Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Winnemucca District Office, is recruiting two (2) Research Associates to perform botanical surveys for invasive and noxious weeds in support of the vegetation management program on the district. As members of GBI’s AmeriCorps program, Technicians will not only enhance public lands of northwestern Nevada, but will also take part in the national service movement. The primary duties for this position include: treating noxious weed populations by hand or through chemical application of herbicides; inventorying BLM lands for noxious weed populations; and mapping treatment areas and plant populations. The majority of this work is conducted using a 4WD spray truck across remote 4WD roads and by hiking cross-country over rough and uneven terrain with backpack sprayers and other tools. Training at the beginning of the field season will include invasive plant and noxious weed identification, herbicide safety (including applicator certification), other technical training, 4WD operation, and first aid.
Location: The BLM Winnemucca District (WD) encompasses roughly 11 million acres, of which 7.38 million acres are public lands managed by the BLM. Elevations range from approximately 4,000 feet to close to 10,000 feet. Winnemucca is located in northwestern Nevada, nested in the basin and range province of the western U.S. The WD is approximately 2.5 hours northeast of Reno, NV and 2 hours west of Elko, NV on I-80, and 5.5 hours south of Boise, ID on State Highway 95. Timeline: 30 March - 11 September 2015 (24 weeks) Compensation: o Living Allowance: $9,900 o AmeriCorps Education Award*: $2,822 o Health Insurance *AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans. Loan forbearance and accrued interest payment on qualifying student loans is also available. Qualifications: Technical requirements: o The successful candidates will possess knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification - prior experience with invasive plant management, desirable; o Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods, and ability to pass Nevada State Applicator exam; o Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units and/or tablets for navigation and/or data collections, along with basic computer skills; o Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; o Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain roads; o Knowledge and experience in operating off-highway vehicles, which might include a Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), desirable; and o Experience with towing and backing a trailer, desirable. Additional requirements: o Ability to self-direct and self-motivate; o Willingness to learn and apply proper and safe use in storing, mixing and using herbicides; o Ability to read and follow the material safety data sheet and herbicide labels; o Possess good organizational skills; o Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain; o Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices, other vegetation management duties as assigned; o Communicate effectively with a diverse public; o Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record; and o 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 equivalent of two full-time terms of service), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI 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.
