http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/news_info/jobs/
The Canyonlands Research Station in Moab, Utah is recruiting for an ecologist (GS-0408-07). This is a temporary (one year with a strong possibility of extension) full-time position with the US Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center. Moab, Utah is a small town offering a variety of outdoor adventures (see www.discovermoab.com for more information on Moab). Description of Duties: The incumbent will be responsible for carrying out a large field survey of vegetation and soils in the Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument (PARA) in northern Arizona USA. The goal of this research project is to assess rangeland ecosystem conditions and to identify resource-management needs pertinent to livestock grazing, ecological restoration, and long-term ecological monitoring. PARA is one of the largest units in the National Park Service where livestock grazing is a permitted land-use activity. The incumbent will work closely with a USGS scientist (Dr. Mike Duniway) in project planning, data collection and analysis, and reporting results. Major duties consist of 1) project management, 2) leading field crews of 1-3 people; 2) identifying National Resource Conservation Service ecological sites; 3) collecting vegetation and ground cover data using standard rangeland monitoring techniques; 4) using GIS to assemble layers, create random samples, and prepare maps; 5) performing statistical analyses; 6) preparing graphs and tables; and 7) assisting in the preparation of reports or scientific papers. The work is approximately 40% office and 60% field work. The primary field location is in PARA where the incumbent will spend much of the 4-5 month field season camping away from the duty station (Moab, UT) for 10 days at a time. Field work involves withstanding both extreme heat and cold; walking over rough, rocky, or uneven terrain; lifting and carrying equipment and supplies (up to 50 lbs.); long hours; and driving a 4WD truck and all-terrain vehicles on unimproved roads. Qualifications: See http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/0408.html for the USGS Ecologist Series GS-07 qualifications description. A background in rangeland ecology or soil science is preferred. Prior experience with range monitoring and assessment techniques is highly desirable, including Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health protocol, line-point intercept, and canopy gap. Additionally, familiarity with statistical analyses, GIS, and preparation of tables and graphs for publication is preferred. The incumbent must be in sufficient physical condition to withstand the rigors of the environmental conditions and must pass a physical fitness test. Incumbent also must pass a background check. A valid US drivers license is required. Salary and start date: Salary is $38,790/year. A start date of Jan-Feb 2012 is preferred. Application: Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens. If you have questions send an email to crs_j...@usgs.gov. This job will be announced on www.usajobs.gov and will close Dec. 9, 2011.
