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. Desert tortoise monitoring will assist researchers in estimating population density and in monitoring translocation sites. Monitoring occurs during April and May to coincide with the peak activity season of desert tortoises. Field Crew Supervisors will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, field safety and emergency response protocols, proficient use of GPS and PDA technologies, as well as navigation using topographic maps and compasses. In addition, Field Crew Supervisors will be field tested on their ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Four (4) Field Crew Supervisors will be hired to provide on- the-ground technical assistance and support to field technicians, as well as conducting field inspections of data for quality, accuracy, completeness, and adherence to monitoring protocols. Each Field Crew Supervisor will independently supervise up to five monitoring technicians and will themselves participate in data collection. In addition, Field Crew Supervisors will assist Monitoring program staff with pre-training field logistics, such as ground-truthing transect maps and start points, and constructing field training courses. This position will require long hours including early mornings and may include weekends.
Compensation: o $1,360 bi-weekly salary o Field per diem Contract & Timeline: o March 17, 2015 – May 29, 2015 o Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week o Weekend hours may be required during field season Location: Clark County, NV (Las Vegas) Qualifications: o Master’s degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field (Bachelor’s degree will be considered based upon experience); o Experience collecting field data and 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 Experience supervising one or more people desirable; o 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 and ability to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days; o Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred; o Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license; o Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road; and o Must pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and FBI criminal background checks. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, résumé, and list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, HR Coordinator, at [email protected]. Please include where you found this position posted. 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.
