Description:
The Land Health Assessment (LHA) program is a national effort through
which rangeland indicators characterizing soil, vegetative, and
hydrologic resource data are collected. The GBI LHA program region
currently encompasses Bureau of Land Management (BLM) districts
throughout Nevada, as well as BLM districts in California, Idaho, Utah,
Washington and Wyoming, with an overall purpose to inform land
management decisions and conservation actions. While a primary focus of
data collection is to provide information concerning the condition of
greater sage-grouse habitat, the collected rangeland data can improve
decision-making regarding post-fire monitoring, grazing allotments,
recreation and travel management, herd management areas, sensitive
species habitat, minerals development and renewable energy mitigation
sites. LHA datasets are extensive and include qualitative indicators,
detailed field notes, geospatial information, and data from multiple
quantitative methods. Standardization in field methods ensures that the
data are comparable at district, state, regional, and landscape levels.
Therefore, to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the dataset, a
high level of quality assurance and control (QA/QC), and data analysis
and interpretation, we are recruiting a data specialist. This person
will coordinate with other LHA staff and will work collaboratively to:
• Perform and improve upon the process of advanced QA/QC using a large
Microsoft Access dataset;
• Assist BLM staff in the process of building and maintaining geospatial
data that can represent (a) LHA plots assessed and (b) representative
areas assessed, and (c) provide basic indicators derived from the LHA
dataset;
• Work closely with BLM staff to create maps and map products that
facilitate the interpretation of the LHA rangeland data;
• Research, analyze, and interpret results derived from the LHA dataset
while employing principles of landscape ecology. The research will have
special emphasis on Greater sage grouse habitat evaluation, monitoring
ecological trend, and sample adequacy. Additional analysis will include
but is not limited to:
o Characterization of vegetative communities using AIM indicators
o Evaluating resource condition on a landscape scale using the
soil, hydrologic and biotic indicators outlined in the Interpreting
Indicators of Rangeland Health Technical Reference Comparisons of
disturbance response groups, ecological sites, or other management units
across BLM district boundaries
• Supporting the planning and logistics of field crews, preparing and
conducting formal and informal trainings and presentations, as well as
report writing;
• Ensuring data conform with BLM data standards; and
• Providing data analysis support to BLM districts as they use the
datasets in NEPA analysis, decision documents, grazing permit renewals,
and litigation.
Location: Reno, Nevada
Compensation:
• $1400 bi-weekly salary
• Health insurance
• Personal and Sick leave
Timeline:
• February - November 2015
• Potential for extension pending funding and favorable performance
Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in Natural Sciences and/or 3-5 years of work
experience in related field;
• Understanding and proficiency in the fields of landscape ecology,
Geographic Information Systems (GIS), botany, soil science, wildlife
biology; specialized training in soil characterization, plant
identification, and vegetation monitoring is provided;
• Applicants should possess knowledge of and/or experience working in
greater sage-grouse habitat types and/or the Great Basin and Mojave
ecosystems—special attention will be given to applicants with experience
working with the BLM and/or rangeland management agencies;
• Understanding and proficiency in advanced QA/QC of a large database as
well as building and editing Microsoft Access queries is required;
• Possess a high level of understanding of GIS theory and application
including experience with ArcGIS 10.x to create maps and perform
advanced geoprocessing—experience with building and maintaining
geodatabases is a plus;
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical theory and application as it
relates to rangeland ecology;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a
diverse audience;
• Willingness to travel for project site visits;
• Ability to work as a team member, occasionally in remote, isolated
environments under harsh and demanding physical conditions;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and the ability
to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads; and
• Meet requirements of federal agency security background checks (e.g.,
FBI criminal and National Sex Offender Public Website).
How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their
resumé, and a list of three professional references in a single document
to Amy Gladding, HR Coordinator, at the email:
[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.
