The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting for thirteen (13) Research Associates to perform botanical surveys for invasive and noxious weeds in support of the Forest's Statewide Noxious Weed Program. As members of GBI’s AmeriCorps program, Technicians will not only enhance the vast public lands of northern and central Nevada, but will also take part in the national service movement. The primary duties for this position include: treating noxious weed populations by hand or through chemical application of herbicides; inventorying wilderness and non-wilderness forest lands for noxious weed populations; and mapping treatment areas and plant populations using a hand-held PDR (personal data recorder) and GPS unit. The majority of this work is conducted using UTV and large 4WD spray rigs (trucks) traveling on remote 4WD roads. A multi-week training session including invasive plant and noxious weed identification, herbicide safety (including applicator certification), technical training with PDRs and associated software, UTV and 4WD operation, and first aid will be provided at the beginning of the field season.
Location: Openings are available in Northeastern Nevada including Wells/Jarbridge (2) and Elko (2), in central Nevada including Austin (2), Santa Rosa/Winnemucca (2), and Ely (4), and along the eastern Sierras in Carson City/Reno (1). Timeline: o 22- and 27-week appointments beginning May 2015 o Ely, Elko, Wells/Jarbridge, Santa Rosa/Winnemucca, Carson/Reno (22 weeks) o Austin (27 weeks) Compensation: Northeastern/central Nevada: o Living Allowance* = $8,800 (22 weeks) or $11,000 (27 weeks) o AmeriCorps Education Award** = $2,182.78 (22 weeks) or $2,865.00 (27 weeks) o Housing option = USFS barracks Carson/Reno: o Living Allowance=$8,800 o AmeriCorps Education Award**$2,182.78 (22 weeks) o Housing option = $75 Weekly housing stipend offered * Final living allowance amount and AmeriCorps Education Award value are determined by the length of the appointment **AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualifying federal student loans. Loan forbearance and accrued interest payment on qualifying student loans is also available. Qualifications: Technical requirements: o The successful candidates will possess knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification - prior experience with invasive plant management, desirable; o Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods, and ability to pass Nevada State Applicator exam; o Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units and/or PDRs for navigation and/or data collections, along with basic computer skills; o Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; o Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads; o Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), desirable; and o Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable. Additional requirements: o Ability to self-direct and self-motivate; o Possess good organizational skills; o Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain; o Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices; o Communicate effectively with a diverse public; o Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record; and o 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 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 [email protected]. Please indicate “USFS Noxious Weed” in your email subject line. Please include where you found this position posted. 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.
