Position Description: The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the Endangered Species Act. In 2005, the Southern Nevada Complex fires burned over 597,000 acres in southern Lincoln County, NV, including almost 225,500 acres of desert tortoise habitat. Field studies have been conducted to assess habitat characteristics and use of the fire-affected region by desert tortoises. A further goal of the ongoing project is to establish an education program for students, the public and agency personnel in Lincoln County to provide information on the ecology and conservation biology of desert tortoises in southern Nevada and throughout their range. Outreach/Environmental Education Specialists will:
Present programs on desert tortoises, their habitat and land stewardship to local schools, scouts, Rotary, OHV groups, and other publics; Bring the Mojave Max Program and the Emergence Contest (as used in Clark County) to the schools in Lincoln County and Mesquite in Fall 2009; Create a desert tortoise outreach module for use by teachers and other user groups in Lincoln County; Produce a desert tortoise outreach display for the BLM-Caliente Field Office foyer and for travelling use for outreach programs; Adopt a desert tortoise for the Caliente Field Office and create a tortoise habitat viewing area for the public; Design public outreach materials, such as kiosks, signs, brochures and web pages, about desert tortoises and their habitat. Compensation: o Rate of Pay: $17.64/hour o Medical and dental benefits o Paid personal leave o Travel per diem Contract & Timeline: o August 2009 March 2010 o 40 hours per week o Weekend hours may be required. Location: oBased in Mesquite, NV (about one hour from Las Vegas, NV and St. George, UT). oRecreation opportunities within 200 mile radius: Grand Canyon, Zion and Death Valley National Parks, Lake Mead and Spring Mountains National Recreation Areas, Mojave National Preserve, Dixie National Forest, Valley of Fire State Park. Qualifications: o Bachelors degree in biology, ecology or related field; o Experience in environmental education and/or public outreach activities; o Knowledge of the ecology of desert tortoises and their habitat highly desirable; o Familiarity with southwestern/Mojave desert ecosystems highly desirable; o Effective communication, public speaking and teaching skills; o Willingness and ability to interact effectively with others; o Experience and skills in graphic design and light construction preferred; o Possess a valid, clean state-issued drivers license, and operate a 4WD vehicle safely on- and off-road. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and three professional references to Bridget Walden, Great Basin Institute Human Resources Coordinator, at [email protected].
