Natural Resource Field Lead 03357 NWRC

Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Title: Natural Resource Field Lead
Schedule (FT/PT): Temporary Full Time
Travel Required: Yes (75-100%)
Clearance: Ability to Obtain

Incorporated in 2011, North Wind Resource Consulting’s core capabilities include environmental documentation and permitting; natural and cultural resource surveys; wildlife and botanical expertise; National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) technical services; historic and prehistoric surveys; environmental consultation such as Section 106 for cultural resources, Section 404 for wetlands, and Section 7 for endangered species); and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping capabilities. North Wind Resource Consulting maintains offices across the country.

POSITION PURPOSE:
This person will be in charge of a two-person team and is responsible for making sure all the data is accurately collected each day. This is a field-based position with all of the work taking place in an outdoor environment where weather and terrain can be demanding. Field teams will be expected to work 10-12 hour days and will be required to work extended sessions, typically eight (8) days on and six (6) days off throughout the field session. The position may involve an irregular schedule and extended hours. The position will report to a Project Manager located in Idaho Falls, Idaho; however, the field technician may be stationed near the survey area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a team of 2 – 3 entry Range Technicians on field sampling assignments.
• Follow established field protocols in performing vegetation sampling (including species inventory, foliar cover, canopy gap, species abundance, and herbaceous and woody heights)
• Collect and maintain field data pertaining to vegetation sampling (including species inventory, foliar cover, canopy gap, species abundance, and herbaceous and woody heights) at pre-determined sampling locations
• Provide guidance to entry level range technicians on the collection and maintenance of field data
• Establish sampling plots and transects
• Digging soil pits and characterizing and describing soil horizons to correlate sites with ecological site descriptions (ESDs)
• Make qualitative range assessments
• Take photo-points of range assessments and vegetation samplings
• Enter data into handheld Trimble CASI units and uploading photographs to the NRCS server
• Identify plants to species using dichotomous keys
• Employ extensive QA/QC data checks.
• Extensive 4x4 driving on unmaintained roads with and without lower level technicians as needed.
• Navigate off-trail to sampling sites with and without lower level technicians as needed
• Identify and describe soil horizons to help verify ecological site descriptions (ESDs)
• Maintain safety awareness and practices
• Regular communication with North Wind support staff and NRCS range staff
• Participation in North Wind and NRCS training

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the preparation of materials such as maps and equipment
• Assist in logistical planning and preparation for field hitches

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in botany, rangeland science, biology, natural resource management, soils, ecology or closely related field

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong work ethic
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and oral instruction
• Ability to provide guidance and instruction to lower level technicians
• Willingness to work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights)
• Knowledge of vegetation and soil survey and monitoring techniques.
• GPS experience.
• Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic setting, and to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the goals and objectives of the NRI program and North Wind’s commitment to providing the NRCS with the highest quality data.

Special Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote areas on unimproved roads.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three (3) years of experience including:
• Experience identifying plants in the field and using a dichotomous key;
• Experience in describing and identifying soil horizons preferred;
• Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols, including standard rangeland monitoring protocols, photo plots, and site observations;
• Experience with data entry and management;
• Reading, interpreting and navigating using topographic maps;
• Experience navigating with hand-held GPS units
• CPR/First Aid certified
• Experience with identifying vegetation to species is important.
• Familiarity with NRCS's National Resources Inventory (NRI) methodology and/or BLM's Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) protocols desired.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to travel to a location, walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather, rugged terrain, and ability to carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds is required.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to work in remote locations and away from home for up to eight days at a time.
• Outdoor working environment.

North Wind offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health, life, and disability insurance benefits, 401(k) with company match, generous paid leave and tuition reimbursement for eligible employees. As a company, we are committed to employee wellness, professional development, and work-life balance. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our people!