Temporary Position- Invasive Plant Field Technician

(Pending Administrative Approval; Ordinance Title: Watershed Resources Technician-Temp)

Seattle Public Utilities - Cedar River Municipal Watershed

Term: April 14 through October 13, 2010

Application Deadline: March 1, 2010

Position Description

The Invasive Plant Field Technician will use primarily non-herbicide methods to control or eradicate selected invasive species and will help install various experimental treatments.  Survey, inventory, and map the distribution of targeted invasive plant species.  Collect, enter, and summarize monitoring data and manage several invasive plant databases.

Responsible for coordination of some field activities and maintaining appropriate communication with SPU staff and supervisors.

*Required Qualifications*

Associate degree or two years of college botany, biology, environmental science, or related studies.  Must be able to identify common invasive and native plant species of the western Cascades.  Must be able to work independently and alone with little supervision, and navigate using road and topographic maps in a forest road system.  Must be in excellent physical condition and be willing to perform physical labor in remote locations in all types of weather, including pulling, cutting, and covering invasive plants.  Additional requisites include good data collection and data management skills; familiarity with Windows-based word-processing, database management, and spreadsheet software; ability to coordinate work crews; and possession of a valid Washington State drivers license.

*Desired Qualifications*

Bachelor degree in botany, biology, environmental science, or related field.

Interest in invasive plant management and watershed restoration.  Ability to conduct ecological research effectively and communicate results in appropriate visual and written formats.  Familiarity with or interest in learning GIS software.

*Additional Requirements*

Condition of employment includes successfully completed a pre-employment physical and background check

*Work Location*

Cedar River Municipal Watershed (approximately 5 miles from North Bend, WA, off I-90)

*Hours/Term/Salary*

Term will be a maximum of 6 months, April 13 through October 14 2010.  Start and end date are flexible *+* 2 weeks.  The position will be 40 hours per week, weekdays, with flextime available.  A part-time schedule for one of the months may be negotiable.  Occasional weekend work may be required.

Salary = $27.94 per hour, including premium in lieu of benefits.

Please email a letter of interest and resume to sally.nickelson@seattle.gov

For more information, call 206-233-1564.