ECOLOGICAL MONITORING TECHNICIANS, CREW LEADS AND RIPARIAN BOTANISTS: Montana and Idaho
Position Titles: (multiple positions available of each) -Ecological Monitoring Field Technician 1 (Terrestrial) -Ecological Monitoring Field Technician 2 (Terrestrial) -Ecological Monitoring Field Technician 1 (Aquatic) -Ecological Monitoring Field Technician 2 (Aquatic) -Field Botany Technician (Riparian) -Ecological Monitoring Field Crew Lead Job Length: Full Time, May 2019-September 2019 Compensation: $14-$18 per hour plus per diem for days in the field Job Location: Central/South-eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls/Salmon/Challis) and Central/Northern Montana. Based out of Missoula, MT and Helena, MT Description: The Montana Natural Heritage Program of the University of Montana collects and disseminates reliable, objective information and expertise to support stewardship of our native species and habitats, emphasizing those of conservation concern. Our staff scientists and data managers work in Montana and adjacent states to assist our state and federal partners in identifying and managing public lands. We are a part of the NatureServe network, a network of over 80 similar programs in states, provinces and nations throughout the Western Hemisphere, bringing decision makers “big picture” information on the true status of species and habitats (www.natureserve.org). In 2019, we are partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their terrestrial and aquatic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, which is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term vegetation data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S. Our work will be in Central and South-eastern Idaho (Idaho Falls/Salmon/Challis) and in North-central Montana. Terrestrial data collection (both Idaho and Montana) will include all core methods within the Monitoring Manual for Grassland, Shrubland, and Savanna Ecosystems – Second Edition, specifically (1) plot characterization, (2) plot observation, (3) photo points, (4) line-point intercept, (5) vegetation height, (6) gap intercept, (7) soil stability), and (8) species inventory. Supplemental data collection will include (1) sagebrush shape, (2), forb diversity, (3) basal area for forested systems, and (4) pollinator information. Additional evaluations of rangeland health and biological soil crusts will be conducted at some sites. Terrestrial field crews will consist of two to three people, supported by a Field Project Specialist who will rotate between crews. Aquatic data collection (Idaho only) will follow the AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework: Field Protocol for Wadeable Lotic Systems (TR 1735-2), specifically: 1) site evaluation, 2) water quality, 3) physical habitat and canopy cover, 4) macroinvertebrates, 5) photos, and 6) human influences. We will also implement the Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) protocol. Aquatic field crews will consist of two Ecological Monitoring Field Technicians and a Field Botany Technician, supported by a Field Project Specialist who will rotate between crews. In each crew, at least one person will be hired as a crew Lead. All positions are field-based and require camping. Crew members must be willing to practice safety awareness, including vehicle safety procedures, and work in remote areas for extended periods of time. Work will begin with trainings in May 2019 and will continue until September 2019, with the exact end date being flexible to accommodate those with academic commitments. The work schedule typically follows an eight 10-hour day schedule and runs from Wednesday to Wednesday. MTNHP supplies all equipment (including vehicles) necessary to carry out the work. ALL POSITIONS REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING: -Experience following established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection on new and existing monitoring sites; -Experience with data entry and management using paper or electronic devices; -Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units; -Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access); -Experience driving and maintaining 4WD trucks and other vehicles, especially in off-road situations. 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 multiple hazards may be encountered; Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather, and carry 40-50 pounds in a backpack over uneven terrain; -CPR and First Aid Certification required; Wilderness First Aid is a plus. To Apply: Please submit the following to Camie Westfall (cwestf...@mt.gov). 1. Letter of interest, including which position you are applying for, your reasons for pursuing this opportunity, and your preferred location; 2. Curriculum vitae, including all degrees and related coursework 3. Names and contact information for three (3) professional or academic references. Deadline: Application review begins December 1, 2018 and is ongoing until all the positions are filled. Hiring is expected to be completed by February 1, 2018. Apply early for the best chance at your preferred location. All applicants will be notified of receipt of their application and the results of the preliminary review (rejected due to failure to meet minimum qualifications or transmitted to hiring team). **For the full job announcement and specific qualifications for each position, please visit: http://mtnhp.org/about/employ/employ.asp Additional Information: -Montana Natural Heritage Program can be found on our website at www.mtnhp.org. -BLM AIM strategy, including the protocols, can be found at http://aim.landscapetoolbox.org/introduction-to-aim/
