http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2017-RAP-026
The Great Basin Institute (GBI) seeks an Ecological Data Specialist to support training, implementation, data management and QA/QC, and reporting for GBI-wide projects and programs. Support of ecological monitoring will be an emphasis, and a focus will be supporting field crews implementing the Bureau of Land Management Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) strategy across multiple western states. The AIM strategy, which is based on statistically valid sampling design, is designed to collect field data on rangeland indicators characterizing soil, vegetative, and hydrologic resources to inform land management decisions and conservation actions. Depending on the location, AIM data provide information concerning conditions of greater sage-grouse and other sensitive species habitat, herd management areas, grazing allotments, and renewable energy mitigation sites. AIM data also provide information concerning recreation and travel management, minerals development, and post-fire management. AIM datasets are extensive and include qualitative indicators, detailed field notes, geospatial information, and data from multiple quantitative methods. Standardization in field methods promotes comparability of data among district, state, regional, and landscape levels. To support the maintenance and integrity of AIM and other ecological data and to support data management needs across GBI, we are recruiting an Ecological Data Specialist to coordinate with GBI and agency staff and to work collaboratively to: • Perform and improve upon the process of advanced quality control checks of extensive Microsoft Access and other datasets; • Ensure that field crews remain successfully calibrated on all protocols; • Write technical reports summarizing data for partner agencies; • Use ArcGIS to create maps that facilitate the interpretation of AIM and other data, maintain geodatabases, and perform spatial analyses; • Prepare and conduct formal and informal trainings remotely and in-person on data management, QA/QC procedures, GIS basics, and navigation using a GPS; • Provide technical advice to crews on sampling protocols, database use, equipment (i.e., field tablet computers, GPS devices, software use), and implementation of the field season; • Attend site visits to ensure crews are collecting data accurately and efficiently; • Act as liaison to agency staff and other project affiliates to coordinate current and future projects; • Support the planning and logistics of field crews; and • Perform additional duties, as needed. This is predominantly an office-based position in which extended periods of time using a computer, talking on the phone, and attending meetings are required. Location: Based at GBI offices in Reno, NV. The “Biggest Little City in the World”, Reno has an estimated population of just over 230,000; the greater Reno-Sparks metropolitan area has a population of just over 435,000. The city sits in a high desert at ca. 4,500 feet in elevation, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and along the Truckee River. Weather is mild, but with a distinct four seasons. Reno offers easy access to world-class outdoor recreation, with a 3- to 5-hour drive to Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks, the Pacific Ocean, and California redwood forests. Closer to home, Nevada boasts more natural hot springs than any other state in the country, over 150 named mountain ranges, and 30 mountain peaks over 11,000 feet. In Reno, recreation and entertainment includes eight major ski resorts within 2 hours of the city; fishing and boating on Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, and Pyramid Lake; minor league baseball with the Reno Aces (the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks); cultural festivals throughout the summer along the banks of the Truckee River; and a small but growing collection of craft microbreweries and micro-distilleries. For more, visit http://www.movoto.com/reno-nv/moving-to-reno/ Compensation: • $38,480 annual salary, DOE • Paid Health/ Dental Insurance • Personal and Sick Leave Benefits • Paid Holidays • 401(k) plan Timeline: Beginning in March 2017 and renewable annually depending on funding and performance evaluation. Qualifications: • Degree with coursework and field experience related to natural resource management, ecological statistics, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), botany, soil science, biology, or a related field; • Relevant or related field experience – knowledge of and/or experience in sagebrush and desert ecosystems of the western United States preferred; • Special attention will be given to applicants with experience working with the BLM and/or rangeland management agencies; • Understanding and proficiency in QA/QC of large databases as well as using and developing SQL queries; • Understanding of GIS theory and application, including experience with ArcGIS 10.x to create maps and build and maintain geodatabases; • Demonstrated proficiency in statistical theory and application as it relates to rangeland ecology is a plus; • Willingness to travel for project site visits; • Excellent organizational and time management skills; • Ability to work as a team member, occasionally in remote, backcountry settings under harsh and demanding physical conditions; • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience including members of the public, agency resource and management staff, and GBI program and administrative staff; • Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic office environment, and to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI; • Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license; ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads preferred; and • Meet requirements of federal agency security background checks (e.g., FBI criminal and National Sex Offender Public Registry). How to Apply: Please follow this link to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ECOLOG&req=2017-RAP-026 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. The Great Basin Institute is a 501(c)3 promoting ecological literacy and direct service through environmental restoration, education and research for national, state and regional parks and public lands throughout the American West. For more information, visit www.TheGreatBasinInstitute.org