Field Assistant – Vegetation Monitoring

This recruitment will fill several seasonal vacancies with the Water Department – 

1 position:    May 1 – 31  –or–  May 1 – August 31
5 positions:  June 1 – August 31

40 Hrs/Week – NO county benefits

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position will entail daily field work during the summer on the Owens Valley floor and along the Owens River. The duties include running vegetation transects and performing other vegetation assessments according to a standardized protocol, biological monitoring on the Lower Owens River Project, and avian surveys if applicable.

The above duties require accessing remote areas via 4-wheel-drive vehicle and walking into such areas, using air photos for orientation, operating a GPS device to obtain coordinates, and setting up and executing field work as assigned at designated locations throughout the Owens Valley.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• A high school graduate or equivalent
• At least one year of experience working in a similar position or with at least 15 units of college coursework in a related field

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles of biology, botany, ecology, and/or soil science
• Principles of data collecting and basic mathematics
• Geography of the Owens Valley
• Basic first aid

ABILITY TO:

• Organize and carry out daily activities with minimal supervision
• Operate and maintain power and hand tools
• Operate a camera
• Read maps and aerial photographs
• Keep accurate logs and records
• Identify plants
• Engage in revegetation work
• Work well independently and with others
• Work flexible hours
• Work outdoors all day, often in adverse conditions including extreme temperatures, sun, wind, water, and insects
• Walk up to five miles a day over difficult and remote terrain while carrying up to 30 pounds
• Perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment
• Maintain a safe working environment

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• You may be required to drive a motor vehicle in the course of employment and must possess a valid operator’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation
• Position may be required to serve as a Disaster Service Worker during a County emergency
• Required to wear safety shoes