Botanical Surveys: The firm must show experience conducting botanical surveys in Idaho, with preference given to past projects conducted within the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) in the past. Survey teams must be able to identify to species 95% of the plant species within a designated area. Biological soil crusts must be identified to type (moss, lichen, cyano bacteria…), with preference given to firms that have conducted biological soil crust surveys/inventories in the past. Surveys must be done during the appropriate time of year to detect the presence of listed (federally threatened and endangered) and BLM/State of Idaho sensitive plant species. Experience: Lead Field Technician: Must meet requirements outline for a BLM journey-level botanist, and familiar with local southwest Idaho flora as demonstrated by a resume or other supporting documentation. Minimum of a BS/BA in biology, ecology, plant systematics, or other pertinent field from an accredited University, and a minimum of 10 years of applicable field experience; or MS/MA in biology, ecology, plant systematics, or other pertinent field from an accredited University and 5 years of applicable field experience. Field Technician: All technicians, para-botanist, or apprentice botanist must be under the direct supervision of a BLM journey-level botanist. Minimum of a BS/BA in biology, ecology, plant systematics, or other pertinent field form an accredited University, and a minimum of 3 years of applicable field experience; or MS/MA in biology, ecology, plant systematics, or other pertinent field from an accredited University and 1 years of applicable field experience. Wildlife Surveys: The firm must show experience conducting wildlife surveys in Idaho, with preference given to past projects conducted within the NCA. Survey must identify wildlife species encountered to appropriate taxonomic level based on the type of survey. All mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and avian species shall be classified to species. All invertebrates must be classified to family or genus. Surveys must be done during the appropriate time of year to detect the presence of listed (federally threatened and endangered) and BLM or State of Idaho sensitive wildlife species.
