Description: In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting up to three (3) Field Technicians to work cooperatively as part of a larger team on botany, avian biology and restoration initiatives. The Technicians will focus a majority of their efforts on a variety of rare plant and butterfly host plant inventories for trail construction and campground improvement projects. Technicians will also assist with implementation of long-term monitoring projects for rare plant species. Other projects may include identification and collection of native plant seeds for restoration projects, conducting migratory and nesting bird surveys, and small-scale riparian and arid land restoration projects. Collectively, the team is responsible for data collection, entry and analysis; report writing; project planning and mapping; and other tasks assigned by SMNRA resource biologists. Opportunities to collaborate with other GBI crews at the SMNRA (e.g.: archaeology crew), and participate in trainings (e.g.: GIS) are available.
Compensation: o $9,600 Living Allowance o $2,362.50 AmeriCorps Education Award* o Student loan deferment* o Daily field per diem o Medical and dental benefits o Housing offered in USFS Spring Mountains NRA dormitory in Mt. Charleston, NV Timeline: o April 05, 2010 September 30, 2010 o Full time, minimum 40 hours per week Location: o Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (north and west of Las Vegas, NV) Qualifications: Technical requirements: o Experience conducting botanical field work; o Coursework in plant taxonomy and or sytematics (transcripts may be requested); o Knowledge of southwestern flora and fauna and/or ability to learn southwestern flora and fauna; o Experience using a plant key without pictures is critical; o Experience conducting plant surveys using various protocols. Monitoring protocols include collecting repeat photography, and transect and quadrat systematic sampling; o Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection; o Knowledge of GIS software, highly desirable but not required; and o Experience with technical writing and/or producing written project/grant reports. Additional requirements: o Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record (ability to drive manual transmission highly desirable); o Experience operating 4WD trucks in an on- and off-road setting, including narrow, mountain forest roads (ability to drive a manual transmission a plus); o Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; o Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public; o Possess good organizational skills; o Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; and o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, and (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of two in a lifetime, regardless of award amount). For a full position description visit our website at www.TheGreatBasinInstitute.org. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden, at [email protected]. Please include where you found this position posted. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
