Description: The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with the Bureau of Land Management Winnemucca District Office to inventory naturally occurring springs on sage grouse Population Management Units (PMUs). These PMUs are considered priority habitat for the greater sage-grouse, which the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has determined is warranted for listing as threatened, but precluded. Two Field Technicians will be hired to support field efforts such as conducting meadow, spring, and water quality inventories, including collection of qualitative and quantitative data on riparian habitat characteristics. Technicians will also map riparian areas using GPS units and ArcGIS technology. The Technicians will utilize digital cameras, portable water quality meters, and standardized field forms. Office tasks include planning field work locations using ArcGIS software, transferring and processing data from GPS using ArcMap, as well as assisting the District Hydrologist with other duties. Project-related duties comprise approximately 20% office tasks and 80% field activities. Extensive travel across the district and field camping for up to four nights per week is required.
Compensation and Timeline: o Rate of Pay: $15.00/hour o 15-week appointment beginning in September 2011 o Full time, 40 hours per week (minimal overtime may be required occasionally) Location: The BLM Winnemucca District lies roughly in the northwest part of Nevada, nested in the basin and range province of the western U.S. The Winnemucca District Office is located about 2.5 hours east of Reno on I-80, 2 hours west of Elko on I-80, and 5.5 hours south of Boise on SR-95. Elevations range from approximately 4,000 to close to 10,000 feet. The District encompasses approximately 11 million acres, of which 7.38 million acres are public lands managed by the BLM. Qualifications: o Bachelors Degree in Physical or Ecological Sciences (such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Hydrology, Rangeland Management or related subject) or a combination of experience and education, with minimum of 3 years of undergraduate education leading to a Bachelors Degree; o Experience in water quality data collection and/or landscape/habitat assessments; o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation; o Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass; o Working knowledge of creating maps using ArcMAP and experience processing GPS/GIS data; o Willingness and ability to work in harsh and variable desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team; o Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; o Ability to work in teams or independently and be self-motivated both in the office and in the field with little supervision; o Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments; o Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days; and o Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road. How to Apply: Applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden, Great Basin Institute Human Resources Coordinator, at [email protected]. This position 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.
