The USGS Pacific Island Research Center (Volcano, HI) is hiring a field crew leader to begin June 1, 2017. This is being advertised as a Student Services Contractor position, THEREFORE APPLICANTS MUST BE WITHIN 1 YEAR OF A BA/BS/MS DEGREE TO QUALIFY. See position details below.
If you are interested, please send AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT 1. brief cover letter highlighting relevant experience and why you are interested in the position, 2. resume that includes date of graduation, and 3. name, address, phone number, and email address of at least 3 references to Dr. Stephanie Yelenik, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, [email protected]. Applications are due April 20, 2017. 1. Project Description: Investigators at the U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center and the University of CA at Santa Barbara are working with US Fish and Wildlife at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge to understand the influences of seed dispersal by birds, soil N, and grass competition on native woody plant recruitment in Acacia koa reforestation sites. Understanding the relative influence of different constraints to native understory recovery will allow managers to better allocate resources in their restoration efforts, ultimately leading to greater plant diversity and improved forest bird habitat. Position is one year, starting on June 1, 2017, with potential opportunity to extend for a second year. 2. Description of Duties: Field, laboratory, and office duties to include the following: Coordinating with PIs and Postdoc Organizing field crew and sampling activities Soil collection/sampling Litter and seedtrap installation/sampling/sorting Collection of plant seed, foliar material and litter Greenhouse work (germinating seed, repotting plants) Outplanting or broadcasting native seed in the field Collecting plant community survey data Driving 4x4 vehicles Navigating with GPS to site locations in remote areas Soil processing (sieving, grinding, extracting with 2M KCl) Plant material processing (drying, grinding with rotary Mill) Data entry and management Using ArcGIS to make maps 3. Required Expertise/Skills: The candidate should have at least finished a BA or BS degree in Ecology or a related field to be considered for this position. Applicants must show that they are able to perform responsibly and safely in a field and laboratory setting. This is a training level position that will be guided by a Postdoc with some supervision and regular reporting. Tasks and methods are well defined, but there may be some degree of troubleshooting and adaptation. Previous experience leading and supervising crews is a plus. 4. Description of Working Conditions: The work requires physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces, working in highly varied weather conditions ranging from high heat and UV to cold and damp at 5000-7000 feet elevation, recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, or similar activity and carrying a backpack over rough terrain. Extended travel for fieldwork will be necessary, and will make up between 50-80% of the position time. While in the field, employees stay at a field station with hot water and electricity but with no internet. 5. Compensation: This is a full time (40/week) position. Compensation is commensurate with the level of education and experience and does not include benefits: $17.35 per hour for a recent graduate (within one year of degree) with a BA/BS. $21.51 per hour for students who have a B.S. and completed at least one year of graduate work. 6. Duty Station: The principal duty station for the position is at the U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center office in Hawaii Volcanos National Park, HI. The Government does not provide housing, meals or other living expenses while working at the principal duty station. Field location is the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Housing is provided at the field station, as well as transportation from primary duty station to the field station.
