JOB TITLE: Science Technician I - Plants JOB NUMBER: 85001 JOB FAMILY: Science SUPERVISOR: Ellsworth Creek Ecologist DATE REPOSTED: March 7, 2008 DUE DATE: March 21, 2008 NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 3 POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: The Science Technician I – Plants will participate in research efforts that further The Nature Conservancy’s terrestrial and aquatic restoration goals at the Conservancy’s Ellsworth Creek Preserve and throughout southwestern Washington. A pivotal question for restoration concerns the role old-growth forest remnants play in supporting biological diversity across the existing young-managed forest landscape. It is unknown if old-growth forest patches serve as “lifeboats” for biological diversity, and, if so, how placement of these stands across the landscape affects recolonization and recovery of managed forests. To investigate these questions, the Conservancy is conducting a study to characterize elements of biological diversity within remnant old-growth forest patches and young, managed forest stands at Ellsworth Creek and other areas throughout the Willapa Hills of southwestern Washington. The Science Technician I – Plants will partake in a rigorous survey of overstory and understory vegetation that is intended to provide an assessment of forest composition and structure in old-growth and young, managed 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 inclement weather. The crew will be based in southwestern Washington, near the towns 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-exempt position supervised by the Ellsworth Creek Ecologist. This position is expected to start June 23, 2008, and continue through September 26, 2008 (dates slightly flexible). DUTIES: 1. Serve as part of a 4-person seasonal vegetation crew responsible for conducting vegetation surveys in forest plots according to an established protocol. 2. Identify and estimate abundance of understory herbs, shrubs, grasses/sedges/rushes, seedlings, and saplings. 3. Estimate abundance of non-vascular plants and substrate. 4. Measure large woody debris and stumps. 5. Measure overstory tree diameters, heights, and live crowns. 6. Conduct surveys for mistletoe infestation. 7. Collect macrolichen litterfall. 8. Assist with location and installation of plots. 9. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment, lichen collections, etc.). 10. May assist with supervision of interns and/or volunteers. REQUIREMENTS: 1. Bachelor’s degree or working toward a bachelor’s 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 preferred. 4. Ability to utilize a taxonomic key. 5. Experience collecting and/or identifying lichens helpful, but not required. 6. Experience using an electronic data logger preferred. 7. Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topographic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS). 8. Demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and complete field related activities. 9. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. 10. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member. 11. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to meet project deadlines. 12. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor. 13. Valid driver’s license required. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred. 14. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: 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 very inclement (rainy, cold, and windy) weather conditions. 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 longer than four days. These weeks will be compensated with shorter subsequent work weeks. 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 running water). Camping in rainy, cold weather is highly probable. LODGING: 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 guaranteed. Employees are expected to maintain clean and organized living spaces. The Conservancy will also try to provide lodging facilities for crews during non-work days throughout the season. Lodging during non-work days will likely consist of a combination of group housing and camping at developed camp sites. This will require people to be flexible and accepting of a somewhat 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. SALARY: $13 / hour TO APPLY: Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), and a list of three references by March 21, 2008 to address below: Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] State “Hiring Committee: Science Technician I – Plants ” in subject heading. OR Regular mail: The Nature Conservancy Washington Field Office Hiring Committee: Science Technician I - Plants ATTN: Shauna Staukerbaum 1917 First Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL – YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE RECEIVED!!!!!!! THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER www.nature.org _________________________________________________________________ Helping your favorite cause is as easy as instant messaging. You IM, we give. http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/Home/?source=text_hotmail_join
