Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the US Forest Service, Sequoia National Forest, is recruiting one Botany Crew Lead to support the study and review of proposed actions related to the Castle Fire, which burned 174,000 acres in portions of the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Sequoia National Park. Associate will support GBI Resource Specialists in performing field surveys across the fire footprint, collecting data, and providing technical assistance to assess vegetation habitat for various species. Field work will consider federally listed species, candidate species, and those proposed for listing while assessing the ecosystems upon which they depend. This work is in furtherance of ESA goals that seek the best available scientific information to inform forest restoration planning. The crew lead will supervise two botany technicians.

Project Background:
The Castle Fire was ignited by lightning on August 19, 2020 and burned approximately 170,000 acres, including about 128,900 acres managed by the Sequoia National Forest, 79,420 acres of that outside of designated wilderness. About 13,900 acres were within the Giant Sequoia National Monument of the Sequoia National Forest, and 35% (9,800 acres) of the Monument’s 27,830 acres of giant sequoia groves burned, impacting 10 of 33 groves, and 6,000 acres (61%) burned at high intensity.  The Castle Fire exhibited extreme fire behavior and burned at high severity across many areas of the Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts. Therefore, many fire-killed and fire-weakened trees were left standing alongside roads within the burn area, creating dangerous conditions for travel throughout the forest, including to recreation and administrative sites. This position will participate in post-fire management activity following the removal of such hazard trees within the Sequoia National Forest.

Primary Responsibilities:
Duties may include (but are not limited to) obtaining and synthesizing the best available scientific information in the field to inform planning as post-fire activity may affect the following:

• Terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, and watersheds;
• Air, soil, and water resources and quality;
• System drivers, including dominant ecological processes, disturbance regimes, and stressors, such as natural succession, wildland fire, invasive species, and climate change;
• The ability of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems within the plan area to adapt to change;
• Threatened, endangered, proposed, and sensitive species, as well as any other species of conservation concern that may be present in the plan area.

Camping may be required as a part of this position. During the work week camping will occur at established sites within the Sequoia National Forest. The field work schedule is Monday-Thursday, 10 hours/day, 40 hours/week, and will tentatively run from May through October. Some weekend work or irregular hours may be required.

Qualifications: 

Desired:

• Demonstrated background in: 1) Plant ecology and habitat assessment, including evaluation and management practices; OR 2) Botany, conservation biology, or closely related discipline. Experience recording, summarizing, analyzing, and synthesizing biological data.
• Must be highly self-motivated, enthusiastic, and flexible. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Applicant should have a B.S. degree in plant ecology, plant biology, botany, or other natural resource-related field (MS preferred), AND/OR demonstrate a history of relevant experience. The ability to read maps and use mapping/GIS software (ArcMap and AVENZA) under backcountry conditions is preferred. Field data collection experience is strongly preferred.
• This position will work directly with the public, sister agencies, and various partners. Individuals must be knowledgeable, effective communicators, and promote positive interactions.
• When in the field, the Research Associate must be able to work in adverse weather conditions, hike long distance in extremely rough terrain while carrying a 30-40 lb pack, and lift/carry equipment up to 60 lbs for short distances.
• During the work week camping will occur at established sites within the Sequoia National Forest. The field work schedule is Monday-Thursday, 10 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Some weekend work or irregular hours may be required.
  

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in relevant discipline;
• Two years of fieldwork experience, including relevant survey protocols, data management, and associated reporting;

Disciplinary requirements:

• Botany:  B.S. in Plant Ecology, Plant Biology, Botany, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of vegetation survey techniques and plant identification skills.
• Knowledge of California flora, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, is desirable but not mandatory.
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Proficiency in navigating using a GPS, topographic map and compass;
• Ability to exercise quality control in data collection and management;
• Advanced skill using specialized software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcMap GIS, and Google Earth;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively as well as independently;
• Strong written and oral communication skills with diverse audiences;
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, interns, volunteers, academic, state, and federal partners;
• Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions. This includes overnight camping in remote areas for consecutive nights.

Preferred:

• Graduate degree in relevant discipline and at least one year of field leadership experience;
• At least six months of field leadership experience in California, the Sierras, and/or the Great Basin;
• Knowledge of natural resource management issues in the Western United States;
• Familiarity with the natural history and forested habitat of the Sierra Nevada region