The Columbia Basin Field Assistant is a member of a team that performs and participates in operations, maintenance and management of high priority conservation lands in north-central Oregon. This position requires living in shared housing provided by the Conservancy in Ione, a small, isolated town in north-central Oregon. This is a seasonal position that starts in March 2019 and ends in June 2019.
The Columbia Basin Field Assistant performs land management activities and/or conducts species monitoring in grassland and shrub-steppe plant communities in north-central Oregon. The Field Assistant assists with spraying herbicides using a backpack sprayer (weighing ~30lbs and walking an average of 5-7 miles), hand removal of exotic species, vegetation mapping/monitoring, wildlife monitoring, grassland restoration activities, compiling data for reports and internet research. The Field Assistant will also assist with site, equipment and facilities maintenance, fence construction and repair, and field house and landscaping upkeep and repair.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- Often works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Travel often involves driving on narrow, hazardous gravel or dirt roads.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Will require occasional work on evenings and weekends.
- 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, ATV, tractor, radios, etc.).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Experience performing physical work.
- Experience with common software applications (Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application).
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- Experience with GPS and GIS.
- Possesses a current Oregon Commercial Pesticide license with herbicide endorsement or able to obtain license.
- Familiarity with grassland and shrub-steppe flora and bird species.
The preferred hiring range is $15.56-$16.53
- This is a seasonal position that starts in March 2019 and ends in June 2019.