Field Assistant I – Vegetation Surveyor

Field Assistant I – Vegetation Surveyor assists with Powdermill’s long-term efforts to collect vegetative data across Powdermill mid-May through Early August. Vegetation surveyors will identify and measure trees and shrubs within sampling plots and estimate ground and plant coverage at multiple height classes. 

To learn more about Powdermill Nature Reserve and the vegetation data collection, please visit our website: www.carnegiemnh.org/visit-powdermill/  and https://maps.carnegiemnh.org/index.php/projects/vegetation/

This is a temporary assignment expected to last from mid-May through early August. Housing is provided. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Applicants should have a high school degree, or equivalent, in addition to a valid driver’s license.
• Bachelor’s degree or enrollment in an undergraduate institution preferred.
• Experience identifying eastern trees and shrubs and/or experience with vegetative surveys preferred.
• Ability to navigate with a GPS preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong candidates will have experience with the identification of eastern trees and shrubs as well as prior experience sampling vegetation. 
• The successful applicant will be able to work well both independently and as part of a team. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The position requires extended periods of walking and standing. 
• Must be able to walk 6 to 10 miles per day on uneven or muddy terrain sometimes in inclement weather (e.g. hot, cold, rain).
• Candidates will be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULING

• 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday.
• Working outdoors in a forested environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• To quantify vegetative communities to study interactions between organisms and the environment in Powdermill’s forest ecosystems and its response over time to invasive species, anthropogenic change, forest management, and climate change. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Please have all application materials submitted by February 28, 2025. 

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.

Carnegie Museums is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minorities / Females / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity

The above job description reflects the essential functions and qualifications for the position identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and does not alter the at-will relationship between CMP and the employee.   

*GUIDANCE ON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   The Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) requires employers to consider and accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.  An individual is qualified if he or she can perform the essential functions of a job with or without reasonable accommodation. An essential job function is any task that is a fundamental part of the job.  When considering essentiality, one must focus upon whether the function is essential to this particular job and not to the department as a whole. Some additional guidance on essential functions follows below.  Please note that the following guidelines are non-exhaustive.  If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please contact Human Resources. A. Is the function required to be performed on a regular basis? If the function is rarely performed, it may not be essential. B. Is the function highly specialized? Is the incumbent hired for his/her expertise or ability to perform the function?  The need for special expertise is an indication of an essential function. C. Does the position exist, at least in part, to perform the function?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. D. How much time is spent performing the function and how often?  Note that even functions performed 10% of the time could be essential if they are required on a regular basis. E. Would elimination of the function fundamentally alter the job?  If so, the function is more likely to be essential. F. What are the consequences of not requiring the incumbent to perform the function? If they are significant, the function is more likely to be essential.  G. Are there a limited number of employees among whom the performance of the function could be distributed if the incumbent could not perform it?  If so, it is more likely to be essential.