Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting four (4) Research Associates to perform botanical surveys for invasive and noxious weeds in support of the Forest's Statewide Noxious Weed Program. The main duties for this position include: treating noxious weed populations by hand or through chemical application of herbicides; inventorying wilderness and non-wilderness forest lands for noxious weed populations; and mapping treatment areas and plant populations using a hand-held PDR (personal data recorder) and GPS unit. A two-week training session including invasive plant and noxious weed identification, herbicide safety (including applicator certification), technical training with PDRs and associated software, ATV and 4WD operation, and first aid will be provided at the beginning of the field season.
Location and Timeline: Openings are available in Northeastern Nevada, as well as along the Sierra Front. o Carson Ranger District: May 16th – September 30th (20 weeks) o Austin/Tonopah Ranger District: May 16th – September 30th (20 weeks) Compensation: o Living stipend = $8,000 o AmeriCorps Education Award* = $2,038 o Housing options offered** * AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualifying federal student loans. Loan forbearance and accrued interest payment on qualifying student loans is also available. ** Housing in USFS barracks provided in Austin/Tonopah; monthly housing stipend or GBI barracks provided in Carson Qualifications: Technical requirements: o The successful candidates will possess knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification - prior experience with invasive plant management, desirable; o Willingness and ability to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods; o Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units and/or PDRs for navigation and/or data collections, along with basic computer skills; o Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; o Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads; and o Experience operating an ATV, and towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable. Additional requirements: o Ability to self-direct and self-motivate; o Possess good organizational skills; o Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 6-10+ km daily on uneven terrain; o Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices; o Communicate effectively with a diverse public; o Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record; and o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Stacy Mitchell, Recruitment Coordinator 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.
