[PCA] Job Announcement (USGS Desert Restoration Research Tenchician)

[Megan Rabinowich]

*Desert Restoration** Research Technician, U.S. Geological Survey
(GG-0404-07)*



*Description*

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is recruiting a research technician to
assist with a project identifying effective restoration techniques on
decommissioned OHV trails in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of southern
California. Research will take place within the Desert Renewable Energy
Conservation Plan (DRECP) area, which encompasses approximately 22.5
million acres. The DRECP aims to integrate renewable energy planning with
natural resource conservation and recreation to effectively allocate and
manage land uses. The USGS will be: 1) reviewing existing desert
restoration literature, 2) developing and testing restoration protocols,
and 3) developing monitoring methods to assess the efficacy of restoration
based on recovery of ecosystem health. The goal of this effort is to
provide the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with a standardized
comprehensive guide for future restoration and monitoring of decommissioned
OHV trails. The role of the employee will be to assist the principle
investigator in these efforts. Work will primarily be based out of the USGS
office in Henderson, NV, with travel to study sites sometimes required
(average 10 travel days per month).



Schedules are highly variable, can change with little notice, and will
sometimes require early morning (3 AM) start times, long days, and a few
weekends of work.



This temporary position will begin in mid-September and extend for up to
180 working days (approximately 9 months). Extensions are possible,
contingent upon performance and funding availability.



*Responsibilities*

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

·         Gather and maintain metadata, develop databases, perform QA/QC,
analyze and archive data.

·         Obtain necessary permits to perform research.

·         Work with principle investigators to develop study design, select
study sites, implement protocols, train BLM crews, oversee work efforts,
provide technical guidance to crews, and assign budget funds appropriately.

·         Develop protocols for restoring OHV trails using conventional and
novel strategies.

·         Develop protocols to assess the effectiveness of restoration
including metrics to determine when routes are “restored”.

·         Synthesize and communicate results with the BLM and other
cooperators.

·         Participate in workshops with BLM personnel to ensure products
will comply with project goals.

·         Assist with the day-to-day operations of field research (e.g.
preparing supplies, vehicle and equipment maintenance).

·         Participate in other research projects as assigned.

*Qualifications*

·         Experience collecting and analyzing transect data on vegetation,
soils, and wildlife.

·         Experience analyzing remotely sensed data for changes in soil
compaction and vegetation cover/density.

·         Background and strong interest in desert ecology, plant ecology,
and restoration.

·         Extensive experience in statistical analysis (knowledge of R
statistical programming preferred).

·         Ability to communicate effectively with BLM managers, crews, and
other agency personnel.

·         Demonstrated skills in data collection, synthesis, presentation,
and technical writing. We will ask for an example of a written product on
which you were the primary author.

·         Strong organizational skills.

·         Ability to work independently and with large groups in a
leadership position.

·         Ability to maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic
under the trying conditions of desert restoration.

·         Ability to adapt to a variable and unpredictable schedule.



To qualify for a GG-7, you need 2 years and 9 months of field experience OR
5 years of sub-professional work experience OR 5 years college study (with
18 hours of graduate level course work or equivalent) plus 3 months of lab
or field work experience. Sub-professional experience consists of working
as a technician or aid in the field or in a laboratory or similar
environment. A valid U.S. driver’s license, safe driving record,
pre-employment physical, and background security investigation are
required. All applicants must be U.S. citizens.



*Salary*: $20.39 hourly, plus paid vacation and sick days



*Application instructions: *

For each position on your resume, please be sure to include the number of
hours worked per week, as well as exact start and end dates
(month/day/year).



Submit 1) a resume/CV, 2) the contact information for at least three
references, and 3) a written product on which you were the primary author
via e-mail to mrabinowich at usgs.gov by 7:00 AM PDT on Tues, July 23, 2019.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

If claiming 5 point veterans preference, a DD-214 showing character of
discharge is required.  If claiming 10 point veterans preference, a SF-15
with proof of claim is required.

-- 
Megan Rabinowich
Biologist
U.S. Geological Survey
160 N Stephanie St
Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 564-4571
mrabinowich at usgs.gov
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