Rangeland Management Field Technician Great Basin Institute / U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
*Description:* The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting eight (8) Rangeland Management Field Technicians to participate in botanical survey, monitoring, and treatment projects for the forest's statewide noxious weed control program. The primary duties include treating noxious weed populations by hand or through chemical application of herbicides, inventorying wilderness and non-wilderness forestlands for noxious weed populations, and mapping treatment areas and plant populations using a hand-held PDR (personal data recorder) and GPS unit. The majority of this work is conducted using UTV and large 4WD spray rigs (trucks) traveling on remote 4WD roads. A multi-week training session including invasive plant and noxious weed identification, herbicide safety (including applicator certification), technical training with PDRs and associated software, UTV and 4WD operation, and first aid will be provided at the beginning of the field season. *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. For more information about this incredible landscape, please visit the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest fact sheet <https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd498235.pdf>. 3 openings are available: one in the Santa Rosa Ranger District located in Paradise Valley, NV; one in Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District located in Elko, NV; and one in the Austin-Tonopah Ranger District located in Austin, NV. For more information on each district, please visit the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Visitor Guide <https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5370797.pdf>. *Timeline: * - April 30, 2018 – November 1, 2018 - 27 weeks - 40 hours/week *Compensation: * - Living Allowance: $10,888.78 (allocated biweekly) - Education Award: $2,907.50 (May be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans.) - $15/day field camping per diem when applicable - ACA Compliant MEC Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription) benefits at no cost to employee - Crew Members will be assigned to their respective ranger district for the 2018 field season. USFS housing will be available on each district at a rate of $5.25/day. *Qualifications:* Technical requirements: - The successful candidates will possess knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification - prior experience with invasive plant management preferred; - Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods, and ability to pass Nevada State Applicator exam; - Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units and/or PDRs for navigation and/or data collections, along with basic computer skills; - Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; - Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads; - Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), desirable; and - Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable. Additional requirements: - Ability to self-direct and self-motivate; - Possess good organizational skills; - Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain; - Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices; - Previous USFS Link Pass access, preferred; - Communicate effectively with a diverse public; and - Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record. - The successful applicant(s) must complete the following background checks: (1) AmeriCorps Criminal History Check (state and federal), (2) National Sex Offender registry check, and (3) USDA Forest Service background investigation. *How to Apply: * Please visit our employment web page to apply directly through our online portal: http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=PD&req=2018-ACI-009 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.