https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/job/2/

 

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service Mojave Desert Network (MOJN) Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program, is recruiting a field technician to join crews on the implementation of an I&M long-term monitoring project. The overall objective is to perform integrated upland monitoring in Death Valley National Park and Manzanar National Historic Site, CA. Vegetation, soils, and target invasive species will be monitored for status and trends. Data collected is intended to provide decision-makers with indicators and data on the upland communities.

 

Duties:

General field duties include walking long distances over uneven terrain while carrying heavy equipment. Overnight camping in backcountry conditions will be required. Field Technicians will establish plots, collect GPS and photo points, identify vegetative demographics and distribution. Collection of quality data will be expected. Office tasks may include assisting with data organization, and vehicle and equipment maintenance.

 

Field Course:

Participate in a field-based environmental methods and field protocols training and additional GBI and NPS trainings.

 

Compensation:

  • $5,700 Living Allowance
  • $1,515.55 AmeriCorps Education Award
  • Student loan forbearance and interest accrual
  • Daily field per diem

 

Contract length:  January 4 – April 15, 2016

 

Location:

At 3.4 million acres, Death Valley National Park (DEVA) is the largest U.S. National Park outside of Alaska. 91% of the park is designated Wilderness. DEVA is located in a transition zone between the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin. The Integrated Upland monitoring project will take place in blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima) communities found within DEVA.

Manzanar National Historic Site (MANZ) encompasses the intersection of the Great Basin desert, Mojave Desert, and eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Historically, MANZ was a fruit orchard, and then in World War II, a Japanese Internment camp. Rabbitbrush shrubland will be monitored as it is representative of the natural Great Basin vegetation found in the surrounding area.

 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in one of the major natural sciences; applicants with a background in soils or botany preferred;
  • Understanding of basic principles related to field science and data collection;
  • Be able to utilize dichotomous keys for plant identification with knowledge and/or field experience of plant ecology in the Mojave Desert region, desired;
  • Ability to navigate and set a bearing using a compass and to read a topographical map;
  • Ability to collect data using handheld GPS units, preferred;
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
  • Willingness to work collaboratively in a team setting;
  • Physically fit to work outdoors, carry personal and field equipment, and withstand working and camping in an arid, desert environment;
  • Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
  • Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks; and
  • Comfortable with flexible weekly schedules as it may change in response to project needs.

 

 

How to Apply:

Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to RA Recruitment at rarecruitment@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please refer to “MOJN IU Tech” in your email subject line. Please include where you found this position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please.

 

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. This position will not have recurring access to vulnerable populations defined as children 17 and under; adults 60 or older; or individuals with disabilities.

 

This position does not duplicate work of previous or existing employees or volunteers, supplant the hiring of workers, or include service or duties that have been performed or were performed by a current employee, an employee who recently resigned or was discharged, an employee subject to a reduction in work force, or an employee who is on leave.