The Land Health Assessment (LHA) program is a national effort through which rangeland indicators characterizing soil, vegetative, and hydrologic resource data are collected. The GBI LHA program region currently encompasses Bureau of Land Management (BLM) districts throughout Nevada, as well as BLM districts in California, Idaho, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, with an overall purpose to inform land management decisions and conservation actions. While a primary focus of data collection is to provide information concerning the condition of greater sage-grouse habitat, the collected rangeland data can improve decision-making regarding post-fire monitoring, grazing allotments, recreation and travel management, herd management areas, sensitive species habitat, minerals development and renewable energy mitigation sites. LHA datasets are extensive and include qualitative indicators, detailed field notes, geospatial information, and data from multiple quantitative methods. Standardization in field methods ensures that the data are comparable at district, state, regional, and landscape levels. Therefore, to ensure the maintenance and integrity of the dataset, a high level of quality assurance and control (QA/QC), and data analysis and interpretation, we are recruiting a data specialist. This person will coordinate with other LHA staff and will work collaboratively to:
• Perform and improve upon the process of advanced QA/QC using a large Microsoft Access dataset;
• Assist BLM staff in the process of building and maintaining geospatial data that can represent (a) LHA plots assessed and (b) representative areas assessed, and (c) provide basic indicators derived from the LHA dataset;
• Work closely with BLM staff to create maps and map products that facilitate the interpretation of the LHA rangeland data;
• Research, analyze, and interpret results derived from the LHA dataset while employing principles of landscape ecology. The research will have special emphasis on Greater sage grouse habitat evaluation, monitoring ecological trend, and sample adequacy. Additional analysis will include but is not limited to:
o Characterization of vegetative communities using AIM indicators
o Evaluating resource condition on a landscape scale using the soil, hydrologic and biotic indicators outlined in the Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health Technical Reference Comparisons of disturbance response groups, ecological sites, or other management units across BLM district boundaries
• Supporting the planning and logistics of field crews, preparing and conducting formal and informal trainings and presentations, as well as report writing;
• Ensuring data conform with BLM data standards; and
• Providing data analysis support to BLM districts as they use the datasets in NEPA analysis, decision documents, grazing permit renewals, and litigation.

Location: Reno, Nevada

Compensation:

• $1400 bi-weekly salary
• Health insurance
• Personal and Sick leave

Timeline: February – November 2015 with potential for extension pending funding and favorable performance.

Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in Natural Sciences and/or 3-5 years of work experience in related field;
• Understanding and proficiency in the fields of landscape ecology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), botany, soil science, wildlife biology; specialized training in soil characterization, plant identification, and vegetation monitoring is provided;
• Applicants should possess knowledge of and/or experience working in greater sage-grouse habitat types and/or the Great Basin and Mojave ecosystems—special attention will be given to applicants with experience working with the BLM and/or rangeland management agencies;
• Understanding and proficiency in advanced QA/QC of a large database as well as building and editing Microsoft Access queries is required;
• Possess a high level of understanding of GIS theory and application including experience with ArcGIS 10.x to create maps and perform advanced geoprocessing—experience with building and maintaining geodatabases is a plus;
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical theory and application as it relates to rangeland ecology;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Willingness to travel for project site visits;
• Ability to work as a team member, occasionally in remote, isolated environments under harsh and demanding physical conditions;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads; and
• Meet requirements of federal agency security background checks (e.g., FBI criminal and National Sex Offender Public Registry).

How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their resumé, and a list of three professional references in a single document to Amy Gladding, HR Coordinator, at the email: agladding@thegreatnbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please.

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.