Rangeland Monitoring Technicians

American Bird Conservancy

Rangeland Monitoring Technicians (2)

Rio Grande Joint Venture

POSITION SUMMARY

Location:             South Texas

Duration:             May 15 – July 14 (exact start date flexible)

Job Type:            Temporary Position

Salary:                 Monthly Salary of $3,000 + housing and mileage while in the field

Application Deadline: Until Filled

INTRODUCTION:

American Bird Conservancy and partners of the Rio Grande Joint Venture (RGJV) are hiring rangeland monitoring technicians to survey grassland/rangeland conservation projects on private lands. Projects were initially designed to improve grassland habitat for priority grassland birds and other priority wildlife through implemented habitat management practices.

Technicians will collect vegetation data on these sites using the line-point intercept and canopy gap methods following protocols similar to Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy and the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Natural Resources Inventory (NRI). Plant identification will be a key part of this data collection, as detecting changes in plant communities over time is integral to the project’s success.

Technicians will be trained together in monitoring methods and then will work independently collecting data on sites in the Starr/Jim Hogg/Brooks County area and the Jim Wells/Duval/Webb/La Salle/McMullen County areas.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

1. Complete training (led by RGJV staff) on plant ID, tablet use, and safety protocols. Additionally, coordinating with RGJV staff and landowners to gain access to private lands as needed.

2. Vegetation surveys following the line-point intercept method, canopy gap method, and additional measures of vegetation and rangeland health.

3. Identification of common plant species and plant species considered a priority to habitat management of grasslands. Other species will be identified to key functional groups.

Candidates will be expected to work long hours with early starts in relatively difficult field conditions (e.g., high temperatures, exposure to the elements, intense hiking, active cattle pastures, venomous snakes, cactus, chiggers, ticks, etc.).

• Housing will be arranged and may include trailers, camping, and possibly bunkhouses, hotels, and other forms of field housing. As such, candidates should be flexible about housing, are expected to adhere to current health advisories, and will be respectful of those around them.

• Technicians will regularly be interacting with Rio Grande Joint Venture partner organizations/agencies and landowners. As such, technicians must have excellent interpersonal skills, as they will be expected to represent the RGJV, and may be required to professionally interact with landowners in person or over the phone.

• Technicians will be required to drive a personal vehicle to and from field sites.

  • Mileage will be reimbursed for personal vehicles driven for work purposes during the field season.
  • Personal vehicles should be in good condition and able to handle dirt/gravel roads. 4-wheel drive is highly recommended.

*Note that road conditions may be difficult in some areas depending on weather.

This is an opportunity to be part of a large-scale grassland conservation effort involving partner conservation agencies and organizations in Texas.

*This is the second year for this pilot study, so flexibility and patience will be an asset.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with Texas plant identification, especially grasses and forbs
• Experience with vegetation surveys
• Experience with rangeland monitoring (e.g. NRCS’ NRI) is preferred but not required
• Experience with collecting data using Survey123 is preferred but not required
• Meticulous data collection skills
• Excellent navigational abilities
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be ≥ 18 years’ old
• Authorized to work in the US, or Permanent Resident
• Willing to undergo a background check
• Willing to gain basic Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training (ABC to cover the course attendance fees)

TO APPLY:

Please send electronic copies (PDF) of the following in ONE document:

1. A letter of interest

2. Resume

3. Names and contact information for three work references

*Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

If you experience technical difficulty with Bamboo, please send your cover letter and resume as one document to HR@abcbirds.org.

At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.

As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.