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 summer 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. A goal of this work is to assess vegetation in burned and unburned areas of desert tortoise habitat to determine its suitability as food and cover for tortoises, and to inform restoration efforts. Two-person teams will sample study areas using standard methods during March, May-Jun and Aug-Sep, and sample processing will take place in April, July and October. Field Technicians will be trained in standard vegetation sampling techniques. This project will require extensive travel and some multi-day field camping.
Compensation: o Rate of Pay: $15.00/hour o Medical and dental benefits o Paid personal leave o Field per diem Contract & Timeline: o March 2008 – October 2008 Location: o Based in Mesquite, NV (approximately one hour from Las Vegas, NV to the southwest and St. George, UT to the northeast). Qualifications: o Bachelor’s degree in biology (plant or conservation), ecology or related field; o Minimum one year experience (or combination over various field seasons) collecting field data or following established field collection protocols, experience conducting vegetation sampling strongly preferred; o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection; o Experience reading topographic maps and using a compass; o Knowledge of southwestern/Mojave flora and desert ecosystems highly desirable; o Possess a valid, clean state-issued driver’s license, and operate a 4WD vehicle safely on- and off-road; o Ability to work productively with a positive attitude in harsh and rapidly changing desert conditions; o Ability to work on steep or uneven terrain, and otherwise be in good physical condition; and o Willingness to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and three references to Kasia Urban, Great Basin Institute Recruitment Specialist at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
