Description:  The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is recruiting for a Research Associate to provide assistance with habitat restoration and monitoring for the benefit of 14 threatened and endangered species in Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southern Nevada.  With at least 26 plant and animals species found nowhere else in the world, The Nature Conservancy has called Ash Meadows NWR , “One of the most important natural areas on the North American continent.”  The Refuge is currently undertaking large-scale hydrological and habitat restoration.  This position will involve a variety of tasks directly related to habitat restoration and ecological monitoring.  Main duties include:

• Support the Invasive Plant Management Program (treating invasive terrestrial and aquatic  vegetation by hand, mechanically, or through chemical application of herbicides, follow-up monitoring; and providing treatment recommendations to Refuge Management);
• Re-vegetation of restoration sites with native plants;
• Map treatment areas and restoration sites with GPS;
• Record data, maintain written records and electronic databases, and compile reports;
• Maintain field equipment and tools;
• Assist with supervision and direction of volunteers, Great Basin Institute AmeriCorps Interns, and Nevada Conservation Corps crews when working in the Refuge;
• Support the Bird Monitoring Program (surveys include the Nevada Bird Count, Breeding Bird Survey, Aquatic Bird Count, Christmas Bird Count, Mourning Dove Survey, and Marsh Bird Survey)

Other duties as assigned may include assisting with fish surveys, trapping of non-native aquatic organisms, native fish and invertebrate salvage prior to hydrological restoration, and maintaining fish in holding tanks for extended periods.  Future opportunities exist to expand job skills into other areas of Refuge management such as assisting with writing biological assessments and categorical exclusions in fulfillment of NEPA requirements, and participating in the Ash Meadows Recovery Implementation Team and in the prescribed fire program.

Applicant must be comfortable working and living in a remote desert location.  Work will take place both indoors and outdoors, with the majority of time spent outside, and often working alone.  Applicant must be able to tolerate working in hot, dry, often dusty conditions; hiking long distances over rocky or uneven terrain; and carrying a backpack sprayer (approximately 35 pounds).  The position requires working with herbicides and other potentially hazardous materials.

Compensation and Timeline:

• Rate of Pay:  $18.59
• July 31 – December 31, 2014, with extension through 2015 pending funding and favorable performance reviews
• Health and Dental benefits
• Federal holiday
• Full-time, 40 hours per week

Location:  Ash Meadows NWR, one of the first wetlands in the United States to be designated a Wetland of International Importance, comprises over 23,000 acres of spring-fed wetlands and alkaline desert in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada near Death Valley National Park.  The Refuge was established in 1984 to protect threatened and endangered species and more than two dozen endemic plant and animal species.  The Refuge also provides habitat for over 100 species of plants and animals that are considered sensitive, or are state protected or priority species.

The Research Associate must provide his/her own reliable transportation for non-work-related trips since the closest personal amenities and grocery stores are located approximately 30 miles from the Refuge in Pahrump, Nevada.  The city of Las Vegas is located approximately 90 miles southeast of the Refuge.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related field and/or commensurate field experience);
• Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology, desirable;
• Ability to obtain a Nevada pesticide applicator’s license and willingness to work with herbicides and other chemicals;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and/or navigation, along with basic computer skills;
• Understanding and/or experience using ArcView GIS software, desirable;
• Experience using MS Access and Excel for database management;
• Ability to identify and survey for western bird species;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Knowledge and experience operating 4WD trucks, tractors, and Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), desirable; or at a minimum, must be able to obtain UTV certification after training.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate; Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records;
• Ability to perform physical labor in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions year-round, independently or as part of a team;
• Willingness and ability to carry a backpack sprayer (up to 35 pounds), lift up to 50 pounds, and to perform physical labor, including but not limited to, manual removal of non-native vegetation, and planting of native vegetation;
• Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license;
• U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status; and
• Willingness to submit to a background check, and pass computer security and ethics training.

How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, résumé, and a list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, HR Coordinator at agladding@thegreatbasininstitute.org.

This position 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.