >or >closely related field. > >2. Previous experience conducting amphibian surveys in the Pacific >Northwest. Previous experience with a spotlight survey or light touch >technique preferred. > >3. Ability to accurately identify amphibian species of Washington. > >4. Previous field experience conducting physical stream habitat surveys. >Experience using the U.S. EPA Environmental Monitoring and Assessment >Protocol (EMAP) physical stream habitat protocol preferred. > >5. Previous experience sampling stream macroinvertebrates. Experience >using >the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) or Washington >Department of Ecology protocol preferred. > >6. Ability to accurately identify invasive plant species preferred. > >7. Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and complete field >related activities. > >8. Experience checking data for accuracy and completeness. > >9. Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topograhic >maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS). > >10. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel and >Access. > >11. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work >effectively as a team member. > >12. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to >manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to meet project deadlines. > >13. 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. Streams are >often small and covered in thick vegetation and wood/debris, making survey >conditions difficult. > >14. Willingness and interest in assisting other field crews (e.g., >vegetation survey crew) preferred. > >15. Valid drivers license required. Experience driving on forest roads >and >using a 4-wheel drive vehicle. > >16. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. > > > > >SALARY: > >$10 - $12 / hour depending on qualifications, past experience, and project >funding. Lodging will not be provided. > > >TO APPLY: > >Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), >and a list of three references by May 18, 2007 to address below: > > >Email: >[EMAIL PROTECTED] > >State Hiring Committee: Science Technician I Amphibians/Streams in >subject heading. > > > > > > >THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY >EMPLOYER > >_________________________________________________________________ >Get a FREE Web site, company branded e-mail and more from Microsoft Office >Live! http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/mcrssaub0050001411mrt/direct/01/
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