Daily Report - Yosemite National Park
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Weather
Yosemite: TODAY...SUNNY...WINDY. HIGHS 67 TO 72 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...44 TO
50 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
TONIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY. WINDY. LOWS 39 TO 44 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY... 18 TO
28 IN THE HIGH COUNTRY. GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH OVER THE CREST AFTER MIDNIGHT.
WEDNESDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 30 PERCENT CHANCE OF SNOW SHOWERS. VERY
WINDY. SNOW LEVEL 6000 FEET. HIGHS 59 TO 64 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...35 TO 43
IN THE HIGH COUNTRY.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT...MOSTLY CLOUDY WITH A 20 PERCENT CHANCE OF SHOWERS. WINDY.
SNOW LEVEL 6500 FEET. LOWS 36 TO 41 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...15 TO 25 IN THE
HIGH COUNTRY. GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH OVER THE CREST IN THE EVENING.
THURSDAY...MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGHS 52 TO 57 IN YOSEMITE VALLEY...29 TO 35 IN
THE HIGH COUNTRY.
El Portal: Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 71. Calm wind becoming
west southwest between 6 and 9 mph.
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. West southwest wind between 5
and 8 mph becoming calm.
Wednesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near
63. Calm wind becoming west between 8 and 11 mph.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind between 8
and 11 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming west
southwest between 6 and 9 mph.
Happening Today/This Week (Check the Community News section for other
events)
Fire Science Symposium Special Presentation - "Best Intentions" video to be
shown this evening at 5:30 pm in the Yosemite Visitor Center Theatre.
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Campground opening: The back loops of Upper Pines, and North Pines
Campgrounds have opened for the season. Both are on the reservation
system. (M. Carter - 3/25/08)
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The Yosemite National Park Fire Management Program, the Division of
Resources Management and Science, and the USGS Yosemite Field Station are
sponsoring the 2nd Yosemite Fire Science Symposium Tuesday March 25th and
Wednesday 26th at the Cliff Room in the Yosemite Valley. The purpose of the
Fire Science Symposium is to share research and information on issues
related to fire and smoke management in the Sierra Nevada, including
Yosemite National Park. This is an opportunity for Park and National Forest
fire managers, along with regional and local airshed managers, to interact
with researchers and discuss the latest information on the latest issues,
including climate change, fire ecology, and smoke management.
The Yosemite Fire Science Symposium will be open to the public and free of
charge, however RSVP will be greatly appreciated. Please contact Leland
Tarnay, Air Resources Specialist (209-379-1422, Leland_Tarnay@nps.gov) or
Kent van Wagtendonk, Fire GIS Specialist, (209 379 1046,
kent_van_wagtendonk@nps.gov) to RSVP or for further information. (P.
Meierding - 3/20/08)
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The next Open House will be on FRIDAY March 28 instead of a Wednesday.
Friday, March 28, 2008 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm in the Yosemite Valley Visitor
Center Auditorium.
Planning efforts and projects that will be represented at this Open House
are:
New Zealand Mud Snails
Find out how to avoid bringing this invasive species into the park.
Greening the operations of the park
Find out about the sustainable practices the park uses in its daily
operations
Tuolumne Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
Merced Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive Management Plan
Invasive Plant Management Plan
Environmental Education Campus
Construction and Project Updates (P. Meierding - 3/21/08)
New Today
Hodgdon Meadow Duplex Installation - The contractor has completed most of
the site work and is scheduled to finish with the foundation by Friday,
3/28/08. Framing and utility crews will mobilize the week of 03/31/08.
Construction is scheduled to continue through the spring and summer and be
completed in September. (J. Chisum - 03/25/08)
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Selection of GS7 Biological Science Technician: J. L Leonard - I am very
pleased to announce that John Leonard has accepted a GS7 term Biological
Science Technician position with the Branch of Vegetation and Ecological
Restoration in the Division of Resources Management and Science. John has
a Bachelor's of Science degree in Forest Management from Humboldt State
University and after college served several years as a Forestry
Extensionist for the Peace Corps in Ecuador at the Antisana Biological
Reserve. He then worked more than six years as a Consulting Utility
Forester and for the past six years has worked at Yosemite National Park as
Restoration Worker, Firefighter, and Restoration Leader.
Please join me in congratulating John on his new position. (N. Nicholas -
3/25/08)
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Employment Opportunity
Field Science Project Manager
Yosemite Institute, Yosemite National Park
This is a full time position with Yosemite Institute, a campus of the
Yosemite National Institutes (YNI).
The Field Science Project Manager is responsible for developing and
managing Yosemite Institute's (YI) field research and monitoring
projects in conjunction with the goals of YI and the needs of Yosemite
National Park(YNP). These projects provide YI students with
inquiry-based learning opportunities while often meeting monitoring needs
of YNP. The Field Science Project Manager also coordinates
summer field research courses in the Yosemite National Park.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who is equally comfortable working
collaboratively or independently, who can demonstrate the
following:
· *Master's or higher degree in education or environmental/natural
sciences
· *Three to four years of education/research experience;
· *Knowledge of backpacking practices and ability to lead students
safely in wilderness or remote locations
· *Knowledge of National Park system and experience of working as a
park partner preferred.
· *Current Wilderness First Responder
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience. YNI provides a comprehensive compensation
package, including competitive salary, medical and dental
benefits, generous vacation and the opportunity to work in spectacular
locations.
If you meet these requirements and are interested in applying, please
contact John DiDiego at jdidiego@yni.org for more information.
Closing Date March 29th. (J. DiDiego - 3/25/08)
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Saturday March 29 9pm – Midnight: FREE - Evergreen Lodge
Join us in our tavern as we welcome Bay Area instrumental band, Little
Muddy.
With a combination of evocative and rocking original instrumentals, and
great interpretations of classic movie themes, R+B, country and rock
classics, Little Muddy has forged a unique niche in instrumental
roots-music.
For more information, call (209) 379-2606 or send us an email at
info@evergreenlodge.com (J. Gorman - 3/25/08)
Construction News
North and Southside Drive Rehabilitation
*April 7th thru April 17th>>Southside Drive will be closed between
Sentinel Bridge and the west end of Housekeeping. (Access to Housekeeping,
Leconte Memorial, Curry Village, and Campgrounds will be via Northside
Drive.) Northside Drive between Camp-6 Intersection and Curry Village will
become 2-way traffic during this 10-day detour. Also, Southside Drive will
remain open between Curry Village and Housekeeping with 2-way traffic.
During this closure crews will be placing culverts on this segment of
Southside Drive.
*March 24th thru April 4th---There will be intermittent one lane traffic
control on Southside Drive between Housekeeping and Pohono Bridge as crews
are surveying and placing rock (Less than 15-minute delays).
*Crews on Northside Drive are placing culverts and today they will begin
grinding up the existing asphalt in preparation for paving.
Big Oak Flat Road Slide Repair
*March 24th thru March 28th crews will complete placing the rock slope
stabilization.
*March 31st thru April 4th weather permitting crews will complete repaving
and cleanup.
Yosemite Creek Pedestrian Bridge
*March 24th thru March 28th crews should complete setting the new bridge
beams and begin placing the new wood decking.
*March 31st thru April 25th continue placing the wood decking, railing and
work on the approaches. (M. Pieper - 3/24/08)
Announcements
Please be advised that in order to prepare for an AMR CAP Status review,
the Contracting Office will be closed onThursday 3 April 2008. (L. Sheetz -
3/21/08)
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Leave Share Participants
Currently, YOSE leave share participants are:
Shari Baudoux
Kevin Bowman
Kimberly Cunningham-Summerfield
You can find leave share participants Servicewide on InsideNPS at:
http://insidenps.gov/index.cfm?handler=leaveshare
If you are interested in contributing annual leave, please do so by
completing a Request to Donate Annual Leave to Leave Recipient (Within
Agency) Under the Leave Transfer Program, OPM Form 630-A. A fillable PDF
version of the OPM 630-A may be found at:
http://opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/opm630a.pdf (T. Hawkins - 1/31/07)
HR Corner
Detail/Temporary Promotion Opportunity:
Parkwide Custodial and Grounds is looking for a permanent career or
career-conditional Yosemite National Park employee interested in a
temporary promotion (if qualified and eligible) or detail (if not
qualified) for up to 120 days to perform the duties of Maintenance Worker
Leader, WL-4749-05. The duties would include leading VIP groups, performing
buildings and grounds maintenance work and would require working weekends.
If you are interested please submit your resume to Irma Keheley in Human
Resources Office, El Portal, no later than close of business March 31,
2008. Please make sure to have your supervisors approval. For additional
information about the position, please contact Brian Martin at (209)
375-9508. (I. Keheley - 3/24/08)
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Yosemite National Park
Current Vacancy Announcements
UPDATED: March 24, 2008
The following is a summary of current vacancy announcements at Yosemite
National Park. Most vacancy announcements will be posted on
http://www.usajobs.gov . This website is the Office of Personnel
Management's USAJOBS internet site. If you have any questions or cannot
find the announcement on USAJOBS, please call the Park’s Human Resources
Office at (209) 379-1805.
PERMANENT – GOVERNMENTWIDE ALL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES
Ecologist (Prescribed Fire)
This position has been re-opened until 4/3/08.
Vacancy Ann.#: YP-156305 (DS)
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-0408-09/11
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/13/2008
Closing Date: 4/3/2008
Salary: From 43,731.00 to 52,912.00 USD per year
Maintenance Worker
Vacancy Ann.#: YP173085 ET-08 MPP
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: WG-4749-07
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: From 16.40 to 19.12 USD per hour
Mobile Equipment Servicer
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 181878
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: WG-5806-05
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: From 14.60 to 16.68 USD per hour
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT ASSISTANT (OA)
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 181881
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-0303-06/07
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: From 33,135.00 to 47,864.00 USD per year
Contract Specialist
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 155631 NMH 08
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-1102-07/09
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/12/2008
Closing Date: 3/28/2008
Salary: From 36,822.00 to 58,557.00 USD per year
TERM PROMOTION –YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK – PERM EMPLOYEES
Facility Operations Specialist
Vacancy Ann.#: YP173535 DR
Who May Apply: Status Candidates
Pay Plan: GS-1640-11
Appointment Term: Temporary Promotion
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/12/2008
Closing Date: 3/25/2008
Salary: From 54,494.00 to 70,843.00 USD per year
PERMANENT -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Ecologist (Prescribed Fire)
Vacancy Ann.#: YP-156304 (DS)
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0408-09/11
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/13/2008
Closing Date: 4/3/2008
Salary: From 43,731.00 to 52,912.00 USD per year
Maintenance Worker
Vacancy Ann.#: YP173074 ET-08
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: WG-4749-07
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: From 16.40 to 19.12 USD per hour
Mobile Equipment Servicer
Vacancy Ann.#: YP173075 ET08
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: WG-5806-05
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: From 14.30 to 16.68 USD per hour
Budget Clerk (Typing)
Vacancy Ann.#: YP174252-08-PS
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0561-04
Appointment Term: Permanent
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/11/2008
Salary: 26,569.00 USD per year
TERM -- STATUS NOT REQUIRED -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Historian
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 174153 WRB FY08
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0170-09/11
Appointment Term: Term
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: From 45,040.00 to 54,494.00 USD per year
TEMPORARY – STATUS NOT REQUIRED – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Clerk (OA)
Vacancy Ann.#: YP-174146-AY
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0303-04
Appointment Term: Term
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/25/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: 26,569.00 USD per year
MATERIALS HANDLER
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 180399 TEMP
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: WG-6907-05
Appointment Term: Temporary
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/13/2008
Closing Date: 3/26/2008
Salary: From 14.30 to 16.68 USD per hour
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE TECHNICIAN (AQUATIC)
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 180303 TEMP
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0404-05
Appointment Term: Temporary
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/13/2008
Closing Date: 3/27/2008
Salary: 14.24 USD per hour
COOK
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 181880 TEMP
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: WG-7404-08
Appointment Term: Temporary
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/1/2008
Salary: From 17.45 to 20.35 USD per hour
MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR
Vacancy Ann.#: YP 181877
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: WG-5703-05
Appointment Term: Temporary
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: From 14.30 to 16.68 USD per hour
Forestry Technician (Recreation)
Vacancy Ann.#: YP174251-08-PS
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0462-07
Appointment Term: Temporary
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 3/24/2008
Closing Date: 4/4/2008
Salary: 36,822.00 USD per year
Wildland Firefighter (Range or Forestry Aid/Technician)
Vacancy Ann.#: DOI-FIRE-2008-006
Who May Apply: Public
Pay Plan: GS-0455,0462-02/05
Appointment Term: Temporary
Job Status: Full-Time
Opening Date: 11/30/2007
Closing Date: 4/30/2008
Salary: From 10.09 to 16.37 USD per hour (H. Whitman - 3/25/08)
Community News
Just a reminder that the Yosemite Art & Education Center, operated by the
Yosemite Association, will open for the 2008 season on Monday, March 24th.
The first volunteer artist instructor is Carol Earle and she will be
teaching free art classes Monday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Go to
www.yosemite.org visitor information for the complete 2008 class schedule.
(M. Hansen - 3/24/08)
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YOSEMITE ART AND EDUCATION CENTER – Beginning March 24, Yosemite
Association (YA) is pleased to announce the start of the 25thseason of free
art courses at the Yosemite Art and Education Center. Visitors to Yosemite
National Park may sign up (space permitting) for these daily classes taught
by distinguished volunteer art instructors. The free classes are offered
Mondays through Saturdays to students of all artistic levels (including
beginners, and children under 12, when escorted by a parent). Each week, a
new artist offers different techniques and media. Each 4-hour course begins
at 10:00 a.m. at the Art and Education Center (located alongside the
Village Store/Sports Shop mall), where some fundamentals are covered, and
then the class is led to a scenic location in Yosemite Valley to show off
their creative skills. Students keep their artwork for vacation bragging
rights.
Even if you don’t enroll, the Art and Education Center has a full array of
reasonably priced art supplies. So if you don’t have your own materials,
stock up here! For simplicity, each week the Center features the supplies
best suited for that week’s course. Class sizes are limited, so it is best
to stop in to the Center to sign up before the class begins. The Art and
Education Center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and
you may stop by to sign up, and/or purchase supplies, any day of the week.
The YA web site lists the 2008 artists’ schedules, their media and the
course descriptions: just go to this direct link:
http://yosemite.org/visitor/AAC08.html
We are unable to accept phone or email reservations, but if you have
questions the Center may be reached at: 209 372-1442 or through email at
yosemiteartcenter@sbcglobal.net
And please remember, the program is offered by the nonprofit Yosemite
Association, so your purchases help directly benefit Yosemite. If you are a
Yosemite Association member, or if you join when you visit, you also
qualify for discounts on your purchases at all YA facilities. And you may
also want to purchase the wonderful consignment art offered from the many
talented art instructors. Make this a visit to remember through art! (T.
Arfsten - 3/24/08)
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March 24th-28th, YNP and Yosemite Institute will be hosting this fine
group:
Miller Middle School, Cupertino, 8th grade
Discovery Charter School, San Jose, 7th grade
Woodside Elementary School, Woodside, 6th grade
Roseville School, Roseville, 10th -12th grades
The Asia Foundation, San Francisco
Upland High School, Upland, 10th - 12th grades
If you are a graduate of any of this school or have any other connection to
the school or neighborhood, and you have any interest in speaking
informally with students from one of these schools, please contact John
DiDiego at 379-9514 ext 12, or jdidiego@yni.org to arrange a time and
place. (C. Hastings - 3/24/08)
Acting Designation
Dave Kari will be out of the office March 25 - April 1, returning to the
office April 2. During his absence, John Ray will be in charge of Trails
March 25 - 31. You can reach John on his cell phone: 742-8851, or by radio
#621. Jose Lopez will be in charge of Trails April 1. You can reach Jose
by cell at 742-8910, or by radio #640. (S. Baudoux - 3/25/08)
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Sueann Brown (379-1222) will be acting Branch Chief for History,
Architecture & Landscapes on Wednesday, March 26th and Danny Schaible
(379-1295) will acting Branch Chief for HAL on Friday, March 28th. (D.
Humphrey - 3/25/08)
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Tim Croissant (379-3297) will be acting Branch Chief for Vegetation and
Ecological Restoration on March 25, 2008. (J. Weaser - 3/25/08)
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In my absence during the week of March 24, Paul DePascale is acting Branch
Chief for Anthropology and Archeology. (L. Kirn - 3/24/08)
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Jonathan Bayless will be Acting Chief of I&E Mon-Wed, March 24-26
Scott Gediman will be Acting Chief I&E Thu-Fri, March 27-28 (T. Medema -
3/24/08)
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Tim Messick will be acting Valley Utilities Supervisor on Monday 3/24/08
through Thursday 3/28/08. He can be reached at 372-0560 or cell 742-8725
or Katie Bablitch at 379-1055. (K. Bablitch - 3/24/08)
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On the following days the designated employees will be acting Branch Chief
of Wildlife Management until my return
Monday, March 24 - Thursday March 27, Sarah Stock (379-1435)
Friday, March 28, Ryan Leahy (372-0476) (S. Thompson - 3/21/08
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Craig Anthony will be acting Safety Officer while Roger Farmer is on
Special Assignment through March 28. He can be reached at 379-1064, or you
can contact Claudine Ronay 379-1072. (C. Ronay - 3/20/08)
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Brian Martin will be the acting Buildings and Grounds Facility Manager
while Tom Darcy is out of the office from 3/24/08 thru 3/28/08. He can be
reached at either 379-1076 or 375-9508, or you may leave a message withTara
Hawksley at 379-1054. (T. Hawksley - 3/19/08)
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Dan Benitag will be acting PCO supervisor March 20th-30th while Alan
Hawksley is out of the park. Please call 209-372-0533 with any problems.(C.
Gonzales - 3/19/08)
