Deadline: February 1, 2020
The Montana Natural Heritage Program is currently recruiting TECHNICIANS and CREW LEADS for the 2020 field season. We will again partner with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, which is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term vegetation data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S.
All positions are field-based and require primitive camping in isolated regions. Crews will typically work eight 10-hour days, from Wednesday to Wednesday, with a six-day break between hitches. We expect staff to commit to the entire field season, practice safety awareness (including vehicle safety), and contribute to building a healthy, productive and enjoyable work environment.
We have multiple projects in Idaho (base in Pocatello), North-central Montana (Helena), and Wyoming (TBA). To assist in this effort, we are recruiting the following field positions:
1. Ecological Monitoring Field Technician 1 (6 positions)
2. Ecological Monitoring Field Technician 2 (higher level, 14 positions)
3. Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead (12 positions)
JOB LENGTH: Late April through August, full-time
COMPENSATION: $13 - $18 per hour + per diem for field days
**Please visit mtnhp.org for full job announcement and qualifications.
TO APPLY: Please submit letter of interest, CV and three (3) professional references to Dr. Kay Hajek (karyn.hajek@mso.umt.edu). Please rank your location preference (ID, MT, WY). The subject line should read: MTNHP Terrestrial AIM Application.
DEADLINE: Application review begins December 1, 2019 and is ongoing until all positions are filled. Hiring is expected to be completed by February 1, 2020. Apply early for the best chance at your preferred location.
The Montana Natural Heritage Program (mtnhp.org) is a program of the Montana State Library's Natural Resource Information System operated by the University of Montana.
General qualifications
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in botany, soil science, range ecology, natural resource management or related subject.
- Experience following established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection.
- Experience identifying rangeland plants in the field and using a dichotomous key and/or in describing soil horizons, textures and stability.
- Experience with data entry and management using electronic devices.
- Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units.
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and preferably with Collector for ArcGIS and Survey123.
- Experience driving and maintaining 4WD trucks and other vehicles, especially in off-road situations. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (DUI or other serious convictions need not apply).
- Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and to work independently as required.
- Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field where multiple hazards may be encountered (e.g. snakes, bears, lightning, fires, cold/wet weather, heat/sun exposure).
- Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather conditions and ability to carry 40 pounds in a backpack over rugged mountainous terrain.
- Willingness to stay in frequent communication with MTNHP staff.
- CPR and First Aid Certification required; Wilderness First Aid is preferred.