Posted 2/14/08: USGS Biol Science Technician (GG-0404-06)-Crew Leader

Temporary Position: Biological Science Technician, GG-0404-06

Salary: $33,135 yearly, $15.88 actual salary based on hours worked

Type of Appt: Temporary, Not-to-Exceed 180 working days

Work Schedule: Full Time- Maxi-Flex

Field Station: USGS, Biological Resources Division, Las Vegas Field Station

Duty Station: Henderson NV

Our research focuses on the processes underlying ecosystem recovery following disturbance, the effectiveness of active restoration of degraded upland desert habitats versus natural recovery, and long-term trends in Mojave Desert plant community change. Research integrates observational field studies, long-term monitoring at established sites, as well as designed field and greenhouse experiments to understand the processes driving ecosystem recovery from wildfire, invasion by alien annual grasses, and off-road vehicles. We investigate how fluctuating desert climate, granivores such as ants and small mammals, and competition with invasive grasses interact to shape Mojave Desert shrubland communities. Field work occurs on lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service in southern Nevada, California and northwestern Arizona. Candidates will be asked to work on many different projects for periods of time during employment.

We are seeking interested candidates that will be the crew leader on projects focused on Arid Land Restoration (1 position). Interested candidates should have a desire to work in a research team and willing to work under arduous desert conditions in the field and in the laboratory/greenhouse. Incumbents will assist in conducting field studies and surveys to collect botanical data and/or specimens to support scientific studies. Incumbents will establish sampling sites, assist in data collection (soil sampling, seed bank sampling, vegetation inventory and monitoring, biomass collection, species identification, preparation of herbarium specimens), data management, maintenance of field, laboratory and computer equipment, and occasional library research. The incumbent will collect and organize field and laboratory data, ensuring adequate quality control of data collected and assists in identifying erroneous data. The incumbent will also assist in the lab analysis of soil, plant and seed bank samples.

The work involves large amounts of time outside under a variety of conditions including extreme heat and cold temperatures and will require the incumbent to carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds on foot for distances up to 10 miles per day on field trips. The use of global positioning systems (GPS units), computers, personal data assistant (PDA’s), digital cameras, on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Only people willing to spend extended periods of several weeks per month camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips throughout the entire spring, summer and fall should apply for the field positions. During periods of data analysis, hours at a time must be spent working at a computer.

Qualifications: 1 year 9 months specialized experience in a field survey party, or 4 years sub professional experience, or 4 years college study (equivalent 120 semester/180quarter hours) plus 3 months of lab or field work experience.

Basis of Evaluation: All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of education and experience (including unpaid or volunteer experience). Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Note: Applicants will receive a basic eligible or ineligible rating based upon the qualification requirements. First preference in referral will be given to eligible applicants entitled to 10 point veterans preference who have a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more. All other qualified applicants entitled to veteran’s preference will be given preference over qualified applicants not entitled to veteran’s preference.

All applicants must be United States citizens. Under regulations contained in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, employment in this position is limited to those persons who are authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of appointment.

As a condition of employment, all new employees reporting for duty will be paid through direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.

Applicants selected for Federal employment will be required to complete a Declaration of Federal Employment, OF-306, prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. Failure to answer all questions truthfully and completely or providing false statements on the application may be grounds for not hiring the applicant, or for firing the applicant after he/she begins work. Also, he/she may be punished by fine or imprisonment ( U.S. code, Title 18, section 1001).

Prior to or at the time of appointment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959 will have to certify that they have registered with the Selective Service system in order to be appointed to a position with the USGS, unless legally qualified for an exception.

Employees or the USGS are subject to the provisions of Title 43, U.S. code, Section 31 (a) and may not according to this legislation and related regulation: (A) have any personal or private interest, direct or indirect, in lands or mineral wealth of such lands or a region under survey and whose title is in the U.S.; (B) execute surveys or examination for private parties or corporations; or (C) have personal or private interest, direct or indirect, in any private mining or mineral enterprise doing business in the U.S. except where specifically authorized by the director of the USGS.

HOW TO APPLY: Carefully read all information and instructions. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure the application is completed. The personnel office will not be responsible for soliciting additional information from applicants or from official personnel records, but will consider individuals based on their applications as submitted. Applications must be received by the closing date of the announcement to be considered.

Submit one of the following forms of application: (a) resume or (b) OF-612, Optional Application for Federal employments, or (c) other written format. Also, please submit college transcript or list of college courses, specifying title of course work, completion date, semester or quarter hours earned by course title, and grade earned.

If claiming 5 point veterans preference, a DD-214 showing character of discharge is required. If claiming 10 point veterans preference, a SF-15 with proof of claim is required.

The USGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors.

APPLY TO: Peggy Hamilton, USGS/BRD, 3020 State University Dr East, Room 3006, Sacramento, CA 95819, FAX (916) 278-9474 PLEASE LIST THE WERC ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER ON YOUR RESUME (WERC 74-08-02)

Posted 2/8/08: GIS Research Assistant (San Francisco, CA)

Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society is a national, non-profit conservation organization dedicated to preserving wilderness and wildlife and protecting America’s prime forests, parks, rivers, deserts and shorelines. Our goal is to ensure that future generations will enjoy the clean air and water, wildlife, beauty, and opportunities for recreation and renewal that wild places provide. We seek a dedicated and enthusiastic GIS - Research Assistant to assist with spatial analyses in the California/Nevada Regional Office during the spring of 2008.

Duties: The GIS – Research Assistant will help to investigate, program and implement spatial analyses to support The Wilderness Society’s research on transportation management in California National Forests. Specifically, the Research Assistant will assist the Landscape Ecologist to:
- Assemble and edit GIS datasets for public lands in California
- Research and evaluate spatial models and software packages for modeling acoustic disturbances around transportation networks
- Adapt an existing program, or develop a new program, to implement a spatial model of acoustic disturbances from motorized recreation in forest landscapes
- Apply the acoustic model to evaluate transportation planning alternatives for one California National Forest
- Summarize model results for reports and publications; create maps for presentations, posters and other communication needs
- Work as part of the California/Nevada Regional Office team

Qualifications and Experience: We are seeking a GIS professional, graduate-level or advanced undergraduate student pursuing a degree in a relevant field (e.g., Geography, GIS, Environmental Studies, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, etc.) for this position. Ideally, the GIS – Research Assistant will possess the following qualifications:
-A minimum of three years of coursework and/or professional experience working with ArcGIS 9.x and related Extensions (e.g., Spatial Analyst)
-Experience programming custom ArcGIS geoprocessing tools using ModelBuilder and/or ESRI scripting languages (e.g., Python, VB)
- Familiarity with other spatial analysis or quantitative modeling software (e.g., Matlab, Fragstats)
- Knowledge of California ecosystems, geography, public lands, and spatial databases
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Attention to detail and ability to work independently
- Access to ArcGIS software and extensions is desirable, but not required

The Research Assistant position will provide a rich and challenging opportunity to work with environmental professionals, develop further GIS and spatial analysis skills, and gain a greater understanding of ecology and conservation in California.

We anticipate that the project will run from January – June, 2008. The GIS – Research Assistant will be a part-time (10 – 20 hours per week), contract position. Specific hours and days of the week are negotiable, and we are willing to work with academic institutions to arrange course credit if needed.

To Apply: please send a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of three references by email (in MS Word or pdf format) to: sarah_reed@tws.org
<mailto:sarah_reed@tws.org&gt;.

Review of applications will begin on *January 17, 2008*, and will continue until the position is filled.

For more information on The Wilderness Society and our California campaigns, please visit our web site: http://www.wilderness.org/California/

 

Posted 2/7/08: Field Technicians Fort Hood ( Texas) mid-March to June 2008

Field technicians needed from approximately mid-March to late June 2008 (dates somewhat flexible; total position duration about 16 weeks) to participate in a stress ecophysiology project on two federally endangered species, the Black-capped Vireo and the Golden-Cheeked Warbler. The research is a collaboration among investigators at Princeton University, Tufts University, and University of Illinois. The Princeton group uses heart rate telemetry to study the metabolic demands of stress induced by human and military activity. The Tufts group studies the hormonal response to short- and long-term exposure to disturbance. Work takes place at Fort Hood, a beautiful 88,000-ha military installation adjacent to the city of Killeen, Texas. And, yes! It is beautiful! The base is home to many endemic insects, and also to bobcats and mountain lions not to mention tons of birds.

Primary tasks of crew members will be to locate adult birds on their territories, map territories, find nests, and assist in targeted mist-netting, transmitter mounting, blood sampling, nest monitoring, behavioral observations, and various other activities related to field experiments on birds. Crew members will be responsible for keeping extensive, detailed field notes.

Pay: approximately $2,100/month and workers must provide their own housing and transportation to work (vehicle provided for field work).

Applicants must be at least 21 years old by date of hire, have a valid driver’s license, and a good driving record. Applicants must have good hearing, be able to see the full spectrum of colors, and be in sufficient physical condition to carry gear long-distances, cross-country, in hot and humid weather. Although Fort Hood offers a great wildlife experience, crews will start work before sunrise, walk many kilometers, and endure harsh field conditions including exposure to intense sun, heat, chiggers, fire ants, cactus, snakes, and abundant poison ivy.

Preferred qualifications:
(1) a 4-year degree in a life science, or equivalent experience
(2) field experience in finding nests, determining color band combinations from a distance, identifying birds by sight and sound, and mist-netting (experience with our study species not especially important)
(3) self-motivation and ability to work independently and a willingness to learn new skills
(4) flexibility to daily changes in activities and assignments as experiments progress
(5) ability to navigate alone in the field using map, compass, and GPS
(6) excellent attention to detail.

To apply: please send a letter of intent, CV, and the names of three referees to Isabelle Bisson at ibisson@princeton.edu with “Fort Hood Crew” in the subject line. E-mail applications are preferred but materials can also be sent to: Dr. Isabelle-Anne Bisson, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton NJ 08544.

Posted 2/6/08: Surveying Lesser Prairie-Chickens

Intern/Technician positions (3-4) available for ongoing research and conservation efforts on Lesser Prairie-Chickens in Oklahoma.  Positions available immediately. Description: This is now the 10th year of a long-term research project, and also includes some management resulting from the research (marking and removing fences).  You can read more about the project at: http://www.suttoncenter.org/LPCH.html

Responsibilities: surveying Lesser Prairie-Chicken gobbling grounds, trapping and radioing prairie-chickens on gobbling grounds, building traps and setting up traps on booming grounds, radio-tracking birds, searching for and monitoring nests, vegetation sampling, data entry, and marking and removing fences to reduce fence/prairie-chicken collisions.  Includes early morning work in spring.

Must be able to tolerate extremes in weather (especially heat).  Must be able to work early mornings.  Must be able to work in remote surroundings. Must be able to walk miles over rough and varied terrain.  Must be able to drive a 4 WD truck.  Must be able to work independently as well as with a small crew. Intern: No experience necessary.  At least 2 years of college, preferably BS Degree or working toward degree. Upon satisfactory performance, Interns may be elevated to Technician status after 3 months. Technician: BS Degree or equivalent, and at least 2 years of pertinent experience, previous survey, telemetry, or other grouse experience preferred. Most people start as an Intern for three months.  Upon satisfactory performance, Interns may be hired at Technician level for an additional three months or more.  Some positions could become year-round.  Interns receive stipend of $700/month.  Technicians receive salary of $1400/month.
Housing is provided.

Schedule: Five days/week most of year, six days/week during trapping season. About 9-10 hours of field work and one hour of data entry/day.

Please send resume with three references to: Don Wolfe Sutton Avian Research Center P.O. Box 2007 Bartlesville, OK  74005 918-336-7778 dwolfe@ou.edu

Don Wolfe, Senior Biologist
G. M. Sutton Avian Research Center
University of Oklahoma
P.O. Box 2007
Bartlesville, OK  74005
918-336-7778 (office) 918-336-7783 (fax) 918-397-4885 (mobile) dwolfe@ou.edu
www.suttoncenter.org

Posted 2/6/08:Great Lakes Exotic Plant Management Team Crew Leader
This is a permanent STF position duty stationed in Ashland WI.  The incumbent is responsible for the day to day direction of invasive plant work crews serving 8 National Parks in the western Great Lakes during the growing season. Other responsibilities include assisting parks with
invasive plant management plans and partnering with others to promote successful weed management activities.

Carmen Chapin
Liaison, Great Lakes Exotic Plant Management Team

National Park Service
Great Lakes Network Office
2800 Lakeshore Drive E., Suite D
Ashland, WI 54806
ph: 715-682-0631 x 30
fax: 715-682-6190
Carmen_Chapin@nps.gov

POSTED 2/6/08: PACIFIC ISLAND I&M PROGRAM MANAGER POSITION

Title: Natural Resource Program Manager (I&M)

Series/Grade: Supervisory Biologist (GS-401-13), Supervisory Ecologist (GS-408-13), or Supervisory Physical Scientist (GS-1301-13);
Duty Location: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI
Opens: Jan 22
Closes:  Feb 12
Announcement numbers:  PWRSEA-2008-07MP, PWRSEA-2008-07DEU

The National Park Service- Pacific Island Network Inventory & Monitoring Program is currently advertising for a GS-13, permanent, full-time Program Manager position, to be duty-stationed at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island in Hawaii. The Program Manager leads the inventory and monitoring program in 11 parks in the tropical Pacific.  These parks include: War in the Pacific National Historical Park in the Territory of Guam (WAPA), American Memorial Park in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (AMME), National Park of American Samoa in the Territory of American Samoa (NPSA), USS Arizona Memorial (USAR), Kalaupapa National
Historical Park (KALA), Haleakala National Park (HALE), Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (ALKA), Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE), Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (KAHO), Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (PUHO), and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HAVO) all in the State of Hawaii. The Inventory and Monitoring program and the Pacific Island Coral Reef Program work closely together to implement monitoring in these parks.

Access detailed application instructions at USAJOBs website (http://www.usajobs.gov/) or use the following link: http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/jobsearch.asp?q=PWRSEA-2008-07MP&re=0&sort=rv&vw=d&brd=3876&ss=0&customapplicant=15513%2C15514%2C15515%2C15669%2C15523%2C15512%2C15516%2C45575&tm=&rad=&zip=&x=0&y=0

Posted 2/4/08 Wildlife Biologist

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION , Job Number 2008-015

LOCATION OF POSITION : This position is headquartered at Peck Ranch near Winona, Missouri. This position is in the Wildlife Division.

SALARY RANGE : Annually $30,864 - $54,384

Beginning salary will be $30,864 - $34,020 depending on qualifications.

HOW TO APPLY : Apply on-line at: http://www.mdc.mo.gov/about/jobs

If you are unable to apply on-line, you may obtain an employment application at any Missouri Department of Conservation Office or by calling (573) 751-4115, ext. 3694.

If you are a person with a disability and need accommodation, contact Human Resources Division at (573)751-4115.

Human Resources Division, Missouri Department of Conservation

P. O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 Telephone (573) 751-4115

Fax (573) 522-1787, Missouri Relay Center 1-800-735-2966 (TDD)

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION is an equal opportunity employer

THE DEPARTMENT

The Conservation Commission is responsible for the control, management, restoration, and conservation of the fish, wildlife, and forest resources of Missouri. The Commission was created by an amendment to the Missouri State Constitution. The four Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for a term of six years. No more than two may be from the same political party. The Department is completely free of partisan politics and is considered a model conservation agency. Financing is primarily from the sale of hunting and fishing permits and a 1/8th of 1% sales tax voted by the citizens of Missouri to implement an expanded conservation program. Federal aid funds are also received from several sources.

The Department has divisions responsible for Administrative Services, Design and Development, Fisheries, Forestry, Human Resources, Outreach and Education, Private Land Services, Protection, Resource Science and Wildlife.

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

Your political view is not a consideration in obtaining and holding your job with the Department. How you vote and whether you contribute to any political party is your own business. No employee of the Department may take any active part in politics or political campaigns, but all employees are urged to vote their convictions.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

In addition to salary, the Department provides these "fringe benefits":

1. Paid vacations.

2. Paid sick leave.

3. Paid holidays.

4. A paid group life insurance plan with option to purchase additional coverage.

5. A group health insurance plan.

6. State retirement plan is fully paid by the Department.

7. Credit Union for the employees.

8. Social Security benefits.

9. Workers' Compensation.

10. Employee Safety Program.

11. Deferred Compensation.

12. Cafeteria Program.

13. Paid Long Term Disability Insurance.

14. Mail Order Prescription Drugs.

15. Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance.

16. Dependent Life Insurance.

17. Employee Wellness Program.

18. Employee Assistance Program.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Under the direction of a Wildlife Management Biologist, plans, implements and supervises wildlife management programs on state-owned conservation areas, including glade, woodland, forest and wetland management areas, leased or licensed lands, and private lands in assigned counties. Plans and supervises an agricultural crop program. Establishes and maintains native warm-season and cool-season grasses, food plots, green browse plots, lespedeza/clover plots and sunflowers. Manages plants, animals, and natural communities of conservation concern. Manages and reports on natural areas within assigned counties and helps with natural area nominations. Helps implement endangered species recovery plans. Advocates for wildlife diversity and outdoor recreation issues and proposals. Supervises salaried personnel and hourly employees. Participates in prescribed burns in a leadership capacity. Assists with inter-agency coordination to implement the conservation features of the Federal Farm Program. Assists in providing technical advice and training to landowners, municipalities, agencies, and organizations on wildlife, native plants, and natural community practices through tours, workshops, and farm visits. Works with conservation landowners such as The Nature Conservancy and Pioneer Forest. Prepares annual and long-term management plans. Monitors plants, animals, and natural communities and management activities. Assists with managed hunts, bird counts, check stations, vegetation surveys, and public-use management. Assists with district reports; prepares and coordinates budget and purchasing needs. Represents the Department and Wildlife Division at fairs, exhibits and local public meetings; participates in Department promotional events, i.e., Prairie, Eagle and Duck Days. Helps implement the Comprehensive Wildlife Strategy, Missouri Department of Conservation Strategic Plan and other interdivisional plans. Prepares articles for the Conservationist magazine, local newspaper and other publications. Conducts radio or TV programs upon request. Attends Department-sponsored seminars, workshops and safety meetings. Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Management or closely-related subjects and one (1) year of professional experience in wildlife work. A Master's Degree in the above area will substitute for the one (1) year of experience. Approval as Certified Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society is desired.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SPECIAL ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to: Accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks.

Use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work and programs.

Keep focused on understanding, anticipating and responding to the needs of customers.

Administer financial resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the Department's mission.

Accept change and new information and cope with job pressure and stress.

Identify internal and external politics that impact the work of the Department.

Define a problem, analyze relevant information, develop solutions and solve problems.

Maintain focus and intensity, and remain optimistic and persistent even under adversity.

Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships.

Demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility.

Create and sustain an atmosphere in which timely, quality information flows between self and others and to express facts and ideas in a convincing manner whether one-on-one or within or before groups.

Take a long-term view of the Department's or Unit's direction and articulate a vision which integrates key program goals, priorities, values and other factors.

Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.

Work independently at field locations despite adverse field conditions.

Adapt to a variety of job situations involving long hours, hazardous conditions and difficult circumstances.

Conduct conservation programs to special interest groups and the general public.

Travel and stay overnight and meet periodic needs for extended out-of-town travel.

Train and supervise other employees.

Lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds.

Obtain a valid Driver License by date of employment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position has been determined to be exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time off in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime policy.

Smoking is prohibited in all owned, rented or leased Department of Conservation offices, buildings, and similar facilities, in Department aircraft, and in vehicles.

The Department of Conservation will hire only United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.

All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.

DEADLINE : You must apply by Wednesday, February 13, 2008.

Posted 12/307: FIELD ASSISTANT for AUSTRALIA FIELD WORK

Needed from mid January to mid April to participate in a study investigating plant-herbivore-predator interactions in rainforests along a latitudinal gradient. 

Job description: The assistant will work with me at 6 field sites along Eastern Australia (2 sites in far north Queensland, 2 sites on the Queensland/New South Wales border and 2 sites in Tasmania). Fieldwork includes assisting in logistics between field sites, setting up, maintaining and removing insect traps, collecting data on predation rates of Lepidoptera larvae and recording and entering/proofing field data.

Requirements: Volunteer should have an interest and background in any of the following: ecology, plant-insect interactions, tropical or rainforest biology, and entomology. Individuals should expect to work outside in a remote setting with exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, leeches, ticks, mosquitoes and chiggers.  A good sense of humor and great patience is a must.  Although previous field experience is a plus, it isn’t crucial as long as the person has a great sense of adventure, is flexible and can focus on the tasks at hand.  Meticulous note-taking and attention to detail is required.

Compensation: All in-country expenses will be covered, including travel, accommodation and meals.  Airfare may be covered depending on the length of stay and would be reimbursed at the end of fieldwork.  This is a great opportunity for recent graduates or those in their last year of Undergraduate work to gain fieldwork and research experience. 

To apply: send the following to lrichards@bio.mq.edu.au (Lora Richards Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University)

Cover letter stating your interests, applicable experiences and availability with phone number for contact/phone interview. Resume with the contact information including email address of three references

Posted 12/3/2007: SEASONAL BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN, The Presidio Trust

Job description: Duties consist of technical biological science tasks common to natural resource management including: field resources management work in native plant restoration, protection, inventorying and monitoring.  Installs and maintains native plants with attention to ecological requirements of each species; controls invasive plants using a variety of methods; implements monitoring protocols to track rare plants and characterize plant communities at restoration sites; collects and organizes field data; leads and trains volunteers and students in resource management and field research; assists with tool inventory and maintenance; participates in Integrated Pest anagement Program, which may include using chain saws, weed whips, flamers, and application of herbicides (for which a Qualified Applicator’s Certificate from California Department of Pesticide Regulation is required).  The work requires strenuous outdoor activity including walking, climbing, lifting and carrying heavy items, and the completion of repetitive tasks requiring the use of power tools and application of herbicides.  Part-time 24 hours per week, not to exceed 7 months.

Requirements: associate’s degree; bachelor’s degree is strongly favored.  Must have knowledge of established practices, procedures, and techniques of one or more of the biological sciences; knowledge of routine natural resource management practices, methods, and procedures; basic understanding of natural resource management principles and techniques to support, understand, and relate results to the broader natural resource function; ability to communicate information clearly and concisely, develop reports and present information; and knowledge of vegetation management tools and equipment, and how to maintain them.

To apply: call (415) 561-5300 (Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm) to request an application package, OR download the application from our website, http://www.presidio.gov/jobs>www.presidio.gov/jobs, and mail the application to Human Resources, Presidio Trust, P.O. Box 29052, San Francisco, CA 94129-0052.

Posted 12/3/07: Program Assistant

The Union of Concerned Scientists is seeking a program assistant for invasive species and climate change.

Job description: The program assistant helps with many aspects of UCS’s work on invasive species and climate change. These include research; outreach to activists, scientists, Capitol Hill, and the public; creating and preparing materials for the website and other audiences; database management; and other special projects as needed. The program assistant also provides administrative support, and specific support for the scientific staff, as needed.  View a full description and application instructions here:
http://www.ucsusa.org/ucs/about/jobs-at-ucs.html#Program_Assistant_Climate_Program

Deadline: While the job is likely to close on November 16, 2007 , applications are
encouraged until the position is filled and the announcement is removed from the UCS website.

Posted 12/3/2007: Research Assistants- Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Telemetry

The Mt. Graham Red Squirrel Monitoring Program, a long term ecological research project, seeks two research assistants to participate in population and behavioral studies on the endangered Mt. Graham red squirrel in the Pinaleño mountains in southeastern Arizona.  This isolated population of squirrels has been monitored since 1989 and we are currently conducting intensive telemetric studies to learn more about habitat use, demographics, and reproductive success.  This job provides a great opportunity to hone wildlife data collection skills and contribute to a long-term research project on these endangered mammals in their unique "sky island" habitat.  More information on the Mt. Graham red squirrel and the project can be found at http://www.ag.arizona.edu/research/redsquirrel/.

Description: This is a full-time temporary field position to begin in mid to late February 2008 lasting for approximately 5 months in duration with potential for renewal for quality crew members interested in continuing with the project.  Work consists primarily of radio telemetry and habitat measurement in the scenic Pinaleño Mountains of southeastern Arizona.  The project website provides more information on this subspecies and the field locale.  The successful applicant is expected to conduct radio telemetry to investigate the space use of endangered Mt. Graham red squirrels, collect measurements of habitat characteristics, perform behavioral observations, and work within the databases associated with the project. Assisting with live trapping of red squirrels and introduced Abert's squirrels may also be possible. The position requires periods of up to 10 days housed in the field without return to Tucson, necessitating excellent teamwork.  Housing in the field and transportation from Tucson to the study site will be provided, however we cannot provide  housing while in Tucson during days off.  Fieldwork is conducted both in pairs and alone under all weather conditions from summer heat and monsoon rains to winter snow at elevations above 9000 ft., frequently on high slopes; independence, and a tenacious work ethic are equired.  Because this position begins in the winter, it is essential that the successful applicant be willing and able to spend entire days hiking in snowshoes and have weather-appropriate gear and clothing (snowshoes are provided).  Temperatures on Mount Graham in January can range from -10 degrees C to 7 degrees C (-0.3 degrees C average).   

Duties and Responsibilities:
-Collection of radio telemetry data on small mammals
-Collection of standard habitat classification variables
-Hiking in rugged terrain at high elevations, often in harsh conditions like deep snow
-Database work: enter and proof data
-Participation in other related field research projects as  needed
-Familiarity with use of map and compass
-Attendance and participation in regular staff meetings
-Maintain and safeguard personally assigned and project equipment
-Assist in routine maintenance of biology research camp facilities
-Participate in day-to-day operations to include: purchasing, errands, etc.
-Completion of necessary University safety courses and certifications

Minimum Qualifications:
-One year of laboratory/research, field research, technical maintenance or archaeological
-experience, OR; -Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education approved by Human Resources
-A valid state driver’s license during period of employment
-Legally approved to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications: (in addition to above)
-Bachelors degree in wildlife science, biology or related discipline
-Experience with radio telemetry under boreal forest field conditions
-Ability to  manage and navigate a PC-based computer database

-Experience with backcountry travel and hiking, especially in montane environments
-Experience with behavioral observation of small mammals under natural conditions
-Experience with live trapping and marking of small mammals
-Experience with habitat analyses, especially circular plot sampling in forested environments
-Experience in field studies with threatened/endangered species
-Experience working alone and with groups in a field-based setting
-Experience snowshoeing, driving on mountain roads in winter, and putting on tire chains is a plus

Application Information: Only online applications will be considered. Please go to: https://www.uacareertrack.com and search for job # 39562 Research/Laboratory Assistant to apply.  Applications are only accepted online through the uacareertrack website.  Salary will be $9.49 per hour to start and the position will be open until filled.

For more information, please contact:
Melissa Merrick, Wildlife Biologist Senior
mmerrick@email.arizona.edu
Mount Graham Biology Programs
University of Arizona
School of Natural Resources
Biological Sciences Building East, Rm.325
Tucson, AZ 85721
Phone: 520-624-6439        Fax: 520-740-0143

Posted 12/3/07: Research Assistant- Forest Community Ecology

The Clark lab in the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Science at Duke University is seeking one research assistant to assist with field and laboratory data collection efforts.  We would like to fill the position by January of 2008.  This is a full-time (40h/week) temporary position with an initial hiring period of six months and the possibility of extension.  We study plant community ecology and forest responses to global change (see <http://www.nicholas.duke.edu/people/faculty/clark/> for full project descriptions).  Our research sites are located in the Duke Forest in the piedmont of North Carolina, and at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in the southern Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. 

Responsibilities: The research assistant’s primary responsibility will be to assist with censuses of vegetation within study plots ranging in size from 1.5 to 4.5 hectares.  Other responsibilities include assisting with laboratory studies of plant-fungal pathogens, collecting data from a wireless network of environmental sensors, collecting and measuring tree cores, and building and installing probes that measure sapflow in tree stems.  Most work will be conducted in the field, including during the winter months, although we will work in the laboratory as well. 

Knowledge of the taxonomy of eastern forests, general laboratory techniques in microbiology and DNA sequencing, and experience using Microsoft Excel are all beneficial, but not required.  Applicants should be willing to work outdoors under a variety of field conditions. 

Housing/Compensation: The salary is $9.00/hour. Housing, transportation, and reimbursement for meals are provided for trips to the field sites in the Appalachian Mountains.  The successful applicant will need to secure their own housing in the Durham/Research Triangle area.

Application Information: Application materials should include a cover letter of one page or less describing your background and interest in the position, and a resume that documents your relevant experience, skills, and abilities.  Please submit these materials through e-mail as a single document to Luke Pangle (see contact information below).  The deadline for accepting applications will be December 14, 2007.   Feel free to contact Luke with any questions about the position.

Luke Pangle
Laboratory Manager
Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences
Duke University
lap24@duke.edu
office: (919) 660-7295

Posted 12/3/07: Ecology of Desert Tortoises in Lincoln County, NV

The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the Endangered Species Act. In summer 2005, the Southern Nevada Complex fires burned over 597,000 acres in southern Lincoln County, NV, including almost 225,500 acres of desert tortoise habitat.

Goals: The goals of this work are to assess the quality of desert tortoise habitat through habitat modeling and vegetation sampling in burned and unburned areas, and to determine densities of desert tortoises in Lincoln County through line distance sampling. In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, Great Basin Institute will hire a Project Coordinator, Vegetation Sampling
Technicians, and Desert Tortoise Population Density surveyors.

Compensation, timelines and qualifications specific to each position are available for download on the research associate employment section of GBI's website (www.GreatBasinInstitute.org). For additional information or to submit application materials, please direct your correspondence to Dr. Lynn Zimmerman, Great Basin Institute Research Training and Project Coordinator, at lzimm@biodiversity.unr.edu.

Posted 12/3/07: Conservation Ecologist

The New Jersey chapter of The Nature Conservancy has an opening for a Conservation Ecologist, located in Eldora, New Jersey. 

Job description: The Conservation Ecologist conducts conservation measures using GIS and field-based methodologies, supports conservation planning efforts, provides expertise on ecosystems, communities, and species, and participates in restoration efforts. 

Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the position will include, but not be limited to: 1) Assessing integrity and threats to conservation targets including ecosystems, communities, and species.  Such work includes landscape-scale GIS analyses, ecosystem, community, and species inventory and monitoring work (at preserve and landscape scales), and mapping of vegetation communities.   Helping to build collaborative relationships with strategic partners.
2) Supporting the science and conservation program staff in site, state, and ecoregional-based conservation planning.
3) Compiling, summarizing, and synthesizing current scientific information about forest, wetland, and landscape ecology; applying innovative science-based approaches required to address key conservation challenges related to sustaining biodiversity in New Jersey.
4)  Designing, implementing where appropriate, and assessing upland and wetland restorations.

For a full job description, including qualifications and how to apply, see
http://www.nature.org/careers/dynamic/natureorg/20071126203059.html