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 the summer of 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 project 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 management decisions. Two-person teams will sample designated study sites using standard methods during Feb-Mar, May-Jun and Aug-Sep. Field Technicians will be trained in standard vegetation sampling techniques. Other project-related activities, such as sample processing and data management, will take place in the Mesquite-based field office during non-sampling times. Opportunities to support related projects in southern Nevada may also be available. This project will require extensive travel in southern Lincoln County, field work in remote areas, and some multi-day field camping.
Compensation: o Rate of Pay: $17.64/hour (GS-7 equivalent) o Medical and dental benefits o Paid personal leave o Field per diem Contract & Timeline: o February 2009 September 2009 o 40 hours per week o Weekend hours may be required. Location: o Based in Mesquite, NV (about one hour from Las Vegas, NV and St. George, UT). o Recreation opportunities within 200 mile radius: Grand Canyon, Zion and Death Valley National Parks, Lake Mead and Spring Mountains National Recreation Areas, Mojave National Preserve, Dixie National Forest, Valley of Fire State Park. Qualifications: o Bachelors 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 in plant identification and vegetation sampling strongly preferred; o Knowledge of southwestern/Mojave flora and desert ecosystems highly desirable; o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection; o Experience reading topographic maps and using a compass; o Ability to work productively with a positive attitude in harsh desert conditions; o Ability to work on steep or uneven terrain, and otherwise be in good physical condition; o Ability to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days; o Willingness and ability to interact effectively with others; o Willingness to participate in project-related administrative and maintenance tasks; and o Possess a valid, clean state-issued drivers license, and operate a 4WD vehicle safely on- and off-road. For a full position description please visit our website at www.TheGreatBasinInstitute.org. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and three professional references to Bridget Walden at [email protected] include where you saw this position posted.
