Field Assistant - Vegetation (Seasonal)
DESCRIPTION
This recruitment will fill seasonal vacancies with the Water Department
Season: June - August
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
This position will entail daily field work during the summer on the Owens Valley floor
- Running vegetation transects and performing other vegetation assessments according to a standardized protocol
- Biological monitoring on the Lower Owens River Project
- Avian surveys if applicable
The above duties require accessing remote areas via 4-wheel-drive vehicle and walking into such areas, using air photos for orientation, operating a GPS device to obtain coordinates, and setting up and executing field work as assigned at designated locations throughout the Owens Valley.
QUALIFICATIONS & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
- A high school graduate or equivalent
- At least one year of experience working in a similar position or with at least 15 units of college coursework in a related field
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Principles of biology, botany, ecology, and/or soil science
- Principles of data collecting and basic mathematics
- Geography of the Owens Valley
- Basic first aid
ABILITY TO:
- Organize and carry out daily activities with minimal supervision
- Operate and maintain power and hand tools
- Operate a camera
- Read maps and aerial photographs
- Keep accurate logs and records
- Identify plants
- Engage in revegetation work
- Work well independently and with others
- Work flexible hours
- Work outdoors all day, often in adverse conditions including extreme temperatures, sun, wind, water, and insects
- Walk up to five miles a day over difficult and remote terrain while carrying up to 30 pounds
- Perform routine maintenance on vehicles and equipment
- Maintain a safe working environment
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- You may be required to drive a motor vehicle in the course of employment and must possess a valid operator’s license issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles
- Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation
- Position may be required to serve as a Disaster Service Worker during a County emergency
- Required to wear safety shoes