Description: The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with the Bureau of Land Management Southern Nevada District Office to conduct seed collecting and ecological restoration activities throughout BLM Southern Nevada District lands. Two interns will be selected to support current, on-going, and future restoration efforts. Specific tasks include: - Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for the program; - GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features; - Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times; - Collecting seed from plant populations and completing data forms in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol; - Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping seed as necessary. - Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities; - Participating in restoration projects, including planting native plants, watering plants, repairing fences, removing non-native plants; - Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events; - Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work; - Provide support for arid land restoration projects; - Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects.
Compensation and Timeline: - This is an AmeriCorps position, and members will receive a living stipend of $6,696 total as well as a housing stipend amounting to $1,800 total. This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid to members bi- weekly throughout their term of service. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service members shall receive an additional education award in the amount of $2,822 that can be used for paying off qualified student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college or program. - 6-month contract beginning ASAP (by February 16, 2015; possibility of extension based on performance and available funding; - Full time, 40 hours per week (overtime may be required occasionally). Location: The technician will be based out of the BLM Southern Nevada District office, which is located in northwest Las Vegas, NV. The Southern Nevada District Office manages more than three million acres of Mojave Desert in Clark and Nye counties. The scenery varies from dramatically colorful geologic landforms and largely unspoiled panoramic vistas of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to remote and rugged wild landscapes of Gold Butte Back Country Byway.Recreation opportunities abound and viewing sites for desert plants and animals are easily accessible. Qualifications: - Bachelors degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, plant science, or related field; - Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with Mojave Desert plants; - Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation; - Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass; - Understanding and/or experience using ArcView GIS software, helpful; - Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team; - Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads; - Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, or for coordination with team members. - Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; - Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days; - Valid, state-issued drivers license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road; - Experience operating All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult terrain helpful; and - Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) must be at least 17 years of age and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this before using education award), (3) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (4) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should send a cover letter, résumé, and a list of three professional references to Jason Behrens, Human Resources and Compliance Assistant at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until this position is filled. 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.
