Description: The desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the Endangered Species Act. The purpose of the desert tortoise line distance sampling (LDS) monitoring program is to collect data that will allow the US Fish and Wildlife Service to estimate population density of these animals in the eastern portion of their range. LDS monitoring occurs during April and May to coincide with the peak activity season of desert tortoises. Field training will require participation in a rigorous 4-week program during which Field Crew Supervisors will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, field safety and emergency response protocols, proficient use of GPS and RDA technologies, as well as navigation using topographic maps and compasses. In addition, Field Crew Supervisors will be field tested on their ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Four Field Crew Supervisors will be hired to provide on-the-ground technical assistance and support to field technicians, as well as conducting field inspections of data for quality, accuracy, completeness, and adherence to monitoring protocols. Each Field Crew Supervisor will independently supervise two or more two-person monitoring teams, and will themselves be paired with a partner to participate in data collection. In addition, Field Crew Supervisors will assist LDS program staff with pre-training field logistics, such as ground-truthing transect maps and start points, and constructing field training courses. This position will require long hours including early mornings and may include weekends.
Compensation: o $1,335 bi-weekly salary o Field per diem Contract & Timeline: o March 7, 2011 June 3, 2011 o Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week o Weekend hours may be required during field season Location: o Clark County, NV (Las Vegas) Qualifications: o Masters degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field (Bachelors degree will be considered); o Experience collecting field data and following established field data collection protocols; o Experience conducting LDS or working with desert tortoises desirable; o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection; o Knowledge of southwestern/Mojave flora and fauna desirable; o Experience supervising one or more people desirable; o Ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment; o Ability to work a variable schedule (including weekends) that may change with little or no notice; o Ability to walk a minimum of 12km/day in challenging terrain and harsh and rapidly changing desert conditions, and otherwise be in good physical condition; o Willingness and ability to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days; o Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred; o Possess a valid, clean, state-issued drivers license; and o Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road. 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 the equivalent of two full-time education awards), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. For a complete position description please visit our website at www.TheGreatBasinInstitute.org. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, résumé, and list of three professional references to Stacy Mitchell, GBI HR Assistant, at smitch...@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this position posted.
