Center for Natural Lands Management South Puget Sound Program – Prairie Science Technician –

Prairie Habitat Monitor Reports to: Program Manager and Prairie Project Manager Location: Olympia, Washington Type: Part-time seasonal Pay: DOE Position Title: Prairie Monitor Application Date: 4 March 2015 Start Date: 20 April 2015 End Date: 31 July 2015, possible extension into 30 September 2015

The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization, created in 1990, whose mission is the perpetual stewardship of lands that are natural open areas, sensitive species and their resident ecosystems. Current operations are in California and Washington. Currently, seventy-five preserves, encompassing over 50,000 acres throughout California, are under the management of the Center, with new preserves added regularly. The preserves vary in size from three to thousands of acres and are managed under direct ownership, conservation easements, or management contracts. In the State of Washington, CNLM’s South Puget Sound Program focuses on conservation of one of the rarest ecosystems in the United States, the prairie and oak woodlands of Cascadia, especially those lands and habitats within the South Sound Region. In that Region, the Program aims to protect, restore habitats, and support recovery of rare species that are candidates for federal listing. POSITION DESCRIPTION: The South Puget Sound Program – Prairie Science Technician – Prairie Monitor will provide essential support to prairie-monitoring projects aimed at quantifying success of on-going restoration projects for western Washington prairies and oak woodlands. The Technician will spend a majority of his/her time (> 95%) collecting vegetation data (e.g., point-intercept, area-search), monitoring prescribed-fire effects, and/or conducting butterfly surveys. The remaining time will be spent assisting staff with onthe-ground restoration practices, potentially including propagating and planting native species, collecting native seed and controlling exotic vegetation. The Technician may also participate in a wide range of studies involving native seeding techniques, herbicide effectiveness, mycorrhizal inoculation and prescribed fire severity and effects. Work may be conducted on areas occupied by federally-listed species, and Technicians will be required to conduct activities under guidance of the federal Endangered Species Act. This position entails a moderate-level of responsibility, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, sound work ethic, positive attitude during long field days, and ability to record and manage large amounts of data. Development of positive and effective relationships with volunteers and partners is critical. The Technician must also be able to work independently, completing substantial tasks without direct supervision or through the supervision of conservation partners, including agency partners, such as the Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA Dept. of Natural Resources or WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. The South Puget Sound Prairie Program is sciencebased and the Technician will be required to document, appropriately file, and effectively conduct quality control on all data pertinent to the operations on a regular basis. RESPONSIBILITIES:  Implement and contribute to research projects. Collect and enter habitat data, assist with crew logistics and conduct on-the-ground management actions.  Communicate successes and lessons learned to partners, CNLM staff and the public through written reports, presentations and other methods, when necessary. If applicable, suitable results should also be communicated to the scientific community through published reports or other appropriate means.  Work with personnel, equipment and other resources to successfully complete prairie research and restoration projects.  Assist with data and database management that will inform management-planning, communicate accomplishments, and facilitate efficient and effective field work. This may require proficiency with ArcMap software, Microsoft Excel and database management.  Maintain state-of-the-art knowledge of the prairie restoration techniques utilized by the prairie restoration team and communicate the correct and safe implementation of these techniques to other crewmembers, partners and volunteers.  Maintain qualification to act as an Ecological Monitor on controlled burns.  Assist with other natural resource management operations as requested including tree planting, herbicide application, seed collection and processing and controlled burning activities and obtain appropriate Washington State pesticide license.  Other duties as assigned REQUIREMENTS:  BA/BS/AS degree in science-related field or at least two years of education and experience in the natural resource field.  Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems; ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete research activities. Knowledge of ecological land management principles.  Ability to follow instructions from colleagues and supervisors.  Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.  Ability to safely perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.  Obtain related licenses or certifications such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, driver’s license, and/or Wildland Fire Ecological Monitor qualification; depending on primary-work duties of the technician.  Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers) and familiarity with ArcMap GIS and other database systems.  Conduct work according to guidelines and limitations as described in a federal 10(a)(1)(A) permit for species covered under the Endangered Species Act. WORKING CONDITIONS  Regularly works in natural areas and at native plant nurseries and seed production fields. Hikes across, and conducts work within, native habitats and uneven ground.  Regularly sits or stands at a desk or computer workstation.  Regularly required to operate a CNLM vehicle.  Frequently works alone.  Responsible for some evening and weekends including travel.  Uses or supervises the use of pesticides and or other chemical substances.  Uses or supervises the use of powered equipment such as weed trimmers and chain saws.  Regularly works around wildland fires.  Uses hand tools and operates nursery equipment.  Regularly lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds. TO APPLY: Qualified applicants must provide a detailed letter of interest and current resumé or curriculum vitae. All applications will be acknowledged. Electronic copies preferred. Email these materials to: careers-phm@cnlm.lorg If email is not possible, the application can be mailed to: Center for Natural Lands Management Attention: Human Resources 27258 Via Industria, Suite B Temecula, CA 92590 __________ CNLM is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. CNLM management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the CNLM and the employee and is subject to change by CNLM as the needs of the CNLM and requirements of the job change.