Joint Base Lewis McChord
Fish and Wildlife Program
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Restoration Technician (seasonal)
Duty location: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), WA
Period of employment: Six months (March 14th through Sept 15th)
Period of work: Mon through Friday 08:00 to 16:30
Pay: $16.50/hour
Health benefits: None
Full-time, Non-Exempt: 40 hours per week
Application deadline: 17:00 Feb 12th 2016
Positions available: Three
LOCATION
JBLM is located near Tacoma, Washington and encompasses approximately 91,000 acres throughout Pierce and Thurston counties. On JBLM 67,000 acres are designated training lands, of which approximately 20,000 acres are prairie habitat and 4,600 acres are wetland and riparian habitats. JBLM is the home to numerous State and Federal Threatened and Endangered species, most notably the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, Mazama pocket gopher, streaked horned lark, Oregon spotted frog, and steelhead trout. The JBLM Fish and Wildlife program mission is to protect, maintain, and enhance the various ecosystems on the installation to promote native biodiversity and support the military mission. One of the strategies that the JBLM Fish and Wildlife program utilizes to promote endanger species management is through habitat restoration.
WORKING CONDITIONS
JBLM is an active and busy Army and Air Force training base and duties will involve working around military training, personnel, vehicles, aircraft and equipment including the sounds of weaponry, stun grenades, artillery rounds, helicopters flying low overhead, and other training activity noises. Technicians will work as a team in the surveying and treatment of noxious and other weeds at prairie, wetland and riparian habitats on JBLM and occasionally assist in other natural resource work such as seed collection, plant surveys, wildlife surveys and brush cutting. Approximately 95% of duty time will be conducted down range in natural habitats.
This position entails a high-level of responsibility and interpersonal skills, sound work ethic, and positive attitude during long field days working in potentially inclement weather. The Technician must also be able to work both independently and in small group situations for extended periods of time, completing substantial tasks without direct supervision or through the supervision of biologists or other conservation partners.
Duties will require working in the Artillery Impact Area and Ranges to perform work.
Unexploded ordinance (UXO) training will be provided by Army explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) unit.
Duties will require working in uneven terrain and carrying backpack sprayers for long periods of time over long distances.
Technicians must be able to carry and handle weights of up to 50lbs.
Technicians will work around, mix and apply herbicides.
Technicians must be capable of operating and conducting general maintenance on brush cutters and other power equipment.
On occasions, work may be required on Saturdays.
This position is temporary and has a Not-to-Exceed date.
Technicians must provide their own housing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs the full range of standardized technical assignments consisting of routine invasive plant treatment, inventory, and monitoring of invasive plants commonly found in the work area.
Assists in identifying invasive non-native plants using various field guides, surveying for target plants, collecting data on infestation location and treating invasive plant infestations. Treatments primarily involve using herbicides, but may also be accomplished by hand-pulling, and/or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods.
Performs highly physical labor and daily hiking across rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions. Uses GPS and aerial photographs for navigation. A portion of time may be dedicated to data entry and other duties.
Applies herbicides using backpack sprayers or other equipment on a regular basis according to specific guidelines. Performs basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications. Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment at all times, which will be supplied by JBLM.
REQUIREMENTS
The positions will be hired through Colorado State University (CSU). CSU is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history. An additional standard background check may be required by the U.S. Army.
Must possess a current Washington State Pesticide Certification (Public Operator) or pass the exams (Laws and Safety, Aquatic, and right-of-ways) by April 5th. Application fee will be refunded with successful completion.
Must possess and maintenance of a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
Previous experience treating noxious weeds preferred.
Bachelor degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Ecology, Botany, Conservation Biology, or related field preferred, or Associates degree in similar fields, or compelling evidence of equivalent experience and self-education OR a student actively pursuing a degree in the previously mentioned fields.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to identify plants as required to complete management activities.
Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (4×4 truck, ATV, tractor, two-way radio, etc).
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues and supervisors.
Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather. Regularly lifts or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Proven self-starter, able to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision and able to appropriately use initiative to meet restoration goals. Able to structure time effectively and meet deadlines.
Effective and professional communication skills—written and oral.
Basic working knowledge of GIS and GPS technologies and associated software and a working knowledge of Windows 7 operating systems and PC applications such as Microsoft Office Suite.
Uses pesticides and or other chemical substances and carry a backpack sprayer for long periods of time.
Uses powered equipment such as brush cutters and chain saws.
Must pass a performance evaluation after one month of duty.
Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce, and complies with all federal and Colorado state laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
TO APPLY
Qualified applicants must provide a detailed letter of interest, current resume, and two professional references (names, affiliations, and contact information only). All applications will be acknowledged and applicants will be notified by March 1st.
Email to: amber.f.martens.ctr@mail.mil
Phone: (253) 966-6445
If email is not possible, the application can be mailed to:
Public Works
Attention Environmental: Amber Martens, Fish and Wildlife Program
Bldg. 2012 Liggett Ave,
Box 339500 MS 17,
JBLM WA 98433-9500
Or faxed to: (253) 967-9937 Attn: Amber Martens