Description: In cooperation with the BLM-California Desert District Office, Palm Springs/South Coast Field Office, GBI is recruiting two Field Leads to work cooperatively with BLM Resource Managers and GBI Vegetation Monitoring Field Technicians. Field Leads will coordinate a field team to characterize vegetation using the Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) and Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health (IIRH) protocols, for which training will be provided. Duties include following established field protocols to conduct vegetation assessments and collect quantitative and qualitative field data at designated sampling sites. Field work will include navigating to sampling sites, establishing plots and transects, collecting vegetation data (including species ID, foliar cover, canopy gap, and herbaceous and woody density), taking photo-points, and quality-checking data. Additional duties will include coordination and oversight of field safety and logistics, scheduling, database management, and reporting. Field data will be used by BLM Natural Resource Specialists to inform decision regarding solar energy installations and other land management issues. Field camping may be required. Funding for this work is pending.

Location: The jurisdiction of the Palm Springs/South Coast Field office includes BLM lands within four counties of southern CA – Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Diego, comprising a wide range of habitats and geography, and diverse plant and animal populations. Major land management issues include alternative energy generation and transmission, wilderness and habitat conservation, and desert restoration.

Compensation:

-$1,487.20 biweekly salary

-$15.00 Field per diem

-$300/month housing stipend

-$500 hiring bonus available!

Timeline: 14 April – 6 June 2014 (7 weeks). Full time, 40 hours per week.

Qualifications:

-Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, such as: Botany, Wildlife Biology, Range Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Resources or related subject;

-Experience collecting field data, following established field collection protocols, and performing vegetation surveys;

-Experience identifying plants in the field and using a dichotomous key; familiarity with native and invasive plants of southern California and associated natural resource issues preferred;

-Experience working with basic Microsoft computer program (e.g., Word, Excel, Access);

-Experience utilizing hand-held GPS equipment for navigation or data collection;

-Ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps;

-Field leadership experience;

-Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience, including agency staff, stakeholders and the general public;

-Motivated, detail-oriented self-starter;

-Ability to work in harsh environments, in remote locations, on uneven terrain, and physically fit to carry field and personal equipment; and

-Possess valid, clean state-issued driver’s license with ability and/or experience operating a 4×4 vehicle on- and off-road; experience operating or comfortable learning to operate an ATV/UTV.

How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at agladding@thegreatbasininstitute.org. Please include where you found this position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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.