Description:
In cooperation with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), the Great
Basin Institute is recruiting a Raptor Survey Field Technician (Field
Technician) to assist with surveys of two sensitive raptor species,
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) and California Spotted Owl (Strix
occidentalis occidentalis), in the east Lake Tahoe Basin, NV and
adjacent areas of the Carson Range. Both of these species are known to
occur in the region, and the goal of this project will be to detect
nesting territories and monitor nest success. The Field Technician and a
Raptor Survey Field Lead will coordinate with NDOW on surveys and
associated work. The majority of the survey effort will focus on the
Northern Goshawk, with some Spotted Owl work interspersed throughout the
field season. Service duties will include:
- Broadcast surveys for Northern Goshawk and Spotted Owl
- Stand searches for Northern Goshawk and Spotted Owl
- Nest monitoring for Northern Goshawk and Spotted Owl
- Habitat evaluation and vegetation data collection
- Aspen stand inventory and mapping (as time allows)
- Assisting with other NDOW wildlife work (as time allows)
The Field Technician must be able to work in difficult terrain that may
include steep, rocky slopes, areas of dense trees, and exposure to
adverse weather. This work is physically demanding and requires long
hours of off-trail hiking while conducting surveys. Goshawk surveys will
be conducted at all hours of day, and Spotted Owl surveys will be
conducted at all hours of night. Overnight camping may be required in
some cases.
Travel to survey sites may require driving on narrow, winding, dirt
roads for distances up to 20 miles. While driving to and from survey
sites, frequent encounters with vehicles, hikers, mountain bikers, and
horseback riders should be expected on backcountry roads. Radio
communication will be necessary for emergencies and for communication
with the Project Manager.
Timeline:
o 18 May - 14 August 2015 (13 weeks)
o 40 hours per week
Compensation:
o Living Allowance: $5,700.00
o AmeriCorps Education Award*: $1,493
o $15 field per diem (for up to 10 nights camping)
o Housing stipend
*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.
Location:
Field work will be conducted in backcountry regions of the east Tahoe
Basin, NV and adjacent areas of the Carson Range. Many recreational
opportunities are available in the region, which is considered by many
as among the most scenic in the country. Base of operations: Reno, NV.
Qualifications:
Technical requirements:
o Bachelor’s degree or coursework and experience in biology (wildlife or
conservation), ecology or related field;
o Experience in conducting avian surveys and nest monitoring preferred;
o Previous field experience that included:
– adhering to field data collection protocols, and
– accurately collecting and recording field data;
o Experience in habitat evaluation and collection of vegetation data
preferred;
o Ability to use a GPS unit for navigation and data collection;
o Familiarity with raptor species of the Tahoe Basin and their habitat
preferred; and
o Familiarity with and/or interest in forest ecology, and avian ecology
and conservation biology.
Additional requirements:
o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving
record;
o Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unpaved roads that can be
steep and rutted;
o Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part
of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
o Possess strong organizational skills;
o Ability to work in variable weather conditions, traverse uneven
terrain, carry upwards of 20 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise
maintain good physical condition;
o Willingness and ability to camp in remote areas;
o Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred; and
o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements:
(1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status,
(2) eligible to receive 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) Will 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,
Great Basin Institute Human Resources Coordinator, at
[email protected]. Please include where you found
this position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Great Basin Institute conforms to all the laws, statutes, and
regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative
action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with
disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an
equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,
gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age,
disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical
Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected
by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any
complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or
against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation
of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
