Position: Riparian Botanist Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Salary Details: $23.45 per hour + up to $655 in per diem per hitch Deadline: April 1, 2024 OVERVIEW The Institute for Natural Resources (INR) in Portland, OR, an independent research institute, is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement its Aquatic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, which is targeted at collecting standardized data from streams across BLM Districts in the western U.S. INR is hiring 2 Botanists to conduct this work for the Aquatic AIM Program. Potential candidates looking to assist in this effort with INR and the BLM will work helping assess the health of BLM lands on crews consisting of one crew lead, one field technician, and one botanist. The work will focus on wadeable streams and rivers across Oregon and Washington collecting data following the Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) of Stream Channels and Streamside Vegetation, Technical Reference 1737-23 to monitor streambanks, stream channels, and riparian vegetation. The fieldwork will also implement the assessment of surface water hydrology and geomorphic conditions following the AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Wadeable Lotic Systems (TR 1735-2) for the 2024 field season, with wadeable streams ranging from a few inches deep to fast-flowing small rivers, as well as other on the ground restoration and monitoring work. Training will occur in early June for Oregon. There is some flexibility in where crew members are based. Locations and desired positions are below: Start Dates and Locations: - Oregon, based in Portland, OR, June - October: 1 Botanist As part of an AIM crew, the work is entirely field-based and requires camping in typically isolated areas with few amenities in the surrounding area. During this fieldwork, crews work a 10-hour-a-day hitch-based schedule with 8 days (Wed-Wed) on and 6 days off, working in all kinds of weather conditions. Crews must be prepared for extreme heat, sun exposure, long hours in the vehicle, nearby wildfires, smoke, driving on rough gravel and 4x4 trails, carrying 40-50lbs packs over steep and uneven terrain, and encounters with wildlife. INR provides Crews with a two-burner stove, propane, table, sampling gear, and other crew essentials. Crew members are responsible for arranging their housing in between hitches and their personal camping equipment. All positions will have the opportunity to conduct sampling in vast and unique habitats with a history of wildfires, settlers, and indigenous people. Crews will also gain experience learning a protocol implemented across the Western U.S. THE BOTANIST POSITION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING: - A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or closely related subjects. Coursework in Plant Taxonomy/Systematics, Plant Identification, and Wetland/Aquatic Ecology with additional training in wetland/riparian plants preferred. Herbarium, greenhouse, and lab experience that involves direct contact with diverse plant materials may substitute for coursework. - A minimum of one full year or two full seasons of botany fieldwork in wetland/riparian habitats - Ability to identify wetland/riparian species using a combination of sight-identification, dichotomous keys, field guides, and online tools such as OregonFlora.org - Working knowledge of plant nomenclature, Oregon native/invasive plants, herbarium specimen preparation - Experience with field sampling and data protocols, data entry and management, GPS devices, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) - Experience driving and maintaining 4WD trucks, especially in off-road situations. Experience driving 4x4/side-by-side/UTV vehicles is preferred. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (DUI or other serious convictions need not apply) - Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals, and to work independently as required; - Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field where hazards (snakes, bears, deadfall, lightning, poison oak, flash floods, fires, etc.) may be encountered; - Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather, and carry 40-50lbs in a backpack over uneven terrain - Wilderness First Aid is a plus; CPR and First AID Certification is expected EXPECTATIONS In addition to the above qualifications, we expect crew members to commit to the entire field season, to practice safety awareness, including vehicle safety procedures, to communicate regularly with INR support staff and BLM agency staff, to participate in INR and BLM training, and to contribute to building a healthy and fun work team environment. Due to the nature of the work and required driving between sampling areas, work days over 10 hours are possible, with the expectation of a total of 80 hours/hitch as crews strive to complete points assigned for the given hitch. TRAINING These positions are ideal for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development. You will receive extensive paid training on the AIM protocols and associated methodology. You will also have the opportunity to interact with seasoned staff scientists from both the BLM and INR throughout training and fieldwork. Two Mandatory 1-week trainings will occur shortly after hiring (beginning and mid-June) COMPENSATION - Botanists are paid $23.45 an hour. - Receive a total of $480 per diem for food costs for each hitch. - Receive up to $175 per diem for camping for each hitch. HOW TO APPLY Please submit the following in a single pdf to Andrew Christensen (Project Manager at INR): lo...@pdx.edu. For position information not found in the listing or additional links below, you may contact the email listed above. In your email please use the subject line “AIM Application - Lastname” to make sure your application is saved. 1. Letter of interest. In this letter, please describe your background, including any military and volunteer service; professional experience, recreational interests, or hobbies that help demonstrate your suitability for work in harsh and challenging conditions; and your reasons for pursuing this opportunity. 2. Curriculum vitae, including all degrees and related coursework. 3. Names and contact information for three (3) references. While we prefer professional references who can attest to your work ethic and technical abilities, we will accept academic references or references from organizations. Application review will begin in early December and will continue until all positions are filled. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Additional information about the Institute for Natural Resources can be found on our website at https://www.pdx.edu/institute-natural-resources/ Additional information on the AIM strategy, including the protocols, can be found at https://www.blm.gov/aim -- Andrew Christensen Data Specialist | Institute for Natural Resources Lotic AIM Crew Manager | Bureau of Land Management ac...@pdx.edu To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
