Natural Resource Specialist (Vegetation Field Sampling)

Job Title: Natural Resource Specialist (Vegetation Field Sampling)

Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico (with travel to various field sites)

Job Summary:
We are seeking a Natural Resource Specialist to support the USDA Forest Service and NRCS in collecting vegetation and soil data, developing Ecological Site Descriptions, and preparing technical reports and publications. The role involves fieldwork, data management, and collaboration with researchers and agency partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct field vegetation sampling across multiple land uses (forests, rangeland, wetlands, pastures, orchards, crops, beaches).

• Collect and organize field data (species identification, soil/vegetation interactions, ecological conditions).

• Ensure accuracy and quality of collected data; maintain detailed records, photos, and field notes.

• Prepare draft and final reports, including Ecological Site Descriptions, technical reports, fact sheets, and peer-reviewed publications.

• Coordinate and communicate regularly with Forest Service and NRCS collaborators.

• Participate in weekly progress reviews with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

• Manage small field teams as required.

• Travel to sampling sites within Puerto Rico as needed.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or related field.

• At least 5 years’ experience in field inventories, data collection, and scientific reporting.

• Knowledge of local Puerto Rico flora and ecosystems.

• Demonstrated experience in ecological or natural resource publications.

• Strong data management and quality assurance skills.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required).

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in field environments.

Workload & Schedule:

• Approximately 20 hours per week over a 12-month period.

• Estimated 1,000 hours total (250 hrs for field inventories, 750 hrs for reports and publications).