JOB TITLE: Science Technician I Plants 1 JOB NUMBER: 6029 LOCATION: Astoria, Oregon SUPERVISOR: Ellsworth Creek Ecologist PREPARER: Liane Davis DATE: January 2, 2007
POSITION BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: The Science Technician I Plants 1 will participate in research efforts that further The Nature Conservancys terrestrial and aquatic restoration goals on the Conservancys Ellsworth Creek Preserve. The preserve, located in southwestern Washington, harbors the entire Ellsworth Creek watershed as well as adjacent estuary and forest habitat. This preserve includes nearly 300 acres of remnant old-growth forest surrounded by approximately 7000 acres of younger forest that was intensively managed for timber production prior to Conservancy ownership. The Conservancy is now conducting extensive research to investigate methods of restoring late-successional characteristics in the younger forests. Rigorous scientific study of several abiotic and biotic responses is being conducted in order to assess restoration effectiveness. The Science Technician I Plants 1 will partake in a rigorous survey of overstory and understory vegetation that is intended to provide a pre-treatment assessment of forest conditions throughout the watershed. Work involves installing and sampling permanent plots in riparian and upland managed forests in order to characterize vegetation composition and structure. The nature of the work requires extended periods in the field (typically 9-10 hour days), often in inclement weather. The crew will be based in Astoria, Oregon. This is a full-time, non-exempt position supervised by the Ellsworth Creek Ecologist. This position is expected to start mid May, 2007, and continue through early to mid October, 2007. DUTIES: 1. Serve as part of a seasonal vegetation crew responsible for conducting vegetation surveys in permanent 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. Enter data and assist with data quality control and data management. 8. Assist with installation of permanent plots. 9. Perform miscellaneous office tasks (e.g., organizing equipment) 10. May assist with supervision of interns and/or volunteers. REQUIREMENTS: 1. Bachelors degree or working toward a bachelors 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. 4. Ability to utilize a taxonomic key. 5. Experience using an electronic data logger preferred. 6. Demonstrated orienteering experience, including the use of topograhic maps, aerial photography, and global positioning systems (GPS). 7. Basic computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Excel. 8. Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and ability to work effectively as a team member. 9. Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 10. Excellent physical condition and a good sense of humor. Work requires long days of physical exertion such as hiking with heavy field gear over very steep terrain, dense vegetation, and logging slash. Work is often done in very inclement (rainy, cold, and windy) weather conditions. 11. Valid drivers license required. Experience driving on forest roads and using a 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred. 12. Demonstrated commitment to the preservation of biological diversity. SALARY: $10 - $12 / hour depending on qualifications, past experience, and project funding. Lodging will not be provided. TO APPLY: If you are interested in more than one position at Ellsworth Creek, please apply for each position separately and indicate your order of preference in the cover letter. (Official job postings can be found at www.nature.org/careers under listings for 'Astoria, OR'; 'Science Tech I - Plants 2 Crew Member' position to be posted by end of month). Send resume, cover letter (include dates of availability), and a list of three references by March 2, 2007 to address below: Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] State Hiring Committee: Science Technician I Plants 1 in subject heading. OR Regular mail: The Nature Conservancy Washington Field Office Hiring Committee: Science Technician I - Plants 1 ATTN: Robyn Takamine 1917 First Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an AFFIRMATIVE ACTION and EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER _________________________________________________________________ Get Hilary Duffs homepage with her photos, music, and more. http://www.live.com/?addtemplate=hilary&ocid=T001MSN30A0701
