-----Original Message-----
From: Ecological Society of America: grants, jobs, news
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of CRS Jobs
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 3:44 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Temporary Ecologist position with USGS, Moab, Utah

http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov/news_info/jobs/

The Canyonlands Research Station in Moab, Utah is recruiting for an
ecologist (GS-0408-07).  This is a temporary (one year with a strong
possibility of extension) full-time position with the US Geological Survey,
Southwest Biological Science Center.  Moab, Utah is a small town offering a
variety of outdoor adventures (see www.discovermoab.com for more information
on Moab).

Description of Duties: The incumbent will be responsible for carrying out a
large field survey of vegetation and soils in the Grand Canyon-Parashant
National Monument (PARA) in northern Arizona USA.  The goal of this research
project is to assess rangeland ecosystem conditions and to identify
resource-management needs pertinent to livestock grazing, ecological
restoration, and long-term ecological monitoring. PARA is one of the largest
units in the National Park Service where livestock grazing is a permitted
land-use activity. The incumbent will work closely with a USGS scientist
(Dr. Mike Duniway) in project planning, data collection and analysis, and
reporting results.  Major duties consist of 1) project management, 2)
leading field crews of 1-3 people; 2) identifying National Resource
Conservation Service ecological sites; 3) collecting vegetation and ground
cover data using standard rangeland monitoring techniques; 4) using GIS to
assemble layers, create random samples, and prepare maps; 5) performing
statistical analyses; 6) preparing graphs and tables; and 7) assisting in
the preparation of reports or scientific papers. The work is approximately
40% office and 60% field work. The primary field location is in PARA where
the incumbent will spend much of the 4-5 month field season camping away
from the duty station (Moab, UT) for 10 days at a time. Field work involves
withstanding both extreme heat and cold; walking over rough, rocky, or
uneven terrain; lifting and carrying equipment and supplies (up to 50 lbs.);
long hours; and driving a 4WD truck and all-terrain vehicles on unimproved
roads. 

Qualifications:  See http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/oars/quals/0408.html for the
USGS Ecologist Series GS-07 qualifications description. A background in
rangeland ecology or soil science is preferred.  Prior experience with range
monitoring and assessment techniques is highly desirable, including
Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health protocol, line-point intercept,
and canopy gap. Additionally, familiarity with statistical analyses, GIS,
and preparation of tables and graphs for publication is preferred.  The
incumbent must be in sufficient physical condition to withstand the rigors
of the environmental conditions and must pass a physical fitness test.
Incumbent also must pass a background check. A valid US driver's license is
required.

Salary and start date: Salary is $38,790/year.  A start date of Jan-Feb
2012 is preferred.

Application: Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens. If you have questions send an
email to [log in to unmask] This job will be announced on www.usajobs.gov
and will close Dec. 9, 2011.