Jackson Mountain Herd Management Area A.I.M Pilot Project Lead Position Objectives: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management Winnemucca District Office is recruiting an experienced environmental scientist (ecologist) to work cooperatively as Project Lead on a three-person interdisciplinary field team. The overall objective of the team is to perform land assessments through assessment, inventory and monitoring (AIM) of the geomorphic, hydrologic and vegetative characteristics. Data are utilized for management and adaptive management decisions, restoration projects, and/or to improve wildlife habitat to achieve a healthy and productive ecological condition. The principle purpose of this pilot project is to generate an understanding of the process used to develop land health assessments, including the data capture and evaluation.
Duties: General field duties include walking long distances over uneven terrain, assessing the physical high desert ecosystems, collecting GPS points, observing and monitoring wildlife, identifying vegetative demographics and distribution, and taking photo-points. The Lead will also coordinate with the GBI and BLM staff for project planning, equipment organization and maintenance, vehicle coordination, field protocol and data QA/QC, and team deployment and supervision. The successful applicants must have strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and exhibit strong leadership and organization skills. Office tasks include data organization, processing and QA/QC; post-processing GPS points; utilizing GIS to edit polygons as well as point and line data; and to create reports with GIS maps, pictures and concise field notes. This position requires GIS skills in ArcGIS 9.x and related mapping software and will play a vital role in facilitating the effective and efficient collection of monitoring data. This position may require long hours including early mornings and weekends. Timeline & Rate of Pay: o $17.00/hour o May 09, 2011 August 19, 2011 o Full time, minimum 40 hours per week Qualifications: Bachelors degree in one of the major natural sciences applicants with advanced degrees encouraged to apply; Understanding of basic principles related to the fields of botany, soil science, wildlife biology, geology, and/or hydrology; Applicants should possess relevant or related field experience knowledge of and/or experience working in sage grouse habitat and/or high desert ecology, preferable; Ability to navigate and set a bearing using a compass and to read a topographical map; Ability to collect, QA/QC, and post-process data using handheld GPS units, required; Possess a clear understanding of GIS theory and applications, including experience with ArcGIS 9.x to create maps, manipulate and analyze data, and generate reports; Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; Experience directing the operation of a field crew and personnel management; Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand working and camping in inclement weather during summer, fall, and/or early winter in northern Nevada; and Possess a clean, valid, state-issued drivers license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads. 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]. 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.
