Biological Science Technician (Vegetation), Seasonal GS-05 National Park Service - Rocky Mountain Inventory and Monitoring Network Position based in Fort Collins, CO with travel to network parks in CO and possibly MT
Dates: June - August Job Description: The incumbent will work as part of a 2-3 person team to sample wetlands, upland vegetation and soils, and streams following a set of provided protocols. Sampling in wetlands and grasslands/shrublands will focus on the cover, frequency, and composition of vegetation (additional forest measurements are taken in some woodlands); stream sampling will focus on biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of streams. In addition to field monitoring activities, crews may assist with other protocols or duties as assigned. The working environment will be largely outdoors with a wide range of weather conditions and limited access to shelter. Crews will primarily work for a few weeks at a time at Rocky Mountain NP, Great Sand Dunes NP & Pr., and Florissant Fossil Beds NM. There may also be opportunities to work in our Montana parks. Major Duties: 1. Accurately identifying Rocky Mountain vascular plants to species level in a variety of park habitats. Identifications may be made in the field or in the office using regional floras. 2. Collecting high quality data accurately and efficiently using electronic data recorders 3. Working safely and efficiently as a member of a small team in front country and back country settings, often under adverse conditions 4. Entering data and following quality assurance procedures to ensure accurate data transcription into established databases 5. Using topographic maps, compasses, aerial photographs, and GPS units to locate and relocate monitoring sites Applicants must be able to work under strenuous field conditions. These include: carrying up to 50lbs. of gear over irregular terrain at high elevation (from ~5,000-13,000+ feet); working long days in the field (8-12 hrs. per day depending on tasks and travel); and working under a range of weather conditions including (not limited to) heat, sun, wind exposure, and rain. Stream monitoring includes wading in cold and often fast mountain streams. Applicants must be willing and able to travel extensively and continuously throughout Colorado and possibly Montana, which may include both backcountry and car camping (note: technicians will be compensated for travel expenses per NPS travel policies). To apply, view the full job description at: www.usajobs.gov under Job Announcement Number IMDE-12-102. Applications due by January 31, 2012. For more information on the Rocky Mountain Network, see http://www1.nature.nps.gov/im/units/romn/index.cfm For more information about this position, contact donna_shorr...@nps.gov.
