Fire Preparedness Vegetation Specialist (NPS, Joshua Tree National Park)
About The Position
The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with NPS at Joshua Tree National Park, is recruiting one (1) vegetation specialist to participate in vegetation monitoring and planning for fire preparedness alongside park staff. Joshua Tree National Park’s vegetation management and fire management programs are gold standard science-based programs that utilize on-the-ground biological data to inform active management before, during, and after wildfires. These actions include fuels reduction, invasive plant management, pre-planning of access routes and firelines, resource advising, and post-fire restoration. JTNP’s vegetation monitoring program includes shrub and tree monitoring, spring annual wildflower monitoring in 25 plots across the park in both burned and unburned areas, restoration effectiveness monitoring, and rare plant monitoring for six species. The vegetation specialist will serve as the field lead for vegetation monitoring programs in the park intended to inform fire management and preparedness. They will create data products and compile results from field work and assist in the development of fire and vegetation management plans.
Requirements
- Bachelors degree or higher in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Experience in identifying Mojave and/or Colorado Desert plants to the species level using dichotomous keys, or similar botanical experience in a related system
- Experience working in an adverse field environment to accomplish physical tasks, alone or as a member of a team
- Experience following rigorous scientific protocols including data collection, management, and quality checking
- Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record
- Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.
Nice To Haves
- Experience serving as a leader of a field crew including planning, scheduling, and execution of projects and training new team members
- Experience operating a 4WD vehicle in remote settings and on rugged terrain including ability to self-rescue
Responsibilities
- Lead data collection for annual wildflower monitoring programs at 25 or more remote sites across JTNP in burned and unburned areas
- Identify Mojave and Colorado Desert plants to the species level or below using dichotomous keys
- Assist with rare plant monitoring and restoration effectiveness monitoring protocols
- Provide field leadership and supervision to two vegetation monitoring interns
- Follow rigorous scientific protocols for data collection across all projects
- Oversee data entry and quality control for all projects
- Assist with the development of a rare plant management plan including planned fire response in sensitive areas
- Write reports and assist with development of fire management and vegetation management plans
- Assist as needed with planning and implementation for invasive plant management, restoration, and fuels reduction programs
Benefits
- Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums
- $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
- Personal leave and holidays
- Access to Pro Deals
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
