To apply for this position: https://rock.geosociety.org/eo/viewJob.asp?jobID=1743
BLM San Luis Valley Field Office Position Title: AIM Vegetation Monitoring Crew (2 Positions) Position ID Number: 2015418 Location:Monte Vista, CO Position Description: POSITION POSTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED! The GeoCorps participants will monitor areas within the 500,000 acres of public lands managed by the BLMs San Luis Valley Field Office (SLVFO). This area presents myriad ecosystems, ranging from alpine desert to the majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness on the eastern side of the Valley. Range allotments across the field office will be inventoried and/or monitored for permit renewals as well as determining the overall condition of the landscape. The participants will manage all aspects of vegetation monitoring on the treatments using the Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) methodology and an understanding and experience with identifying vegetation to species is essential for the position. Within all plots vegetation will be identified to species, line-point intercept will be used to gather species cover and composition data, shrub density will be measured, and soil descriptions will be required. All point data will be gathered using a GPS unit and stored in an ArcGIS geodatabase. Once field work is completed, the data will be entered into a (Database for Inventory, Monitoring, and Assessment -DIMA) database, analyzed, and synthesized into a report for future land management planning. A crew of two or three individuals will be hired, depending on experience of applicants. This position is offered through the Geological Society of America's GeoCorps America Program in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management. Materials to be produced by participant: The participant will collect field data and complete data entry and analysis. Participants must also collect and compile GPS data into a GIS geodatabase. Data analysis must provide managers with vegetation cover, composition, shrub density, and soil results to determine treatment success. The DIMA database requires a high level of QA/QC so interns are required to pay attention to detail. Subsequent reports must be completed and will involve the presentation of scientific data and pre and post treatment analysis. Demonstrate the BLM/NPS/USFS site's active involvement in the success of the project (e.g., adequate project oversight such as pairing the participant with experienced agency staff, other researchers, volunteers, etc.): The AIM crews will be paired with a staff Biologist to provide oversight. The interns will be considered a part of the SLVFO BLM staff and are encouraged to network. Identify and describe how the agency staff serving as the mentor(s) will provide the participant with valuable opportunities for learning and professional development. (May include trainings, certifications, networking, advice, etc.): The crew will attend a training provided by the Jornada Experimental Range and the BLM's National Operations Center. The crew will also be trained in Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health. Qualifications: Applicants should have degree in ecology, botany, range science, wildlife biology, natural resource management, biology, conservation biology, or related field. The applicant must have experience identifying plants to species and Experience with a taxonomic key is essential to the position to identify flora to species. A familiarity with southern Colorado and northern New Mexican flora is beneficial. The intern should also have experience with GPS units or the capability to learn how to use them. The successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period. The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field work, which can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven ground; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching or reaching to observe occurrences or place and retrieve equipment or devices; lifting and moving moderately heavy items (e.g., computer equipment, rebar, field equipment). Applicant must be physically fit, able to stand for long periods of time and lift boxes that weigh up to 40 pounds. A government vehicle can be used for travel as they are available. The successful applicant will also attend CPR and First Aid training (or provide certification if still current). Applicant must have a valid drivers license and a good driving record. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required. Position Dates:May 1st Oct 1st; Start/end dates somewhat flexible Position Duration: 16-20 weeks Stipend: $542-$606 per week, depending on experience, duration, etc. Housing Allowance:$0 (built into stipend) Housing Details: Housing is not provided and the participant will be responsible for finding her/his own housing. There are a number of rental units within and around the Alamosa area. The stipend amount includes pay for housing. Physical/Natural Environment: The SLVFO is located in south-central Colorado, the San Luis Valley covers Alamosa, Rio Grande, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache, and Mineral counties. Within the SLVFO, there are seven Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, three Wilderness Study Areas, and four Solar Energy Zones. Work Environment: Approximately 80% of the work will be outdoor field work and the remainder will be indoor office work. Office work is carried out in a normal office space, with adequate lighting, heating, ventilation, etc. Field work will be in an outdoor environment where climate, weather, and terrain require car If you have questions about the application and selection process, please contact Matthew Dawson. If you have questions about any aspect of the position description, qualifications, housing, dates please contact the primary or secondary contact below. Remember, application materials can only be submitted online through the GeoCorps website or Mosaics website. The Primary and Secondary Contacts will not accept application materials sent to them via e-mail, mail, fax, etc. See the full GeoCorps program details at the GeoCorps home-page and full Mosaics program details at the Mosaics home-page. PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION Contact Name: Zoe Miller Title: Range Ecologist Street Address: 226 Cruz Alta Rd City/State/Zip: Taos, NM 87571 Phone: (575) 751-4709 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Taos_Field_Office.html SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION Contact Name: Joel Humphries Title: Wildlife Biologist Street Address: 1803 W. Hwy 160 City/State/Zip: Monte Vista, CO 81144 Phone: (719) 852-6257 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/slvfo.html
