Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, is recruiting two AmeriCorps Interns to serve an 11-month commitment at Ash Meadows NWR as Ecological Technicians. The interns will assist Refuge staff with a number of projects related to restoring habitat conditions on the Refuge, with a specific focus on aquatic non-native species. The Ecological Technicians will focus on four major tasks within the refuge: (1) Non-native aquatic fauna control/eradication (trapping, spearing, netting, electrofishing, fish barrier design/installation), and native and non-native aquatic fauna surveys; (2) Removal of nonnative and planting of native streambank vegetation, which may include the application of pesticides; (3) Restoration activities including, but not limited to, drip line instillation/maintenance, construction of fish barriers and traps, as well as native plantings; and (4) Other duties as assigned including, but not limited to, plant and wildlife surveys. The Ecological Technicians will maintain all field data equipment and tools, maintain accurate and detailed activity logs, collect appropriate biological data, and input current and archived paper data into electronic Access databases. Funding for these internships was made through a grant from AmeriCorps as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
Compensation: o Living Allowance: $18,600 o Education Award: $4,725 o Student Loan Forbearance and interest accrual Payment* o Health benefits provided o Housing provided Timeline: o 11-month contract (Sept. 2009 July 2010) o Full time, some weekend service required Location: Ash Meadows NWR, established June 18, 1984, is located approximately 90 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Ash Meadows is a literal oasis that lies within the Mojave Desert. The refuge is comprised of over 23,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert uplands and provides habitat for at least 24 plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Qualifications: o A bachelors degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, limnology, or a related field and/or commensurate field experience; o Understanding and experience using GPS equipment and following established field collection protocols; o Willingness and ability to perform physical labor, including but not limited to, manual removal of non-native vegetation, and planting of native vegetation. o Knowledge of or experience using MS Access and Excel for database management; o Knowledge of Mojave desert flora/fauna, desirable; o Familiarity with off-road driving and/or ATV training; o Must possess a valid, clean state-issued drivers license; o Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions year-round, traverse uneven terrain, and be in overall good physical condition; o Ability to work productively and cooperatively individually and as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and communicate effectively with a diverse public; and o Meet eligibility requirements to receive an AmeriCorps Education Scholarship: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, and (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of two in a lifetime, regardless of award amount) How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should fill out the AmeriCorps application online and forward a cover letter, résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden, Human Resource Coordinator at [email protected]. AmeriCorps Application Instructions: Step 1: Click here https://my3.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=33349 Step 2: Click Apply then register. Step 3: Once registered login and complete the application. Step 4: Click the Search Listings link and search for program name: Nevada Conservation Corps Step 5: Click on the position then hit the Apply Now button at the bottom of the listing. 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.
