Deadline: Mon, 06/13/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: University of Montana Job Field: Forestry Water and Soil Resources GIS/Technology Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: Montana Location Detail: Billings, MT Job Description: The Spatial Analysis Lab (SAL) at the University of Montana is recruiting for field technicians to assist with an ongoing research project focused on measuring and mapping invasive species (with an emphasis on Ventenata dubia) on Crow and possibly Northern Cheyenne Tribal Lands in southeastern Montana for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The selected applicants report to the Field Coordinator and will be responsible for assisting in the execution of fieldwork, collecting both GPS and vegetation sampling data. Job Length: Full-time seasonal support is available for the upcoming field season, which is weather dependent. Ideal start date is no later than May 30th, 2022 and field work will continue through early August. Start and end dates are flexible to accommodate student schedules. There are several mapping projects underway in MT, with potential for additional work beyond August. Qualifications: Required Qualifications • Be currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Botany, ecology or a related natural resources field • Willingness and ability to maintain a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, hot or cold weather (20°F–110°F), rugged terrain, mosquitos, poisonous snakes, bears, lightning, wildfire, etc., all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety • Excellent organizational and communication skills • Attention to detail and ability to accurately identify vegetation • Ability to carry up to 50 lbs across uneven ground • Valid driver’s license with a good driving record Preferred Qualifications • Previous field research experience, preferably in rangeland ecosystems and on private lands • Familiarity with ArcCollector/Field Maps • Previous supervisory experience • Prior experience identifying rangeland vegetation species • Prior experience with field techniques, including GPS operations, transect sampling and vegetation cover estimation • Experience interacting with private landowners and agency professionals Miscellaneous: The successful applicant must be able to work in remote locations and be comfortable camping for up to 8 days at a time. The work schedule is subject to the weather, which may cause unpredictable days off—applicants must be willing to work when needed and take days off when the opportunity arises. The position will require driving a few hours each day in trucks over low maintenance roads and hiking up to several miles each day through sagebrush, over uneven terrain to reach some sampling sites. If you do not fully meet the required qualifications for this position but are interested, we encourage you to still apply. If you have a good attitude, strong work ethic and are passionate about conservation we want to talk to you. Training will be provided for the right candidate. Salary: $16/hr Tech; $19/hr Coordinator Benefits: $41 per diem How to Apply: Positions open until filled; applications will be reviewed as they come in, with priority given to applications received by May10th, 2022. To apply, please send a letter of interest, current resume, and names and contact information for three references to Melissa Hart (melissa.hart@mso.umt.edu) and cc Ryan Rock (ryan.rock@mso.umt.edu) and Ethan Shafron (ethan.shafron@mso.umt.edu) with the subject line “Field Technician – BIA Invasive Species”.
