JOB TITLE: Science Technician I =96 Plants Crew Leader
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
SUPERVISOR: Ellsworth Creek Ecologist
NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 1
DATE: January 11, 2008
=20
=20
POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY:=20
=20
The Science Technician I =96 Plants Crew Leader will participate in researc=
h efforts that further The Nature Conservancy=92s terrestrial and aquatic r=
estoration goals at the Conservancy=92s Ellsworth Creek Preserve and throug=
hout southwestern Washington. A pivotal question for restoration concerns t=
he role old-growth forest remnants play in supporting biological diversity =
across the existing young-managed forest landscape. It is unknown if old-gr=
owth forest patches serve as =93lifeboats=94 for biological diversity, and,=
if so, how placement of these stands across the landscape affects recoloni=
zation and recovery of managed forests. To investigate these questions, the=
Conservancy is conducting a study to characterize elements of biological d=
iversity within remnant old-growth forest patches and young, managed forest=
stands at Ellsworth Creek and other areas throughout the Willapa Hills of =
southwestern Washington.=20
=20
The Science Technician I =96 Plants Crew Leader will partake in a rigorous =
survey of overstory and understory vegetation that is intended to provide a=
n assessment of forest composition and structure in old-growth and young, m=
anaged forests. Work involves installing and sampling plots in riparian and=
/or upland old-growth and managed forests. The nature of the work requires =
extended periods in the field (typically 9-11 hour days), often in inclemen=
t weather. The crew will be based in southwestern Washington, near the town=
s of Long Beach and possibly Bay Center and/or South Bend. Camping at sites=
for several days may occasionally be required. This is a full-time, non-ex=
empt position supervised by the Ellsworth Creek Ecologist. This position is=
expected to start June 9, 2008, and continue through September 26, 2008 (d=
ates slightly flexible).=20
=20
=20
=20
DUTIES:
=20
1. Serve as part of a seasonal vegetation crew (crew leader plus thre=
e technicians) responsible for conducting vegetation surveys in permanent p=
lots according to an established protocol.
=20
2. Supervise and efficiently coordinate activities for seasonal veget=
ation crew (including finding and reserving camping sites or other housing =
arrangements).
=20
3. Act as liaison between vegetation crew and Ellsworth Creek Ecologi=
st.
=20
4. Assist with identification of appropriate study sites.
=20
5. Assist with location and installation of plots.
=20
6. Identify and estimate abundance of understory herbs, shrubs, grass=
es/sedges/rushes, seedlings, and saplings.=20
=20
7. Estimate abundance of non-vascular plants and substrate.
=20
8. Measure large woody debris and stumps.
=20
9. Measure overstory tree diameters, heights, and live crowns.
=20
10. Conduct surveys for mistletoe infestation.
=20
11. Collect macrolichen litterfall.
=20
12. Use taxonomic keys and dissecting scope to identify unknown plant spe=
cies.
=20
13. Prepare electronic data loggers for data collection in the field.
=20
14. Check data for accuracy and completeness.
=20
15. Enter data and manage electronic data files.
=20
16. Oversee bi-weekly completion of timesheets and other administrative t=
asks by crew.
=20
17. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, liche=
n collections, etc.).
=20
18. May occasionally assist with coordination and planning of field effor=
ts and administrative tasks for other Ellsworth Creek field crews and super=
vision of interns and/or volunteers.
=20
=20
=20
REQUIREMENTS:
=20
1. Bachelor=92s degree in botany, ecology, biology, forestry, or clos=
ely related field.=20
=20
2. Previous field experience in sampling forest overstory and underst=
ory vegetation.=20
=20
3. Experience identifying flora in the Pacific Northwest.=20
=20
4. Ability to utilize a taxonomic key. =20
=20
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and complete field =
related activities.
=20
6. Experience collecting and/or identifying lichens helpful, but not =
required.
=20
7. Experience using an electronic data logger preferred.
=20
8. Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topogra=
phic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS).=20
=20
9. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. =
Experience with GIS preferred.
=20
10. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effe=
ctively as a team member.=20
=20
11. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to=
manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to meet project deadlines.
=20
12. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor.=20
=20
13. Valid driver=92s license required. Experience driving on forest roads=
and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred.
=20
14. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity.
=20
=20
=20
=20
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
=20
Work requires long (10+ hour) days of physical exertion such as hiking with=
heavy field gear over extremely steep terrain and through dense vegetation=
and logging slash. Work is often done in remote, isolated areas and in ver=
y inclement (rainy, cold, and windy) weather conditions.
=20
Crew leader will likely work approximately 1-5 hours of overtime per week o=
rganizing field crew, identifying unknown species, and downloading and revi=
ewing data.=20
=20
Work weeks will typically consist of four 10-hour days. However, some days =
may extend longer due to the need to finish sampling in one location. This =
is generally compensated with subsequent shorter days. In addition, due to =
remoteness of some areas and the need to camp, some work weeks may extend l=
onger than four days. These weeks will be compensated with shorter subseque=
nt work weeks and/or more days off.=20
=20
Camping at some sites will be required. Developed campgrounds will be used =
when available, but camping may also occur at undeveloped sites (i.e., no r=
unning water). Camping in rainy, cold weather is highly probable. =20
=20
=20
=20
LODGING:
=20
Crew members are expected to live together during the work week, either at =
camp sites (developed and undeveloped) or in group housing provided by the =
Conservancy. Private space will be provided when available, but is not guar=
anteed. Employees are expected to maintain clean and organized living space=
s.=20
=20
The Conservancy will also try to provide lodging facilities for crews durin=
g non-work days throughout the season. Lodging during non-work days will li=
kely consist of a combination of group housing and camping at developed cam=
p sites. This will require people to be flexible and accepting of a somewha=
t mobile lifestyle. Any lodging paid for by the Conservancy during non-work=
days is considered a taxable benefit (i.e., employees must pay tax on the =
cost of lodging). Lodging cannot be provided for spouses/partners, children=
or other dependents, or pets.
=20
=20
SALARY:=20
=20
$14 / hour
=20
=20
=20
TO APPLY:
=20
Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), and a list of th=
ree references by March 14, 2008 to address below: (In cover letter, pleas=
e indicate if you are interested in being on the crew if not selected as cr=
ew leader.)
=20
=20
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] =20
State =93Hiring Committee: Science Technician I =96=
Plants Crew Leader=94 in subject heading.
=20
OR
=20
Regular mail: The Nature Conservancy=20
Washington Field Office
Hiring Committee: Science Technician I - Plants 1 C=
rew Leader
ATTN: Shauna Staukerbaum
1917 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
=20
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL - YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE RECIEVED!!!!!
=20
=20
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLO=
YER
_________________________________________________________________
Need to know the score, the latest news, or you need your Hotmail=AE-get yo=
ur "fix".
http://www.msnmobilefix.com/Default.aspx=
