A search for the position described below remains active, and I encourage interested candidates to apply. This position is a good fit for candidates early in their careers interested in restoration ecology, research/monitoring at landscape scales, and translating scientific information into management prescriptions.
The Public Lands Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas seeks one or more research assistants for its Weed Sentry/Restoration Program to conduct vegetation surveys and research at Lake Mead National Recreation Area and other federal lands within Clark County, Nevada. These are full-time, externally funded positions with benefits. The goals of the Weed Sentry/Restoration Program are to 1) map distributions of exotic species within Clark County and occasionally perform proactive control treatments, 2) develop/perform research and monitoring projects to advance our understanding of the distribution, ecology, and control of exotic species in southern Nevada, 3) write or assist in the completion of scientific publications, and 4) provide treatment recommendations for control of exotic species to local resource managers. Work is performed in a wide variety of southern Nevadas plant communities, ranging from the Mojave Desert to high-elevation forests. Responsibilities: The successful candidate(s) will conduct surveys for non-native plant species that are invasive within Clark County; map exotic plant locations using GPS and GIS technologies; perform hand pulling or herbicide treatments in some instances; maintain records and databases of all survey data; develop/perform research and monitoring projects; write or assist in the completion of scientific publications on exotic species ecology and management; prepare or assist in the preparation of scholarly presentations at professional meetings and conferences; and assist in writing reports and funding proposals. Fieldwork may require significant physical exertion in remote areas, frequently in a hot, desert climate. The position will require a flexible schedule and frequent local travel. Overnight travel and camping under primitive conditions may also be required. Required/Preferred Qualifications: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in botany, ecology, biology, or closely related field, with course work in plant taxonomy, plant identification, plant ecology or weed science preferred. A M.S. degree is preferred with a field-based thesis project. A minimum of one year comparable experience in related fieldwork and demonstrated knowledge of plant taxonomy and plant identification is required. Working knowledge of major native and exotic species of the southwestern United States may be substituted for plant taxonomy. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and GPS/GIS required. U.S. citizenship and valid drivers license required. Ability to swim and ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain in a hot, desert climate are required. The successful candidate must pass a federal security clearance. Desired Characteristics: Ability to work as a team member; excellent writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills; ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships among diverse groups of people; ability to analyze situations and data trends and apply to job responsibilities; interest in scholarly activity and publications; familiarity with federal land management agencies; familiarity with contracted research and deliverables; an affinity for the outdoors. Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. The position is contingent upon external funding and must be renewed annually. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications: Application materials must include a 1) current and complete resume, 2) cover letter, and 3) the name, address, telephone, and e-mail address of 3 professional references. In the cover letter, applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience as they relate to this position, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and work experience. Materials should be addressed to Dr. Scott R. Abella, Search Committee Chair, Public Lands Institute, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-2040, and are to be submitted via on-line application only at https://hrsearch.unlv.edu. For assistance with UNLVs on-line applicant portal, contact Jen Feldmann at (702) 895-3886 or email [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more information, see the UNLV website (http://www.unlv.edu), the Public Lands Institute website (http://publiclands/unlv.edu), or Dr. Abellas website (http://faculty.unlv.edu/abellas2/). UNLV is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence through diversity.
