The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with the Bureau of Land Management Winnemucca District Office to inventory naturally occurring springs on sage grouse Population Management Units (PMUs). These PMUs are considered priority habitat for the greater sage-grouse (*Centrocercus urophasianus*), which the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has determined is warranted for listing as threatened, but precluded. Two (2) Field Technicians will be hired to support field efforts such as conducting meadow, spring, and water quality inventories, including collection of qualitative and quantitative data on riparian habitat characteristics, and map riparian areas using GPS units and ArcGIS technology. Additionally, Technicians will monitor for the effect of continuing drought on springs and surrounding areas, as well as assist with drought monitoring, as a component of District-wide efforts to monitor the impacts and effects of long-term drought. The Technicians will utilize digital cameras, portable water quality meters, and standardized field forms. Office tasks include planning field work locations using ArcGIS software, transferring and processing data from GPS using ArcMap, and conducting data input from previous data collection efforts. Travel across the district and field camping for up to four nights per week is required.
*Compensation and Timeline*: o Rate of Pay: $15.00/hour o Field per diem when overnight camping is required o Paid health and dental benefits o 17-week appointment beginning May 18, 2015 (or upon availability and completion of a DOI Background Investigation) o Full-time, 40 hours per week (minimal overtime may be required occasionally) *Location*: The BLM Winnemucca District lies roughly in the northwest part of Nevada, nested in the basin and range province of the western U.S. The Winnemucca District Office is located about 2.5 hours east of Reno on I-80, 2 hours west of Elko on I-80, and 5.5 hours south of Boise on SR-95. Elevations range from approximately 4,000 to close to 10,000 feet. The District encompasses approximately 11 million acres, of which 7.38 million acres are public lands managed by the BLM. Local applicants or those with limited relocation requirements will be strongly considered. *Qualifications*: o Bachelor’s Degree in Physical or Ecological Sciences (such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Hydrology, Rangeland Management or related subject) or a combination of experience and education, with a minimum of 3 years of undergraduate education leading to a Bachelor’s Degree; o Experience in water quality data collection and/or landscape/habitat assessments; o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation; o Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass; o Working knowledge of creating maps using ArcGIS and experience processing GPS/GIS data; Willingness and ability to work in harsh and variable desert conditions, including extreme temperatures; Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience including co-workers, agency and GBI staff, and the general public; o Ability to work in teams and independently and be self-motivated both in the office and in the field with limited supervision; o Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work assignments; o Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days; and o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity safely operating 4WD vehicles on- and off-road. o Successful applicant(s) must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI). Applicants who already possess a favorably adjudicated BI should reference that in their cover letter. *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. 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.
