Seeking Plant Ecology Technicians – Portland Oregon Vicinity

Duty Station: NW Oregon and SW Washington (work is mostly within 2 hrs. drive of Portland, OR)

Duration: May 30, 2018 – August 31, 2018

Salary Range: $ 2,200 – $ 2,400 per month, positions do not qualify for benefits, or housing Project

Description: This research examines differences between forest patches left after harvest and the surrounding clearcut area. The objectives of the study include examining differences in vegetation community and structure between patches and adjacent harvest areas, as well as examining edge effects of the patches on vegetation. While technicians will be based out of the Portland, OR area, study sites are located from southwest Washington to the mid-Oregon coast range. Lodging will be provided as necessary for long-distance field work, some camping may be required. Technicians will collect data on vegetation species cover in retained patches and surrounding clearcuts. Technicians should have a working knowledge of Pacific Northwest plants, including tree, shrub, and forb species, and have experience identifying plants using field guides such as Pojar and MacKinnon (2004), and taxonomic keys like Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973). Ideally, technicians will have previous field work experience in the Pacific Northwest, and are comfortable navigating terrain, conducting field work in the woods, and working outdoors in inclement weather.

Essential Job Functions: 1. Collect data on vegetation species cover in retained patches and surrounding clearcuts 2. Position will require working outdoors in inclement weather, often in recently harvested forest stands. Must be able to get to and work from remote locations, drive forest roads, read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public.

Minimum Qualifications: 1. A Bachelor’s degree in a biological sciences discipline or related environmental field and knowledge of plant identification. 2. Must have driving record which can be approved by Federal Agencies to drive government vehicles. 3. Basic data entry experience (Microsoft Excel).

Additional Qualifications: 1. Knowledge of local plant communities (west of the Cascades in Oregon or Washington).

Please send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Jake Verschuyl, National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc., P.O. Box 1259, Anacortes, WA 98221. The positions will remain open until filled. Materials may be submitted electronically to: jverschuyl@ncasi.org. NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.

More information can be found here: http://bit.ly/1kGHagj