Rangeland Monitoring Technician

Title:                  Rangeland Monitoring Technician

Supervisor:      Science Coordinator

Duration:           May 1 – June 30 2024 (start date flexible)

Job Type:           Temporary Position

Location:            South Texas

Salary:                Monthly salary $3000, field housing included, mileage reimbursed, per diem

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Position Summary:

American Bird Conservancy and partners of the Rio Grande Joint Venture (RGJV) are hiring rangeland monitoring technicians to survey grassland/rangeland conservation projects on private lands in south Texas. Projects were initially designed to create and improve grassland habitat for priority grassland birds and other priority wildlife through implemented habitat management practices. Technicians will collect vegetation data on these sites using the line-point intercept and canopy gap methods following protocols similar to Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy and the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Natural Resources Inventory (NRI).

Plant identification will be an important part of this data collection, as detecting changes in plant communities over time is integral to the project’s success. Technicians will be trained by RGJV staff and possibly other professionals in the field. However, successful candidates will already have strong Texas plant ID experience, experience with plant and/or rangeland surveys, and a strong, independent work ethic.

Primary Duties:

Primary duties include, but are not limited to:

• Vegetation surveys following the line-point intercept method, canopy gap method, and additional measures of vegetation and rangeland health.
• Identification of common plant species and plant species considered a priority to habitat management of grasslands. Other species will be identified to key functional groups.
• Coordinating with local biologists, RGJV staff, and landowners to gain access to private lands as needed. Additionally, coordinating with biologists to receive local training on plant ID, protocol updates, etc. as needed.
• Candidates will be expected to work long hours with early starts in relatively difficult field conditions (e.g., high temperatures, exposure to the elements (sun, wind, rain), intense hiking, active cattle pastures, venomous snakes, cactus, chiggers, ticks, etc.).
• Housing will be arranged and may include bunkhouses, AirBnBs, and hotels. As such, candidates should be flexible about housing, are expected to adhere to current health advisories, and will be respectful of those around them.
• Technicians will regularly be interacting with Rio Grande Joint Venture partner organizations/agencies and landowners. As such, technicians must have excellent interpersonal skills as they will be expected to represent the RGJV and may be required to professionally interact with landowners in person or over the phone.
• Technicians will be required to drive a personal vehicle to and from field sites.
• Mileage will be reimbursed ($ 0.67/mile) for personal vehicles driven for work purposes during the field season.
• Personal vehicles should be in good condition and able to handle dirt/gravel/sandy roads. *Note that road conditions may be difficult in some areas depending on weather.

This is an opportunity to be part of a large-scale grassland conservation effort involving partner conservation agencies and organizations in Texas. This is the third year of the study, so flexibility and patience will be an asset.

Position Requirements:

• Experience with Texas plant identification, especially grasses and forbs
• Experience with vegetation surveys
• Experience with rangeland monitoring (e.g. NRCS’ NRI) is preferred but not required
• Experience with collecting data using Survey123 is preferred but not required
• Meticulous data collection skills
• Excellent navigational abilities
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• Valid driver’s license
• Must be ≥ 18 years old, eligible to work in the US, and willing to undergo a background check
• Must be willing to gain basic Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training (online course expense to be covered by American Bird Conservancy)

Benefits:

• This position is temporary and does not include benefits.