Range Technician III

Wildlife

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $16.53/Temporary/Full-Time

The Range Technician III will work as a member of a vegetation sampling team collecting plant and habitat data. The technician will navigate to and from remote sites in rugged terrain, collect plant species and habitat data, collect GIS data, complete data entry, and conduct quality control of data. The technician will identify unknown plant species using dichotomous plant taxonomy keys in order to complete surveys.

Examples of Work Performed:

Plan and coordinate daily sampling locations and transportation needs.

Plan and coordinate data collection, data entry and GIS activities of field crew.

Lead field crew activities.

Communicate with supervisor daily on work progress.

Keep detailed records of daily activity.

Navigate to remote field locations by vehicle and on foot.

Locate survey points using hand-held devices and topographic maps.

Set up survey equipment and establish permanent survey points.

Conduct vegetation and habitat surveys using National Resources Inventory and Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health protocols, including reading Line-Point Intercept and Gap-Intercept transects, digging soil pits and describing soil horizons, collecting vegetation biomass samples, describing the 17 indicators of rangeland health, and summarizing overall site conditions.

Use hand-held devices, such as GPS units, tablets, and digital cameras to collect data.

Aid in creating and updating GIS maps.

Identify plants to species level by sight and using taxonomic keys.

Complete data entry and quality control of data.

May be assigned to other tasks not identified in this description, as required by supervisor and/or program manager, to assist other Wildlife Program staff (other duties as assigned).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Experience conducting habitat and vegetation surveys.

Experience and knowledge in identifying plants to species level using taxonomic keys.

Knowledge of East Cascades/Columbia basin plants and habitats.

Ability to use GPS units, digital and printed maps, and topographic maps to navigate to remote sites.

Experience using digital cameras, GPS units, and other hand-held devices to collect habitat and vegetation data.

Ability to use computer software to download and enter data, create maps, and write reports.

Ability and willingness to learn new skills, including how to complete complex habitat and vegetation sampling techniques.

Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle in rugged terrain.

Ability to work long hours and walk long distances in rugged terrain in difficult weather conditions.

Ability to work well in a team setting and communicate effectively.

Ability to lead field crews on a day-to-day basis.

Ability to problem solve and adapt in dynamic situations.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to maintain accurate records and data pertinent to surveys.

Knowledge of the area, especially the closed area of the Yakama Reservation, is preferred but not required.

Minimum Requirements:

Must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.

Must have a minimum of six months experience identifying plant species using standard dichotomous

taxonomic keys.

Must have a minimum of one college course in plant taxonomy, plant identification, or the equivalent course, OR be able to show proficiency and understanding through past work experience.

A minimum of one-year college coursework in botany, plant biology, natural resources, or other closely related field is strongly preferred but not required.

A minimum of six months experience conducting vegetation surveys is strongly preferred but not required.

A minimum of six months work experience in East Cascades/Columbia basin habitats is strongly preferred but not required.

Candidate will be required to demonstrate ability to successfully identify plants to species level using a taxonomic key prior to hiring.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit. Special exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Wildlife Program Manager.

Must pass a pre-employment background check.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.