Rare Plant Survey Intern
Job Code: 2018-RAP-023
Location: Reno
State: Nevada
Program: AmeriCorps Intern
Contract Length: 3 Months
Job Description:
In cooperation with the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Great Basin Institute (GBI) is recruiting two Rare Plant Survey Interns to perform botanical surveys within the northeastern region of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Rare plant surveys will be conducted on Forest Service land in the shadow of Mt. Rose and Slide Mountain, and will target high priority fuels treatment units. Survey protocols, supplies, and training will be provided. As part of a three-person team, Interns will work cooperatively with a GBI Rare Plant Survey Lead to accomplish project goals and objectives.

The Great Basin Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. GBI’s Research Associate Program provides multidisciplinary capacity for professional support of diverse partnerships across western states while presenting emerging professionals with career-enhancing opportunities in natural/cultural/recreation resource management, ecological conservation, environmental stewardship, and related fields. While supporting GBI’s partnership with the Forest Service, this work will provide opportunities to gain experience in performing rare plant surveys, plant specimen collection and preparation, GIS data collection and processing. Rare Plant Survey Interns will also gain exposure to policies and approaches for managing natural resources on public lands
Contract Timeline:
o 12-week term of service beginning on 21 May 2018
o Full time, 40 hours per week
Location:
This position will be based at GBI offices in Reno, NV. Field work will be conducted east of Mt. Rose and Slide Mountain (Carson Range of the Sierras). Elevation within the entire project area is generally within 5,000-7,000 feet.
Compensation and Benefits:
o Living Allowance: $5,760 – This is an AmeriCorps position and Interns will receive a living allowance for the service term in the amount of $5,760. This is not a wage or salary and is fractionally paid to members every other week throughout the service term.
o Education Award: $1,538 – Upon successful completion of AmeriCorps service, members will receive an additional education award in the amount of $1,538 that can be used for paying qualified student loans or paying other qualifying educational courses.
o Health insurance
Job Qualifications:
Technical requirements:
o Undergraduate degree in botany, range ecology, or a closely related field in the biological sciences;
o Coursework in plant taxonomy and/or systematics, preferred;
o Experience conducting botanical field work, preferred;
o Ability to learn the flora of the eastern Sierra Nevadas /Great Basin transition zone;
o Ability to adhere to established protocols for data collection;
o Experience using dichotomous  plant keys, preferred; and
o Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection.

Additional requirements:
o Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record;
o Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, preferred;
o Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public;
o Possess good organizational skills;
o Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in varying types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 30 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; and
o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of two in a lifetime, regardless of award amount), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks.
Other Job Information (if applicable):
EEO Statement
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.