Description: Working collaboratively with BLM Winnemucca District, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting to hire a Hydrologist to support development of a comprehensive Environmental Analysis (EA) with FONSI and Decision Record (DR). The objective of the overall EA planning effort is to provide the BLM with a defensible NEPA document to support the final decision for proposed range improvements. The EA will address a wide variety of BLM program areas. Activities may include, but are not limited to: • collecting, monitoring, and recording data for condition within permitted rangeland management areas; • researching and analyzing data associated with water rights for range improvements; • GIS mapping, data management and analysis; • evaluating permitted actions within rangeland management areas for compliance with Federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies; and • preparing the surface/ground water section of the EA.
The successful applicant will work in a team setting and be exposed to a myriad of resource areas including natural and cultural resource, recreation, wildlife, and rangeland management, as well environmental monitoring. The selected candidate will be exposed to a federal land management work environment and will receive training in the appropriate areas where needed to ensure compliance with those determinations required in the BLM H-1601-1 Land Use Planning Handbook. Compensation, Benefits & Timeline: • Rate of Pay: $23.00/hour • Benefits: Affordable Care Act-compliant health insurance (medical, dental and vision); paid holidays, sick and personal leave; 401(k) retirement Plan • Timeline: 15-month appointment beginning in February 2015 or upon availability and adjudication of a Department of Interior Federal Background Investigation 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 lies roughly in the northwest part of Nevada, nested in the basin and range province of the western U.S. The WD is approximately 2.5 hours east 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. Qualifications: Technical requirements: • Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, geography/geology, soil/range science or related field; • Minimum of 1 year experience related to hydrology or surface/ground water management and/or planning and documentation, or other related experience; • Experience using ArcGIS 10.x and operating hand-held GPS units for navigation and electronic field data collection (previous experience operating Trimble units a plus); • Prior experience interpreting and or preparing documents for NEPA, CEQA, or related environmental policy highly desirable; • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate in an Interdisciplinary Team setting, and educate a diverse public on BLM land management (multiple-use) principles and range/water resource management concepts; • Experience conducting research and literature reviews, reviewing and drafting technical reports, and document editing; • Ability to read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass; and • Previous experience working with the BLM and/or working in the Central Great Basin region highly desirable. Additional requirements: • Ability to work independently and in a team setting to accomplish project goals; • Possess good organizational skills with ability to meet deadlines and produce professional deliverables including draft documents for team review; • Ability to operate basic computer equipment, including scanners, and Microsoft Office programs, including Access; • Flexibility and capability to meet the demands of rapidly changing plans and schedules; • Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record with experience safely operating 4WD trucks on and off paved roads, including narrow and steep forest roads, and conducting routine vehicle maintenance; • Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; and • Some knowledge of NV water law preferred, but not required. • Successful applicant(s) must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI). Applicants who already possess an active and fully adjudicated BI will be strongly considered. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter (include where you found this position posted), their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at [email protected]. Also, please include where you are currently living and/or working. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please. We conform 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.
