Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
OUTREACH NOTICE
Blue Mountains Ecologist
GS-0408-11
Baker City, OR
USDA Forest Service is an equal employment opportunity employer.
The Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests (Bue Mountains Forests) are outreaching to potential candidates for an exciting and rewarding challenge as a GS-0408-11 Ecologist for the Northeast Oregon Area Ecology Program. The duty station for this permanent, full-time opportunity is located in beautiful and historic Baker City, Oregon (http://www.visitbaker.com/).
This notification is being circulated to inform prospective and interested applicants of the following potential opportunities:
- 120-Day Temporary Promotion (beginning as early as June 11)
- Not to Exceed 1 Year Temporary Promotion or Detail
- Permanent, Competitive Assignment
- Permanent, Lateral Reassignment (for current GS-11 employees)
Please Respond by May 14, 2018 if you are interested in any of these opportunities by:
- Responding to the Outreach Database (https://fsoutreach.gdcii.com?id=6326705F35AE423997B22514C5CCB2BA) and
- Submitting the Outreach Response Form below and Resume to Area Ecologist (ucwijayratne@fs.fed.us).Depending on how the Forest decides to proceed following this Outreach, the timing for potentially advertising the permanent position in USAJobs will be dependent on the hiring exemption request process. Candidates who respond to the Outreach Database will be notified if/when the position is advertised in USAJobs.
From more information about the position please contact Upekala Wijayratne at 541-523-1211.
The Position
Duties of the Ecology Program generally include working with various specialists and managers to effectively deliver applied science as well as monitoring resources such as riparian areas and landscape patterns. This work is intended to help address challenging natural resources questions and issues encountered in the multiple-use management of public lands, partnering with researchers and other collaborative groups, and providing technology transfer. Examples of projects the Area Ecology Program has led or been involved in include riparian vegetation monitoring of restoration treatments, quantifying historical forest structure, analysis of vegetation data from range exclosures, critical input on modelling and interpreting historic range of variability for the Forest Plan Revision and its application; using and interpreting downscaled bark beetle risk maps to inform project prioritization, and assisting NEPA teams in the use of best available science for riparian restoration projects and allotment management plans.
The position requires an ability to conceptualize, initiate, design and implement ecological projects; work at a variety of spatial and temporal scales; and be proficient in spatial modeling and database applications needed to maintain a viable and dynamic forest ecosystem. The incumbent monitors and evaluates the effects of management decisions on ecosystem components and processes within forested areas, and coordinates research projects with cooperators to develop further understanding of the processes of forest ecosystems. In addition, good communication and organizational skills in conducting workshops and trainings, presenting ecological information in a variety of contexts, and the ability to work as a team are necessary.
As the Blue Mountains Forests continue moving forward with planning and implementing integrated and accelerated landscape restoration projects, critical internal and external questions will continue to emerge from our publics as well as our partners (e.g. Collaboratives and Regulatory Agencies). Successful candidates will bring solid training in vegetation ecology, a broad understanding of public lands natural resources management, and the ability to communicate key ecological aspects for land managers to consider.
The Forest
The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is one of the largest forests in Region 6 with four Ranger Districts and one National Recreation Area. The Forest covers more than 2.3 million acres in three states and nine counties. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has a diverse program with high recreation use, several listed species, all or portions of four wilderness areas, grazing, mining, and a large fire program.
The Forest hosts three units in the communities of La Grande, Enterprise, and Baker City. There are two satellite offices located in Riggins, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. The Blue Mtn Interagency Dispatch Center is located in La Grande and is staffed by employees from the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests and Oregon Department of Forestry. The Forest Leadership Team is comprised of three district rangers, a deputy district ranger, five staff officers (customer service, engineering, natural resources, public affairs, and fire), as well as the Deputy Forest Supervisor, and Forest Supervisor.
For more information about the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest access the Forest Website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman
The Community
Surrounded to the west by the Elkhorn Mountains and to the northeast by the Wallowa Mountains, Baker City has an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet. It is located on Interstate 84 within 2 hours of the Tri Cities in Southeast Washington (Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick) and within 2 hours of Boise, Idaho. The population of Baker City is approximately 10,000.
House rentals range from $700 per month and up. Apartment rentals start at $400. Utility rates tend to be low. Average prices for 3 or 4 bedroom homes range from $90,000 to $200,000 plus.
Baker City is a full service community. Eastern Oregon University, which offers 4-year degree programs in 22 areas, is located 45 miles to the west in La Grande, Oregon. Blue Mountain Community College, offering various 2-year degree programs is located in Pendleton, Oregon (95 miles to the northwest) and has a Remote Learning Center in Baker City; and Treasure Valley Community College, offering various 2-year degree programs is located in Ontario, Oregon (65 miles to the southeast). There are 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school located in Baker City. The School District has a record of educational excellence. Overall, results from the Oregon Statewide Assessment show that students in the Baker School District are above the state averages. In addition, there are 3 private or Christian schools available.
Baker City has a newly remodeled 40-bed hospital with several local physicians, dentists, and specialists available.
Cultural opportunities include live local theater, vocal and instrumental performances, art galleries, Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, history museums, Miner’s Jubilee, and a full calendar of special community events. The newly expanded Baker County Library contains 91,000 volumes with access to library resources statewide and an interlibrary loan system that provides access to an unlimited number of publications nationwide.
Baker City enjoys a dry climate with four distinct seasons. The weather changes from snowfall in the winter to warm dry days in the summer. Recreational opportunities abound with such activities as golfing, fishing, biking, skiing, boating, hunting, and beautiful scenery. Located on the Forest are the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, several wilderness areas, numerous lakes, and 58 campgrounds and picnic areas.