Research Technician III (Temporary) (Multiple Positions)

The School of Natural Resources and the Environment goal is to be a world leader in pursuing science that helps society understand the impacts of environmental change on our natural resources and develop management strategies for sustainable solutions. Our faculty, students, and staff take great pride in doing problem-solving research, teaching, and Cooperative Extension work that encompasses all aspects of environmental stewardship.

Our research answers important questions about how ecosystems respond to environmental and human pressures. We develop strategies to mitigate these effects and to create and maintain healthy and sustainable ecological systems. We focus on ecosystem function, conservation biology, and natural resource management, on both a local and continental scale. We use cutting-edge monitoring tools and geospatial technologies, such as Geographic Information System mapping, drone and satellite data and modeling, to develop new ways to protect our most valuable resources.

The Plant Restoration Specialist will focus on restoring populations of saguaro cacti to create habitat for dependent wildlife in the Altar Valley of Arizona largely on federal and county lands. Effort will involve implementing extensive field work often in remote areas planting saguaros or removing them from power line rights of way and moving and planting them in suitable areas. Following planting in winter and spring, saguaros will be watered in late spring and condition monitored.

Work schedule will often be 10 hour shifts, 4 days a week with some camping for 1-2 nights required. Expenses for overnight work will be reimbursed as allowable per UA and state of Arizona per diem guidelines (max of $70/day).

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance and disability programs; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Transport and plant saguaro cacti at field locations:

• Uprooting and transplanting of wild plants, and some planting of nursery grown cacti.
• Develop map locations of plantings.
• Collaborate as small team sometimes with a contractor in the field.
• Drive to field sites to plant saguaros and occasionally camp overnight.
• Drive with a small trailer and water trailer.
• Under minimal supervision prepare field equipment including slings, netting, wire cages and other materials to protect and transport plants.
• Evaluate, water and monitor planted saguaros.
• Clean and purchase field equipment, develop and plan logistics and travel, work with and communicate effectively with managers, agency staff and supervisors to foster efficient and safe implementation of field work for field team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's):

• Knowledge and experience with planting desert plants especially succulents.
• Ability to traverse rugged often off-trail terrain and carry or wheel saguaros with hand trucks and wagons to planting sites.
• Knowledge of native plants, landscaping, horticulture, and experience with planting and transplanting techniques for saguaros.
• Ability to use basic hand tools and also power tools such as hammer drills.
• Ability to carry a water pack with 5 gallons of water to water plants.
• Ability work as part of a team in remote areas.
• Ability to interact with agency personnel, land managers, and contractors to facilitate safety in the field and plan work.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Five years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.