Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service Mojave Desert Network (MOJN) Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program, is recruiting 5 field technicians to work as teams on the implementation of an I&M long-term monitoring project. The overall objective is to perform integrated upland monitoring in Joshua tree woodlands at Joshua Tree National Park (NP), CA. Vegetation, soils, and target invasive species will be monitored for status and trends. Data collected is intended to provide decision-makers with indicators and data on the upland communities.
Duties: General field duties include walking long distances over uneven terrain while carry equipment. Overnight camping will be required. Field Technicians will establish plots, collect GPS and photo points, identify soil characteristics, and vegetative demographics and distribution. Office tasks may include assisting with data organization, plant identification, vehicle and equipment maintance. Field Course: Participate in a field-based environmental methods and field protocols training and additional GBI and NPS trainings. Compensation: $5,100 Living Allowance $1,493 AmeriCorps Education Award Student loan forbearance and interest accrual Daily field per diem Contract length: January 26, 2015 April 24, 2015 Location: Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Terrain of the survey area is typical of the Mojave Desert with wide, long valleys bordered by mountain ranges. Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites. Qualifications: Bachelors degree in one of the major natural sciences; applicants with a background in soils or botany preferred; Understanding of basic principles related to field science and data collection. Be able to utilize dichotomous keys for plant identification, knowledge and/or field experience of plant ecology in the Mojave Desert region. Familiarity in describing and sampling soils, experience in soil texturing, identifying soil horizons, and soil properties. Ability to navigate and set a bearing using a compass and to read a topographical map; Ability to collect data using handheld GPS units, preferred; Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting; Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand working and camping in an arid, desert environment; 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 the equivalent of two full-time education 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 Amy Gladding, Human Resources Coordinator at [email protected]. Please include how you heard about this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please. 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. This position will not have recurring access to vulnerable populations defined as children 17 and under; adults 60 or older; or individuals with disabilities. This position does not duplicate work of previous or existing employees or volunteers, supplant the hiring of workers, or include service or duties that have been performed or were performed by a current employee, an employee who recently resigned or was discharged, an employee subject to a reduction in work force, or an employee who is on leave.
