Recreation Technician Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Elko Bureau of Land Management, Wells Field Office, is hiring a Recreation Technician to conduct travel management inventories on more than 450,000 acres of BLM lands. In order to complete the travel management inventories, the Recreation Technician will work collaboratively with the BLM Elko Outdoor Recreation Planner to collect data on existing travel routes utilizing hand-held GPS units and download data into an ArcMap program for analysis. The Technician will also maintain Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) route signage and monitor areas classified as Wilderness Study Areas.
The project area is located approximately 109 miles east of Elko and is part of the Toano and Goshute Mountain Ranges. The closest facilities are in West Wendover Nevada, on the Utah/Nevada border. Terrain is typical of the Great Basin with wide long valleys bordered by mountain ranges. Resources present include big game habitat, Wilderness Study Areas, an active sheep grazing allotment, abandoned mine lands, many prehistoric cultural sites, and a wild horse management area. The area is being used as a recreation destination for the town of Wendover and visitors from Utah, mostly for dispersed types of recreation. Three OHV races occur in the area each year and much of the data collected will be used to maintain race course routes and prevent creation of new routes. There is some flexibility in choosing a work schedule, but likely the Technician will work eight 10-hour days (Wednesday - Wednesday), and then have six days off (Thursday - Tuesday). Seasonal office work will require alteration of this schedule depending on field conditions. The Technician could be expected to spend several nights a week either field camping or away from Elko. Compensation: o Rate of Pay: $15.00/hr o Health and dental benefits o Field per diem Timeline: o September 6, 2011 (or upon availability and completion of DOI background check) through May 25, 2011. Qualifications: o Coursework in Natural Resources or related field (with interest in recreation/wilderness management) or equivalent field experience; o Knowledge of flora, fauna, land management and natural resources of northeastern Nevada highly desirable local applicants are encouraged to apply; o Experience collecting field data and/or following established field collection protocols; o Knowledge of or ability to learn how to use Trimble GPS unit; o Experience creating maps and manipulating data using ArcGIS, desirable; o Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass; o Experience writing project reports and/or presenting technical data in an organized and understandable manner; o Motivated, self-starter, detail oriented, and possess good organizational skills; o Ability to camp and work in remote locations; o Willingness to work along or in small groups to accomplish the goals and mission of the BLM and GBI; o Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, traverse uneven terrain and hike cross-country for extended distances (8-10 miles); and o Clean, valid, state-issued drivers license with ability to safely operate an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or motorcycle, as well as a 4WD pickup on paved and unpaved roads. 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.
