Position Description and Application Information
JOB TITLE: Freshwater Mussel Technician
LOCATION: Based in Oregon, majority of work sites located in central Oregon, with additional travel to sites in Washington state.
COMPENSATION: $22 per hour, commensurate with qualifications
JOB START DATE: Approximate start date June 1, 2023
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2023
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs
We are committed to creating a more diverse workforce that is welcoming to all employees and the communities we serve. As part of the application process, please be prepared to answer a brief essay question (1,000 characters or less) in which you describe some ways you might help Xerces collaborate with diverse audiences or historically excluded communities in this role.
Xerces is happy to provide accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email reasonable.accomodation@xerces.org.
JOIN US!
Come join a team of conservation professionals at the Xerces Society who are dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most important animals. We are seeking a motivated expert who can join our team of Endangered Species conservation biologists to support the freshwater mussel conservation program.
At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:
The position will consist mainly (95%) of conducting fieldwork in rivers and streams throughout Oregon and Washington, which will require the employee to drive a vehicle from their location to field sites. The majority of field sites are located in central Oregon. Duties will be primarily focused on surveying for freshwater mussels in central Oregon, with additional duties to support research and conservation efforts elsewhere in Oregon and Washington. Data collection will require snorkeling and wading in order to conduct visual and tactile surveys for freshwater mussels. The position will report to the Xerces Society’s Freshwater Mussel Program Lead (Portland, OR office) and work in collaboration with other Endangered Species team staff and federal, tribal, and state land management and wildlife agencies.
The successful candidate must have prior experience snorkeling and be able to swim, carry 30 pounds using a backpack, walk over uneven terrain, and be comfortable working long hours in the field as part of a team. Prior experience collecting and identifying freshwater mussels, paddling boats such as kayaks, canoes, or rafts, and driving unimproved roads is preferred. Applicants with SCUBA, wilderness first aid, and/or swift-water rescue certifications is also preferred. Successful candidates will be required to pass an in-water safety training upon hiring.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Working as a team with the Xerces Society Endangered Species Program staff, the successful applicant will:
- Assist with and/or lead fieldwork in a crew of 2-4 people.
- Conduct surveys for freshwater mussels, by snorkeling, wading, or boating in rivers and streams of variable sizes.
- Complete in-water safety training.
- Collect, record, and report data from paper forms and field notes, including completing data entry using electronic spreadsheets.
- Communicate with public land managers about the project and coordinate survey access, and work respectfully with private landowners and public agency staff while surveying on or near their property.
- Hike off-trail up to 2 miles through dense vegetation or on steep slopes if necessary to access sites.
- Participate in multi-day overnight travel and camping at remote field sites Monday through Friday during the period of employment.
- Navigate and drive to field sites on unimproved roads and through use of a GPS unit or mapping application.
- Follow all applicable Xerces Society policies, including those related to overnight and remote fieldwork and in-water fieldwork.
STATUS & SCHEDULE: This is a temporary position, scheduled to work ~ 40 hours/week from June 1st 2023 to September 30, 2023
BENEFITS: This temporary position is eligible for Paid Time Off benefits, but not for health or disability insurance benefits.
TERMS: The Xerces Society is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
MORE INFORMATION: For more information on the Xerces Society and our programs, please see our website: www.xerces.org
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Xerces Society is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
PRIORITY REFERRAL OF PROTECTED VETERANS
We request priority referral of protected veterans for all openings with our organization. In order to be considered for employment, all applicants for employment with Xerces Society, apply through our Job Board. When referring or being referred as a candidate, including protected veterans, please refer them to this applicant site; http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs.
