Oregon Nature Conservancy Programme, USA

 

We are looking for specific applicants with specific skills and experience and a certain maturity and adaptability to working and living in remote locations in all weather conditions.  If you feel that you are a suitable candidate, please read the relevant volunteer position descriptions below and follow the steps on the following page to apply.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email:  Victoria.McNeil@workingabroad.com 

 

 

Position Title:  Ecological Field Technician - (2 places available)

Purpose: Each summer the Nature Conservancy conducts various ecological studies on the ecological systems of the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve in Northeast Oregon. These studies, which seek to better understand the unique biological diversity of the Zumwalt and how human actions affect it, require the assistance of trained volunteers with skills in botany, biology and other disciplines.

Location: Zumwalt Prairie, Northeast Oregon

Results: Volunteers will assist Conservancy staff with a variety of vegetation inventory, monitoring, and research projects in support of The Nature Conservancy’s conservation efforts on the Zumwalt Prairie. Volunteers will learn a variety of field ecology skills and apply them in collecting and analyzing data on the Zumwalt Prairie and will have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of on-the-ground conservation work. 

Report to:  Rob Taylor, PhD, Northeast Oregon Regional Ecologist

1. Familiarise yourself with terrain, vegetation, and ecology and conservation issues of the Zumwalt Prairie.

2. Learn basic field ecology skills and work as part of a team conducting a variety research and monitoring projects in the field.
3. Assist with inventory, mapping and monitoring of plant communities, rare species, and invasive species.
4. Assist with ecological research projects.
5. Assist in preserve stewardship.

Requirements:

Volunteers must be in good physical condition and able to walk 5-10 miles per day over rough terrain and tolerate extreme weather conditions of cold, warm, and wind while in the field.  Must possess a good work ethic and pay attention to detail.  Previous field experience on ecological projects is desirable, but not mandatory.  Positions require mature individuals who can comfortably interact with preserve visitors, university researchers, Conservancy staff and other crew members. Individuals must be willing to live in rustic, remote field housing with other crew members.

Length of appointment: Minimum 8 weeks, beginning 1st - 15th June 2010

Time commitment: Willingness to commit to a minimum of 40 hours/week.

Support provided:  Shared (“dorm style”) housing will be provided on The Nature Conservancy's Zumwalt Prairie Preserve. The Nature Conservancy will provide transportation to and from the worksite each day and will offer one trip per week to town to purchase food and other supplies. Reimbursement of actual food expenses up to $75 / week will be provided.

Deposit:  £150 pounds payable with application.

Benefits:  The chance to work closely with conservation professionals and learn about the ecology, conservation values and threats of the Zumwalt Prairie. An opportunity to learn how field studies contribute to real-world conservation work. Training in and experience using field ecology techniques, especially those relating to vegetation in a biologically rich, beautiful and remote part of Oregon.