[PCA] JOB: Summer Botanist Columbia River Basin

[Plant Conservation]

I think the application period for this job closes on Thursday (Apr. 22),
so apply quickly if you're interested.  I don't know anything else about
the position, so if you have questions use the contact info included in
the position description.

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EFFECTIVENESS MONITORING FOR STREAMS AND RIPARIAN AREAS
U.S. FOREST SERVICE & BLM

Number of Positions:  1 Botanist position is available for the 2004 summer
field season.  This position will involveteaching and supervising riparian
vegetation data collection and identification of specimens collected by
others.  Applicants with strong plant identification (especially with
riparian species) and supervisory skills are encouraged to apply.

Wages:  Grade and corresponding pay will be GS-06 ($12.86/hr).  In
addition, employees receive per diem of $16/day for each day worked in the
field (approximately $128 every two weeks).

When:  The field season will begin in early May, 2004 and extend through
September.

Work Schedule:  The work schedule will generallybe 8 consecutive days (10
hours/day) and then 6 days off during each 2 week pay period.

Locations:  We work throughout the Upper Columbia River Basin, which
includes western Montana, Idaho, eastern Oregon, and eastern Washington.
The botanist will identify specimens collected by field crews which are
based in three locations:  central Oregon, western Montana, or central
Idaho.

Project Description:  This is a large-scale project (Interior Columbia
River Basin) designed to examine trends in streams and riparian habitat
condition on USFS and BLM land.  This is the third year of a long-term
program.  During 2004, we will be collecting information on approximately
300 randomly selected watersheds throughout the Basin.  Further
information can be found on our website,
http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/fishecology/emp/index.html.

Riparian Vegetation Supervisor:  This position involves training and
supervising technicians in riparian vegetation sampling protocols and in
plant identification in riparian areas.  The botanist must be able to
identify vascular plant species using technical keys and to teach others
to correctly identify riparian species.  Successful applicants will have
the following:
 · at least one plant taxonomy course
 · extensive experience and familiarity with the flora of the northwestern
US, as well as experience keying taxa at least to species level using the
Flora of the Pacific Northwest, the Jepson Flora, Flora of North America,
and other references
 · experience collecting vegetation data
 · ability and experience in training and supervising field technicians

Other helpful (but not required) experience includes:
 · other plant identification coursework (especially with grasses, sedges,
and willows)
 · experience with riparian vegetation monitoring protocols
 · ability to use and troubleshoot a PDA (handheld computer)
 · experience traveling on forest service roads and hiking alone in
backcountry situations

Important:  This job requires a high degree of independent work and
supervision of less experienced technicians in field situations (camping,
hiking, and working outside).  In addition to the challenges presented to
botanists identifying plants in the field, the vegetation supervisor must
be able to effectively communicate with technicians, build relationships
of mutual respect, and create an atmosphere conducive to learning on both
sides.

How to Apply:  Send a resume and cover letter to Alison Kelly at
allisonkelly at fs.fed.us, and further instructions will be sent to you.
Please direct questions to Alison via email (preferred) or phone
435.881.1028.