Western Ecological Research Center
Biological Science Technician
Full Time for Feb-Sept 2015
The Nisqually Delta is located in South Puget Sound, approximately 8 miles northeast of Olympia, Washington. The Nisqually Delta has been the focus of the largest estuary restoration to date in Puget Sound and represents an exciting opportunity for ecological monitoring and research. USGS Western Ecological Research Center is working with the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and the Nisqually Tribe and is seeking a field biological science technician to assist with the invertebrate prey and foodweb research at the Nisqually River Delta. The office is located at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge (Nisqually NWR) near Olympia, Washington.
Duties will be primarily assisting biologists in data collection in the field to support of the restoration project. Field assistance may include: 1) invertebrate collection, sieving, and sorting; 2) collection/processing invertebrate and plant samples for stable isotope analyses; 3) assistance with bird, hydrology, sediment, or vegetation surveys. Office duties may include data entry and helping maintain equipment and gear.
Requirements
 Experience working in estuarine and muddy field conditions
 Comfortable working near, on, or in the water, traveling in small watercraft (canoe/kayak) to large boats
 Ability to lift heavy loads repeatedly under adverse conditions such as cold rain, wind, and deep mud
 Strong work ethic and sense of responsibility
 Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
 Good communication skills and able to work as a cohesive member of a multi-disciplinary team
 A positive attitude, quick learner, and a desire to gain experience in a variety of data collection techniques
 Current driver’s license, and a good driving record
 May be asked to work long or unusual hours (including early morning or evening hours and some weekend days) and under strenuous field conditions to accomplish fieldwork.
Details
 USGS seasonal employee, benefits may be elected
 Salary: $12.15/hr
 Duration: 8 months (Feb-Sept 2015) full time
 Housing and transportation are not provided
Interested?
Email a single document that includes: cover letter, resume, and 3 references by Jan 31, 2015.
Applicant should name the document with their first and last name and email to: Melanie Davis (melaniedavis@usgs.gov) and Isa Woo, iwoo@usgs.gov
For more information about Nisqually Delta restoration, please visit our website:
www.nisquallydeltarestoration.org