Position Objectives: In cooperation with the Nevada Division of Wildlife (NDOW), The Great Basin Institute is recruiting three (3) AmeriCorps members to serve as part of an inter-disciplinary habitat assessment team. The overall objective of this habitat assessment effort is to perform detailed vegetation and site data collection at locations where habitat restoration projects will be undertaken and at sites where restoration is underway. Restoration project sites are located in Wyoming sagebrush, pinyon-juniper woodlands and mountain sagebrush communities across northwestern Nevada. Restoration projects are focused on wildlife habitat including Sage Grouse (endangered species candidate), mule deer, and a variety of non-game species. The vegetation and site data are used to help guide proper treatment design and to provide a baseline data set against which treatment effects may be measured.
Duties: General field duties include walking long distances over uneven terrain, collecting GPS points, observing and monitoring wildlife, identifying vegetative demographics and distribution, collecting water samples and water quality data, and taking photo-points. This position will require travel to and from field sites and field camping in order to ensure that all transects are successfully completed during the field season. Implementation may require long hours including early mornings and weekends. Time Line and Compensation: Contract length: May 31, 2011 September 9, 2011 Living Allowance: $3,700 AmeriCorps Education Award*: $1,415 Student loan forbearance and interest accrual* * AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualified federal student loans. Location: The position will be based out of GBIs Reno, NV office. Field site locations are located through northern and western Nevada, and may require several hours of travel time to access. Terrain is typical of the Great Basin with wide long valleys bordered by mountain ranges. Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun. Resources include big game habitat, Wilderness Study Areas, active grazing allotments, abandoned mine lands, historic and prehistoric cultural sites, and wild horse management areas. Qualifications: Bachelors degree or coursework in one of the major natural sciences; Understanding of basic principles related to the fields of botany, soil science, wildlife biology, geology, and/or hydrology; Applicants should possess some relevant or related field experience; Ability to navigate and set a bearing using a compass and to read a topographical map; Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand working and camping in inclement weather during spring and summer weather in northern Nevada; Possess a clean, valid, state-issued drivers license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads; and 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 equivalent of 2 full-time awards), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden at [email protected]. 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.
