https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/job/land-health-assessment-field-technician-northern-nv/
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, are recruiting twelve field technicians for a land health assessment teams. These teams will consist of three members, including the district LHA crew leader and two technicians with diverse areas of training and experience able to work cooperatively in a field-based setting. The overall objective of each team is to perform land health assessments through inventory and monitoring of geomorphic, vegetative and hydrologic characteristics of the landscape. Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) methods are implemented to collect quantitative landscape data, while Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (IIRH) methods are implemented to collect qualitative landscape data. Analysis of soil pits dug on site will be used to confirm Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs) to aid in accurate assessments. All data collected are entered into an electronic database, and will be utilized for adaptive management decisions, restoration projects, and/or to improve wildlife habitat to achieve a healthy and productive ecological condition. Duties: General field duties include walking long distances over uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Field technicians will collect GPS and photo points, identify soil characteristics, and collect vegetation composition and distribution data. Office tasks may include assisting with data organization, plant identification, processing and QA/QC of databases, post-processing GPS points, and contributing to report writing. Overnight camping will be required for up to 8 days at a time. This position will require travel to and from field sites and field camping in order to ensure that all transects are successfully completed during the field season. Implementation may require long hours including early mornings and weekends. The timeframe for field data collection will generally be either 4 days on (Mon-Thurs) or 8 days on (Wed‐Wed) – followed by either 3 days off (Fri-Sun) or 6 days off (Thu‐Tue). Field Course: Participate in a field-based AIM and IIRH methodologies, field protocols training, and additional BLM trainings. Compensation: • $13,265.00 Living Allowance • $2,865.00 AmeriCorps Education Award • Student loan forbearance and interest accrual • Field per diem Contract length: A 26-week appointment; 04 April, 2016 – 30 September, 2016. Location: Each LHA team will be based out of one of the BLM Northern Nevada District Offices in Carson City, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, Elko, and Ely, Nevada. Terrain is typical of the Great Basin desert, with wide long valleys bordered by mountain ranges. Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, and potentially cold, damp winter weather. Resources include Sage-grouse habitat, big game habitat, Wilderness Study Areas, active grazing allotments, abandoned mine lands, historic and prehistoric cultural sites, and wild horse management areas. Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in one of the major natural sciences; applicants with a background in soils or botany preferred. • Understanding of basic principles related to field science and data collection. • Ability to utilize dichotomous keys for plant identification; knowledge of and/or field experience in plant ecology of the Great Basin region preferred. • Familiarity in describing and sampling soils; experience in soil texturing, identifying soil horizons, and soil properties preferred. • Ability to navigate and set a bearing using a compass, and to read a topographical map. • Ability to collect data using handheld GPS unit. • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience. • Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting. • Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand working and camping in an arid, desert environment for up to 8 days at a time. • Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads. • 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), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to RA Recruitment at [email protected]. Please write, “LHA Northern Nevada Tech” in the email subject line and include in your cover letter 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.
