http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=TAMU&req=2016-ACI-024
Member will provide national service at Bureau of Land Management, a host site for the AmeriCorps Intern Program. Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is recruiting two Native Seed Interns to join our AmeriCorps program to conduct seed collecting and ecological restoration activities throughout BLM Southern Nevada District lands Primary Responsibilities: • Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for the program; • Monitoring and maintenance of reciprocal transplant study plots; • GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features; • Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times; • Collecting seed from plant populations and completing data forms in accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol; • Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping seed as necessary. • Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities; • Participating in restoration projects, including planting native plants, watering plants, repairing fences, removing non-native plants; • Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events; • Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work; • Provide support for arid land restoration projects; • Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects. Related Responsibilities: ● Participate in trainings provided by BLM and USGS staff and community partners; ● Meet with Host Site Supervisor on a regular basis; ● Participate in community service days organized by NCC Program; and ● Participate in regular AmeriCorps team meetings. Physical Demands: Field work involves hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 10 miles per day, but more typically 2-4 miles per day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, PDAs, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips will sometimes be required. Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis. • Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment • Bend, lift, pull, and push • Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time • Walk for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment • Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season) • Work 10+ hour days • Travel overnight or up to 8 days at a time for project work Compensation: This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a living stipend of $8,700 for the season. This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid to members every other week throughout the service term. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service, members shall receive an additional education award in the amount of $2,865 that can be used for paying off qualified student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college. Location: The interns will be based out of the BLM Southern Nevada District office, which is located in northwest Las Vegas, NV. The Southern Nevada District Office manages more than three million acres of Mojave Desert in Clark and Nye counties. The scenery varies from dramatically colorful geologic landforms and largely unspoiled panoramic vistas of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to remote and rugged wild landscapes of Gold Butte Back Country Byway. Timeline: o February 2017 – August 2017 Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, or related field; • Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with Mojave Desert plants; • Work independently or in pairs with little supervision and high attention to detail; • Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation; • Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass; • Understanding and/or experience using ArcView GIS software, helpful; • Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team; • Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads; • Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, or for coordination with team members. • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience; • Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days; • Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road; • Experience operating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult terrain helpful; and • Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) must be at least 17 years of age and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this before using education award), (3) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (4) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. How to Apply: Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=TAMU&req=2016-ACI-024 The Great Basin Institute conforms 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. These AmeriCorps positions are made possible by a generous grant from the Nevada Commission for National and Community Service.
