The Port Susan Bay Monitoring Crew Leader works as on-site supervisor of a team to collect field data on marsh vegetation on site each week at Port Susan Bay. The Crew Leader will work with the Monitoring Technicians as a team of 4-5, accompanied by 1-2 TNC staff members each day. An average of one day per week will be spent in TNC’s Seattle or Mt. Vernon office downloading and transferring data. Exact field and office days may shift depending on tides, work needs, staff availability, and other project factors.
FIELD DATA COLLECTION & CREW OVERSIGHT – 70%
- Oversee crew in successful field data collection for 3-4 days each week.
- Use GPS, canoe, vegetation field guides, salinometer, digital cameras, data sheets and other equipment to identify, record and map estuary vegetation and soil salinity data.
- Ensure organized, accurate, and efficient data collection procedures are carried out for the entire project.
- Maintain crew effectiveness, safety, and morale.
- Communicate with TNC staff to implement and modify the work calendar according to work progress and other factors.
DATA TRANSFER AND PROCESSING – 20%
- Oversee data transfer and processing, including transfer of data from field data sheets to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets on a Windows PC, and downloading GPS points and digital photos.
- Serve as quality control check to make sure that data is transferred correctly and completely by the crew.
- Complete final organization of all data and review with TNC’s Aquatic Ecologist.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE – 10%
- Work with crew to clean and maintain field gear on daily and/or weekly basis as needed
- Set up systems to keep data collection equipment and supplies ready each day for efficient and accurate task completion.
- Complete final cleaning and organizing of all gear and supplies at the end of the project.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Level of Position & Expectations
- Supervisory position managing entry level staff in the field and office.
- May direct or work alongside volunteers and TNC staff.
- Must be able to teach and follow established protocol to ensure consistent and accurate field measurements.
- Capable of identifying and teaching estuary plant species.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in outdoor, isolated settings, working closely with coworkers and direct reports.
- Requires daily use and maintenance of data collection equipment.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by the Port Susan Bay adaptive management team.
- Experience using computers, Microsoft Excel and Word, and database systems for recording and organizing data.
- Ability to commit to full work period, including 2 days before and 3 days after the crew is working.
- Ability to perform physical work, potentially under adverse weather conditions, for long periods of time.
- Ability to lift and carry 40 lbs. over short distances, physical ability to carry equipment over muddy, uneven terrain.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience managing staff or volunteers in field work in a safe and efficient manner, using field equipment and tools.
- Previous experience with field data collection.
- Understanding of Puget Sound estuarine environments and associated vegetation.
- Familiarity with working in tidally influenced areas.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written and spoken in English.
- Experience with small watercraft, such as a canoe.
- Wilderness First Aid or Basic First Aid training.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
- This is a temporary, full-time position (40 hours per week) from July 11 to August 15, 2018.
- Smoking is not permitted on the preserve or in Conservancy facilities. Pets are not allowed.
- Work is performed in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances