http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2016-RAP-134
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting one (1) Research Associate to serve as a Crew Supervisor for Great Basin Institute AmeriCorps members (Field Technicians) performing ecological field monitoring work in support of the forest sage-grouse conservation program. The primary duties for this position include: supervising three field crews, facilitating communication among the field crews, GBI coordinators, and USFS contacts related to safety, travel, priorities, and field challenges; organizing the schedule; assisting USFS resource staff with the logistics of field sampling; using a Web Application and/or GIS to identify field sampling locations and generate field-ready maps; and cleaning and uploading monitoring data into the Forest Service data system. The Crew Supervisor will also serve as a mentor to the Field Technicians and is responsible for ensuring that safety and field protocols are adhered to, and administrative duties (e.g., completing service logs and evaluations) are completed accurately and in a timely manner. Safety, technical, and other training will be provided by GBI and the Forest Service. The crew supervisor will supervise the six “Ecological Field Monitoring Technicians” also being recruited at this time. The Crew Supervisor will participate in field data collection with the ecological monitoring technicians as time and resources dictate. Work will include implementing the USFS and Bureau of Land Management’s Sage-Grouse Habitat Assessment Framework (HAF), a set of protocols for measuring habitat characteristics in support of sage-grouse conservation, and monitoring upland and riparian vegetation in range allotments where sheep and cattle grazing overlaps with sage-grouse habitat. Implementation of the HAF and range monitoring will generate data useful in evaluating the amount, quality and composition of vegetation, which will inform environmental analysis, policy and management actions. Related activities may include participation in population surveys for sage-grouse and other sagebrush-dependent species. Duties include: • Maintaining safety awareness and safe practices; • Navigating off-trail to sampling sites; • Establishing sampling plots and transects; • Following established protocols to collect data capturing vegetation structure and composition; • Taking photo-points; • Plant identification; and • Data entry and management. Regular travel among three duty locations and remote field sites across Nevada to meet with crews will be required. Camping for consecutive nights or backpacking in remote field settings may also be necessary. Location: Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Rising from the floor of the Great Basin—the vast expanse between the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains where creeks and rivers flow inland rather than to the ocean—the steep, green mountains of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest provide critical water, wildlife habitat, and incredible adventures for visitors and residents. Ghost towns and historic mining cabins dot these vast, largely undiscovered sky islands that offer freedom, solitude, and a sense of discovery and adventure for the self-reliant. Although mostly remote, the Forest also borders some of the busiest urban areas in the country—Las Vegas and Reno. Field technicians will be based in Ely, Austin, and Santa Rosa/Wells. The Crew Supervisor will be based in Austin, NV. Austin: Founded in 1862, Austin (pop. 300) lies in the geographic center of the State of Nevada along U.S. Highway 50 - "The Loneliest Highway in America". Countless outdoor recreation opportunities are available in Austin, including hiking, mountain biking and camping in beautiful undisturbed remote locations. Austin is 90 miles south of Battle Mountain, NV the nearest full service community; 117 miles north of Tonopah, 112 miles east of Fallon and 178 miles east of Reno. Timeline: 17 April to 22 October (27 weeks) Compensation and Benefits: • Hourly pay rate of $17.00 • Paid personal leave • $15/night camping per diem • No-cost Health insurance (medical, dental, vision) provided • Housing provided in USFS bunkhouses Qualifications: Technical requirements: • Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, such as: Botany, Wildlife Biology, Range Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Resources or related subject; • Demonstrated experience supervising or leading a field crew, team of volunteers, or other leadership experience; • Ability to plan, organize, and communicate a complex schedule of field work among multiple parties; • Coursework or equivalent experience in plant taxonomy and/or systematics strongly preferred; • Experience identifying plants in the field and using a dichotomous key; • Familiarity with native and invasive plants of the sampling area and associated natural resource issues, preferred; • Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols, including standard rangeland monitoring protocols, photo plots, and site observations; • Experience with data entry and management; • Ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps and compass; • Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote areas on unimproved roads; • Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units; • Experience creating maps and performing basic functions with GIS software (ArcMap); and • Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access). Additional requirements: • Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic setting, and to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI; • Valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; • Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; • Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public; • Excellent organizational skills; • Familiarity with best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles; • Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field; • Willingness to work irregular hours (e.g., early mornings, late nights); and • Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; • Pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks; and • Possession of a federally issued personal identification verification (PIV) card, also called a “LincPass”, that allows access to federal computers and data networks, preferred. These cards are issued to employees and volunteers of Federal agencies including the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and National Park Service. If you are unsure if you have a LincPass, please contact GBI to discuss. How to Apply: Please visit our employment web page to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2016-RAP-134 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.
