SUMMER JOBS IN THE SIERRA NEVADA Employer: Sierra Nevada Research Center, USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station
Location: Lake Tahoe Basin and Eldorado National Forest Job Title: Biological Technician (Wildlife) Employment Duration: 3-4 months (May August 2007, exact dates may vary) Number of Positions: 8 field technicians (GS-04, 05) with the following expertise and possibly 1 field crew leader (GS-07) with experience with at least two of the following techniques: ♦Passerine Bird surveys: (mid May July; 2 positions) point counts and nest searching; requires knowledge of Western forest birds by sight and sound and/or experience nest searching. Knowledge of Sierra Nevada flora desirable. ♦Owl/Accipiter surveys: (mid May July; 2 positions) broadcast call surveys; experience with broadcast surveys and knowledge of Western forest owls and raptors by sight and sound strongly preferred. Knowledge of Sierra Nevada flora desirable. Small mammals: (July August) live trapping; requires live trapping experience and knowledge of Sierra Nevada small mammal species identification. Knowledge of Sierra Nevada flora desirable. People with skills in more than one area are particularly encouraged to apply. Ideally, bird and/or owl/accipiter crews will conduct small mammal trapping as time permits. ♦Carnivore surveys: (mid May August; 3 positions) sooted track plates and remote camera systems; experience with the identification of mammal species from tracks and photographs preferred but not required. Knowledge of vegetation sampling techniques required; knowledge of Sierra Nevada flora preferred. Vegetation sampling: (July August) sampling of living and dead trees and logs using transect, line-intercept and variable radius plot methods; requires experience with the above techniques and identifying plants using a dichotomous key (Jepson Manual). Background in forestry and/or knowledge of Sierra Nevada flora preferred. Carnivore crews will also be required to conduct a majority of the vegetation sampling. ♦Recreational use sampling: (May August; 1 position) visual encounter surveys, acoustic monitoring systems, and remote trail monitoring systems; experience collecting recreation data, and use of remote trail and acoustic monitoring systems is preferred. Pay: $13.06/hr (GS-0404-04) $14.61/hr (GS-0404-05), depending on education and experience. $18.10/hr (GS-0404-07) Background and Job Description: Field assistants are needed for an ongoing project to evaluate the effects of OHV use and other forms of recreation on a variety of wildlife species and their habitats. Specifically, technicians will fill positions doing one or more of the following: avian point counts and passerine nest searching, broadcast surveys for owls and accipiters, small mammal trapping, carnivore surveys, vegetation sampling, and recreation surveys. The project is based in the Lake Tahoe Basin with field locations on the Eldorado National Forest. Work will occur largely in forested habitats from 6000 8500 in elevation. Terrain is rugged and may require extensive hiking off-trail in remote locations with a loaded pack. Night and/or weekend work is required for some positions. Car camping or backpacking may be required. Experience with point counts and small mammal trapping is required for those positions (4). Familiarity with carnivore surveys, recreation surveys, and knowledge of various habitat sampling methods as well as Sierra Nevada flora is recommended, though may not be required. Applicants should anticipate long and physically demanding days; steep terrain; dense habitat; and mosquitoes. Qualified applicants must be enthusiastic, in good physical condition, able to work independently and with others, able to work for long hours, and confident navigating through difficult terrain using map and compass. Proof of U.S. citizenship and possession of a valid drivers license are required. For more information regarding the above positions or to be notified once the positions are open, please send a brief note of inquiry to the contacts below (email inquiries preferred): Jane Hartwig (passerines, owls/accipiters, recreation): [EMAIL PROTECTED] Heather Zeigler (small mammals, carnivores, habitat): [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please include the subject line 2007 OHV Study positions in your email inquiry. In the inquiry, please indicate the positions in which you are interested. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for more than one position in their areas of qualification to increase the chances of being hired. Applications for non-students will take place through AVUE Digital Services. The application is an on-line process for non-students: For applicants interested in positions through the Student Temporary Employment Program please include an electronic copy of your resume in your email. To be eligible for appointment through the Student Temporary Employment Program, you must be currently enrolled in an accredited degree program with the intention of returning to school upon completion of the field season. Individuals graduating prior to the start of the field season are not eligible for employment through the Student Temporary Employment Program and must apply through AVUE Digital Services.
