Social Science Technician at Capitol Reef National Park
Description
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service and Capitol Reef National Park, is recruiting 1 Social Science Technician to join the AmeriCorps program. The technician will assist the park ecologist with data collection and processing related to visitor use monitoring in the park. Work will consist of conducting visitor surveys, maintaining, calibrating, and downloading automated trail and road counter data, mapping informal trails, and processing data in spreadsheets, databases, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Primary responsibilities include conducting visitor surveys, maintaining automated dataloggers, and mapping informal trails associated with the park visitor use monitoring program; training in field data collection protocols and methodologies will be provided. Specific duties include: developing data collection protocols and sampling plans; collecting social science and visitor use data related to visitor use planning for the park, which could include deploying equipment like trail and vehicle counters, downloading data from equipment, observing visitor behavior, and using GIS equipment and applications; organizing and consolidating data into appropriate formats, properly storing data for easy access and usability, and documenting methodology for data collection and analysis; analyzing visitor use and social science data using Microsoft Excel, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) or R, and ArcGIS to create descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate the managed access system; communicate analyses via written reports that address research questions, methodologies, analysis, and results. The technician will manage and maintain gear, tools and other NPS equipment needed to do the field work.
The Technician may also assist resource management staff with various avian species surveys, graffiti documentation and management, air quality monitoring, invasive plant control, seed collecting, revegetation of disturbed areas and riparian condition assessments. The technician will be supervised by the park Ecologist.
The Technician must be able to work well with other park staff and ensure that safety protocols are adhered to. The Technician will work to ensure that all AmeriCorps, GBI, NPS policies are adhered to.
Applicants should be advanced undergraduate or graduate students with education background and career objectives related to visitor use management, human dimensions of natural resources, and/or park and protected area management. Applicants must have completed course work in social science methods, statistics, natural resource management, and research design, have strong leadership and teamwork skills, and have an ability to interact with the public in a professional manner. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate ambitions to pursue a career that focuses on visitor use management in parks and protected areas. Experience with field-based and applied visitor use management, including visitor observations, social science analysis, and visitor monitoring, will be useful. Excellent communication and writing skills are required.
Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures nearing 100° F in the summer. Other challenging field conditions include high winds and gnats or other biting insects. Experience driving four-wheel drive vehicles on high clearance, dirt roads would be beneficial, but is not essential.
Timeline
- 35-week appointment (March 1, 2022 – October 30, 2022)
- Full time
Location
Capitol Reef National Park is located near Torrey, UT. The location is remote. The nearest gas station is 10 miles away and the nearest grocery store is approximately 30 miles away. A personal vehicle is required for travel/transport outside of work. There is currently no cell service in housing or near the duty station and it is spotty in other locations. Reliable cellular service is usually only found when nearing Torrey. The intern should find living in a remote location desirable. Located in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges. In addition to unique geological resources, the park also has a rich cultural history.
Compensation
- Total Living Allowance: up to $15,748.00 (allocated biweekly)
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $4,441.50 (Upon successful completion, the award may be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition.)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
- Camping Per Diem: $15/day (when applicable)
- Housing: The Park will provide housing in a 5-6-bedroom dormitory. The interns will have a private room with a shared bath, shared kitchen and common areas. The dormitory includes all appliances, coin-operated washer and dryer, some kitchen pots, pans and dishes, and internet service. Heat, electricity and water are included. A phone is available in each dorm and long distance calls can be made with a calling card. Housing is located approximately a 5-minute walk from the duty station.
Qualifications
Technical requirements:
- Applicants should be advanced undergraduate or graduate students with education background and career objectives related to visitor use management, human dimensions of natural resources, and/or park and protected area management;
- Applicants must have completed course work in social science methods, statistics, natural resource management, and research design;
- Familiarity with, or proven ability and desire to learn, use of dataloggers and associated software, as well as data management and analysis techniques;
- Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection;
- Knowledge of GIS software (highly desirable, but not required);
- Experience with technical writing and/or producing written project/grant reports;
- Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
Additional requirements
- Ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members, GBI and agency staff, and a diverse public;
- Ability to stand and engage with park visitors for extended periods of time;
- Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 20 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
- Good organizational skills; and
- Valid, state-issued driver’s license; clean driving record; and ability to safely operate a 4WD truck on paved and unpaved roads, including narrow, sandy or muddy desert roads.
As part of Great Basin Institute’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy, all employees are required to receive and provide proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccine prior to the first day of employment, unless a medical or religious exemption is submitted and approved. All employees covered by this policy are required to be fully vaccinated as a term and condition of employment at Great Basin Institute. Employees are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing primary vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine, with, if applicable, at least the minimum recommended interval between doses.
To review a copy of GBI’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, please visit our Field Updates page for more details. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to contact one of our staff members.
How to Apply
Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/careers.aspx?rf=HANDSHAKE&req=2022-ACI-003
The Great Basin Institute conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.