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. The focus of the desert tortoise line distance sampling (LDS) monitoring program is to collect data that will allow researchers to estimate population density of these animals in the eastern portion of their range. LDS monitoring occurs during April & May to coincide with the peak in the desert tortoise activity season. Field training will require participation in a rigorous 4 week program during which field technicians will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, the use of GPS, topographic maps, and PDA technology. In addition, field technicians will be field tested on their ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Eighteen LDS field survey technicians will be hired to collect data on approximately 380 12km transects. Survey technicians will work for 5 consecutive days and then have 2 days off. Technicians must be available to work any of the 7 days each week with the understanding that the schedule is subject to change with little or no notice. Field camping is required. This position will require long hours including early mornings and may include weekends.
Compensation: o $4,950 living allowance o $1,415 AmeriCorps Education Award o Field per diem Contract & Timeline: o March 14, 2011 May 29, 2011 o Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week o Weekend hours may be required during field season Location: o Clark County, NV (Las Vegas) Qualifications: o Bachelors degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field; o Experience collecting field data or following established field data collection protocols; o Experience conducting LDS or working with desert tortoises desirable; o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection; o Knowledge of southwestern/Mojave flora and fauna desirable; o Self-motivated with ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment; o Ability to work a variable schedule (including weekends) that may change with little or no notice; o Ability to walk a minimum of 12km/day in challenging terrain and harsh and rapidly changing desert conditions, and otherwise be in good physical condition; o Willingness to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days; o Possess a valid, clean, state-issued drivers license; o Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road if required; o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. For a complete position description please visit our website at www.TheGreatBasinInstitute.org. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, résumé, and list of three professional references to Stacy Mitchell, GBI HR Assistant, at [email protected]. Please include where you found this position posted.
