RESEARCH ASSISTANT -- VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION AND MAPPING PROGRAM

BOTANY/VEGETATION/ECOLOGY POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
VEGETATION CLASSIFICATION AND MAPPING PROGRAM
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
$15.00-$17.00 PER HOUR

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is seeking resumes for up to four
seasonal, full-time Research Assistant positions in the Vegetation
Classification and Mapping Program (VegCAMP) of the Biogeographic Data
Branch. Up to two Lead Research Assistants and two Research Assistants
will be hired, depending on qualifications and experience.  Employment
is contingent upon available funding for the project, which will be
determined by the end of January 2010. The positions will be overseen by
DFG staff located in downtown Sacramento, but will involve significant
field work in the greater Carrizo Plain (San Luis Obispo County) during
the months of March April, and May 2010.  Two staff will continue work
for an additional 4-8 weeks to enter and quality control field data and
identify unknown plant specimens.  Housing accommodations during the
work week will likely be provided within the Carrizo Plain project area
during the field season.

All Research Assistants will perform a variety of duties related to the
program's vegetation mapping and inventory project in the greater
Carrizo Plain. Their primary tasks will be to assist in the collection
of floristic and environmental data using standard vegetation sampling
protocols; maintain and operate field equipment; and collect plant
samples and prepare them for deposit at herbaria. Additional tasks may
include entering vegetation data into existing databases; assisting with
vegetation mapping using heads-up digitizing; and using spreadsheet,
database, and word processing functions on computer systems. While the
majority of field work will be in the Carrizo Plain, additional field
work may occur elsewhere in California, including Western San Diego
County.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of California flora and California plant communities;
ecological field sampling methods; and use of GPS and other field
equipment.  Willing to travel and perform field work under a variety of
conditions throughout California; to work irregular hours including
weekends and holidays; and to do routine work in order to learn. Be
organized, interested and have a cooperative attitude in field settings.
Experience operating 4WD vehicles on rough roads desirable, but not
required.  MS Access database and ArcGIS experience desirable, but not
required.

Additional qualifications for Lead Research Assistants include strong
background in California plant identification with coursework in plant
taxonomy, botany, ecology, or other related courses; strong
organizational, communication, and leadership skills; ability to lead
assistants in the field while promoting safe working conditions,
including navigating in remote terrain using a topographic map and
compass; proven ability to work independently and interact well with
crew members; ability to coordinate daily field tasks; manage data for
field team, ensuring data are recorded and entered accurately and
consistently.

Additional Information:

Must possess a valid California driver license, Class C.

Send a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to:

Steve Schoenig
Biogeographic Data Branch
1807 13th Street Suite 202
Sacramento, CA 95811
sschoenig@dfg.ca.gov

The closing deadline to receive applications is January 25, 2010.