In cooperation with Forest Service’s Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting two (2) Raptor & Migratory Breeding Bird Survey Field Technicians to join our AmeriCorps program. The Technician will assist with surveys of two sensitive raptor species, Northern Goshawk (*Accipiter gentilis*) and Flammulated Owl (*Psiloscops flammeolus*), that are both known to occur in the region. The goal of this project is to detect nesting sites. To accomplish this objective the Technicians and Field Lead will coordinate with USFS staff on surveys and associated work. The majority of the survey effort will focus on broadcast surveys and stand searches the Northern Goshawk and Flammulated Owl, but there will also be surveys performed for migratory bird species of interest. In addition, the Technicians will assist botanical field technicians with botanical surveys for sensitive plants and sensitive butterfly host plants. On-the-job training in plant identification will be provided.
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 Flammulated 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. *Compensation and Timeline: * - Living Allowance: $5,400 - AmeriCorps Education Award*: $1,493 - $15 field per diem (for up to 10 nights camping) - $75 weekly housing stipend - 13 week appointment: 18 May - 13 August 2015 - 40 hours per week *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 Kyle and Lee Canyons and along Deer Creek Highway outside of Las Vegas, NV. Many developed and undeveloped recreational opportunities are available in the region. Base of operations: Las Vegas, NV. *Qualifications:* Technical requirements: - Bachelor’s degree or coursework and experience in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field; - Experience in conducting avian surveys and nest monitoring preferred; - 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 Great Basin and their habitat preferred; and o Familiarity with and/or interest in forest ecology, avian ecology and conservation biology. Additional requirements: - Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; - Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unpaved roads that can be steep and rutted; - 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; - Willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field; - Willingness to sometimes work irregular hours (e.g. pre-sunrise mornings, late nights past midnight); - Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; - Possess strong organizational skills; - Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred; and - 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 the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (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.
