The Canyonlands Research Station in Moab, Utah is recruiting for an
ecologist (GS-0408-07).  This is a temporary (one year with a strong
possibility of extension) full-time position with the US Geological Survey,
Southwest Biological Science Center.  Moab, Utah is a small town offering a
variety of outdoor adventures (see www.discovermoab.com for more
information on Moab).

Description of Duties: The incumbent will be responsible for carrying out a
large field survey of vegetation and soils in the Grand Canyon-Parashant
National Monument (PARA) in northern Arizona USA.  The goal of this
research project is to assess rangeland ecosystem conditions and to
identify resource-management needs pertinent to livestock grazing,
ecological restoration, and long-term ecological monitoring. PARA is one of
the largest units in the National Park Service where livestock grazing is a
permitted land-use activity. The incumbent will work closely with a USGS
scientist (Dr. Mike Duniway) in project planning, data collection and
analysis, and reporting results.  Major duties consist of 1) project
management, 2) leading field crews of 1-3 people; 2) identifying National
Resource Conservation Service ecological sites; 3) collecting vegetation
and ground cover data using standard rangeland monitoring techniques; 4)
using GIS to assemble layers, create random samples, and prepare maps; 5)
performing statistical analyses; 6) preparing graphs and tables; and 7)
assisting in the preparation of reports or scientific papers. The work is
approximately 40% office and 60% field work. The primary field location is
in PARA where the incumbent will spend much of the 4-5 month field season
camping away from the duty station (Moab, UT) for 10 days at a time. Field
work involves withstanding both extreme heat and cold; walking over rough,
rocky, or uneven terrain; lifting and carrying equipment and supplies (up
to 50 lbs.); long hours; and driving a 4WD truck and all-terrain vehicles
on unimproved roads.

Qualifications:  See http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/0408.html for the
USGS Ecologist Series GS-07 qualifications description. A background in
rangeland ecology or soil science is preferred.  Prior experience with range
monitoring and assessment techniques is highly desirable, including
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health protocol, line-point intercept,
and canopy gap. Additionally, familiarity with statistical analyses, GIS,
and preparation of tables and graphs for publication is preferred.  The
incumbent must be in sufficient physical condition to withstand the rigors
of the environmental conditions and must pass a physical fitness test.
Incumbent also must pass a background check. A valid US driver’s license is
required.

Salary and start date: Salary is $38,790/year.  A start date of Jan-Feb
2012 is preferred.

Application: Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens. If you have questions send
an email to CRS_Jobs@usgs.gov. This job will be announced on
www.usajobs.gov and will close Dec. 9, 2011.