The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with the National Park Service Klamath Network (KLMN) Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program to recruit three seasonal stream survey technicians. The overall objective is to perform wadeable stream monitoring in two National Park units, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Stream fauna (vertebrates and invertebrates), water quality, and physical habitat will be monitored for status and trends. Data collected are intended to provide decision-makers with indicators and data for wadeable stream ecological integrity. The candidates will assist the KLMN Stream Crew Lead Technician with implementing the Wadeable Streams Monitoring.

Specific duties include:

• Be a member of the KLMN I&M Wadeable Streams monitoring field crew;
• Perform stream physical habitat sampling;
• Collect stream macroinvertebrate sampling;
• Electrofish streams for fish and amphibian sampling;
Perform water quality and water chemistry assays;
Collect riparian habitat characteristics;
• Assist with conducting other field protocol and data QA/QC;
• Support data organization, processing, data entry, and QA/QC;
• Maintain field equipment and tools;
• Participate in GBI or partner-sponsored training opportunities.
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General field duties include implementing Wadeable Streams protocol designed to address KLMN I&M’s aquatic community and water quality vital signs (training will be provided); walking long distances over uneven terrain; revisiting established monitoring sites; collecting stream biology, chemistry, and physical habitat data using established procedures; taking GPS points and photos at each site; ensuring the consistency of data quality during the field season; and maintaining safety awareness and practices. The successful applicant must have strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and exhibit strong attention to detail and organization skills. This position will require regular driving and hiking in order to ensure that all plots are successfully completed during the field season, and may require long hours including early mornings and late evenings. Crews generally work four 10- hour days per week and carry heavy loads over rough terrain.

KLMN comprises six national park units located within the Klamath region of Northern California and Southern Oregon: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Across these park units, KLMN I&M monitors the health and quality of lakes, ponds, vegetation communities, White Bark Pine, land bird and rocky intertidal communities among other vital signs.

Qualifications: 

– Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, or a closely related field in the sciences;
– Coursework in biology, ecology, or related fields
– Ability to identify native and non-native fish and amphibians of the pacific Northwest;
– Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
– Previous work experience in water quality data collection;
– Experience with data entry and data management;
– Ability to work in extreme and remote parts of the Klamath region;
– Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
– Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
– Willingness and ability to work, hike long distances carrying 50+ pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable environmental conditions, including in heat, high elevations, and inclement weather;
– Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
– Experience working with federal land management agencies, members of the public, or non-profit organizations; and
– Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends.

Applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation or submit paperwork to National Park Service human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position.

Additional requirements:
– Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
– Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, particularly with unimproved roads;
– Ability to work independently to accomplish goals;
– Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public;
– Possess good organizational skills;
– Possess a favorably adjudicated background clearance; and
– Must be motivated, self-directed, organized, and detail oriented in order to balance multiple tasks simultaneously.