Scientific Technician 1

Duties

Field survey activities:

• Assist in a field crew of 2 to 5 surveying for terrestrial stream-associated salamanders, instream Western Toads, and off-channel for fish and amphibians.
• Hike off-trail through dense vegetation on steep slopes, harvested areas, and wetlands.
• Drive logging roads and navigate complex undeveloped road networks.
• Collect, classify, and record data in the field using tablet computer, GPS, digital cameras and paper collaboratively with others.
• Using logic, knowledge of the project area, and established quality control methods, evaluate data for completeness, reasonableness, reliability, accuracy, consistency and comparability with other data.
• Work respectfully with private landowners while surveying their property.
• Maintain vehicles and equipment (nets, inflatable boats, waders, electronic equipment).

Office Tasks:

• Offload field data collection equipment.
• Limited data entry from paper forms and field notes.
• Data QA/QC using Excel or other database systems.
• Complete required administrative paperwork and trainings in an accurate and timely manner.

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from high school or a GED, including one year of high school science.
Licenses: Valid State-issued Driver’s License
Abilities: Ability to use critical thinking to collect, record, compile, and summarize data meticulously; conduct field surveys visually and audibly identifying and distinguishing biological and physical features; think and act in a safe manner; work independently and as part of a team; accept supervision and supervise; follow prescribed protocols and procedures; willingness and ability to perform routine and repetitive work in a punctual and dependable manner; follow oral and written direction; operate field equipment (e.g. GPS, digital camera, iPad’s, nets, and inflatable watercraft) to collect data; develop and maintain positive, productive, respectful working relationships with coworkers and collaborators; demonstrate competence and confidence to make independent judgments in the field about sampling protocols; perform varied outdoor work in inclement weather; tolerance for difficult field conditions including working in recent clear cuts and wetlands; and driving 4WD vehicles on logging roads.
Knowledge of: Microsoft Word, Excel, Windows

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Professional or scholarly experience conducting field research, preferably in the Pacific Northwest; familiarity with lentic habitats associated with stream systems especially those in alluvial floodplains; knowledge of principles and procedures of biological research; the ability to safely and humanely capture fish and herpetofauna using varied nets, seines, minnow traps and electrofishers under standard protocols is a plus; familiarity with technology including both Windows and iOS handhelds/apps; ability to encourage and maintain team cohesiveness; ability to act safely and decisively in the field; ability to adapt to challenges in order to complete project objectives. Varied natural history experience including animals and plants, both locally native and non-native, is beneficial for these positons, and applicants are encouraged to describe experience and how it applies to these positions.

Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week).  Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years = 3 years of experience.
*College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.