The Port Susan Bay Monitoring Technician works as part of a team to collect estuary field data each week at Port Susan Bay. Four technicians will work with the Monitoring Crew Leader as a team of 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 – 70%
- 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.
- Follow established protocol and consistently and accurately record field measurements.
DATA TRANSFER AND PROCESSING – 20%
- Transfer data from field data sheets to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets on a Windows PC.
- Download GPS points and digital photos.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE – 10%
- Clean field gear on daily and/or weekly basis as needed.
- Organize data collection equipment and supplies to ensure efficient and accurate task completion each day.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Level of Position & Expectations
- Non-supervisory, technician level position.
- Must be able to follow established protocol and consistently and accurately record field measurements.
- May direct or work alongside volunteers.
- Capable of identifying estuary plant species.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in outdoor, isolated settings, working closely with coworkers.
- Requires daily use and maintenance of data collection equipment.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by crew leader and/or TNC staff member.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Experience working outdoors in a safe and efficient manner with field equipment and tools.
- Experience using computers, Microsoft Excel and Word, and database systems for recording and organizing data.
- Ability to follow instructions from supervisor and colleagues and work cooperatively with others.
- Ability to commit to full month period, including the July 16th start date.
- 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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1-2 years’ experience in natural science related field or related experience in land management.
- Previous experience with field data collection.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to identify Puget Sound estuarine marsh species.
- Familiarity with working in tidally influenced areas.
- Experience with small watercraft, such as a canoe.
- Wilderness First Aid or Basic First Aid training.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written and spoken in English.
- Possession of valid driver's license and good driving record.
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 16 to August 10, 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.