Research Assistant, Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association

Research assistants (2-3)

Location of work: Thunder Basin National Grassland, Bill, WY

Hours of work: 40 hours per week (4 x 10 hour days per week)

Salary: $2400 per month. Housing is provided. Three days of PTO and two
holidays included.

Dates: May 21 – August 16, 2018.

Applications received on or before February 9, 2018 will be considered.

Send application materials (cover letter, resume, references) and/or
questions to:
Dave Pellatz
Executive Director
Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association
671 Steinle Rd
Douglas, WY  82633
307-359-1328
dave@rswyoming.com

and copy to:
Lauren Porensky
Research Ecologist
Rangeland Resources Systems Research Unit
USDA-ARS
1701 Centre Ave.
Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA
970.492.7139
lauren.porensky@ars.usda.gov

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
Research assistant for the Thunder Basin Prairie Ecosystem Association
(TBGPEA). TBGPEA is a non-profit organization established to provide
private landowner leadership in developing a responsible, science-based
approach to long-term management of the lands of its members.  Over the
last ten years the Association has focused its efforts on developing
ecosystem-based conservation measures. These measures are designed to
address the habitat needs of species of concern in northeastern Wyoming
in balance with the need for sustainable economic and social activities
and preservation of cultural values.

TBGPEA is collaborating with the USDA-ARS Rangeland Resources Systems
Research Unit (RRSRU) to develop new knowledge about ecological
processes in Thunder Basin and apply this knowledge to improved
management for production and conservation objectives. The Research
Assistant will be supervised by the Board of TBGPEA with input from
RRSRU scientists. The Assistant will be responsible for collecting
scientific data from field experiments to evaluate how climate, fire,
soils, grazing management, and global change affect ecological phases,
states, transitions and thresholds in semi-arid rangeland ecosystems. If
time permits, the Assistant may help evaluate Association member’s
property as part of the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances
implementation.

MAJOR DUTIES
Collects soil and vegetation data and is responsible for quality
assurance/quality control of data collected.  Keeps exact, detailed
records of experimental data.  Provides data in an appropriate format
for incorporation into computer spreadsheets. Makes and records
observations of unusual happenings, phenomena or trends that might
influence interpretation of plot or field data.

Manages fieldwork program semi-autonomously; takes responsibility for
solving problems and adapting to current conditions and events without
constant supervision.

Operates, maintains, cleans, repairs and constructs equipment used in
plot and field experiments including, but not limited to, vehicles and
field equipment.

If time permits, the Assistant may participate in the development of
livestock grazing management plans and may also collect ornithological
or small mammal data.

Ensures that all safety and environmental concerns are addressed to
provide a safe work environment, and that activities in support of
research in the Thunder Basin do not pose an environmental threat.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS
Technical knowledge of plant identification, structure and function of
plant communities, and theory and practice of rangeland management, and
a familiarity with the methods of biological sciences such as biology,
chemistry, botany, etc, in order to participate responsibly in most
phases of the experimental process.

Experience with bird and/or small mammal wildlife survey techniques is
beneficial.

Ability to do efficient and high-quality work without direct
supervision. Ability to proactively solve problems and manage tasks
adaptively in order to get the job done on time.

Skill in the use of personal computers to utilize software packages such
as: word processing, data entry and manipulation in spreadsheets (e.g.,
Excel).

Communication skills necessary to follow directions precisely and
produce positive interactions with scientists, research personnel, and
the general public.

Knowledge of range science, soil science, general biology and ecology.

Practical knowledge of general vehicle maintenance and repair. Knowledge
of safe operating procedures when using equipment or vehicles. Knowledge
of UTV operation and safety is beneficial.

Practical knowledge of livestock management and nutrition for use in
development of livestock grazing management plans.

COMMUNICATION CONTACTS
Personal contacts are broad including TBGPEA members; scientists,
technicians and graduate students from other institutions or other
federal agencies; action agencies; non-governmental organizations;
vendors and contractors; state or local government entities; visitors
and the general public.

Personal contacts within the RRSRU involve support and assistance to
scientists and support staff. The purpose of personal contacts is to
mutually accomplish technical and support work; assist in planning and
coordinating work efforts; discuss technical requirements of equipment
with manufacturers and resolve problems concerning the work or the
peculiar needs of the organization; coordinate help with other research
projects; exchange information about research techniques; obtain
supplies and equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires standing, walking, bending and lifting of objects
weighing as much as 50 pounds.  Certain phases of the work require
extended (such as most of a work day) periods of standing or sitting
while accomplishing detailed experimental procedures.  Some procedures
require stamina and endurance.  Need to have the physical capability to
perform required duties without hazard to self or others when working
with machinery, cattle, horses, fire or chemicals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The job is located in a remote part of NE Wyoming. The work environment
is about 85% in the field and 15% in the shop or office.  The work
involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which
require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors. Throughout
the year, the person may encounter belligerent livestock, insects, dust
and extremes of weather. The person is required to wear protective
clothing (e.g., coats, boots, goggles, gloves, and respirator) as
conditions warrant.