Quagga Mussel Coordinator

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

In cooperation with the National Park Service’s Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Research Associate to coordinate projects related to invasive quagga mussels. Working with the LAKE Resource Management, Ranger and Facilities Divisions, the Quagga Mussel Coordinator will participate in the full range of monitoring, prevention, mitigation and outreach efforts at LAKE, including the following projects and activities: Organize, schedule and execute a wide variety of established natural resources management projects, including substrate monitoring and other studies; collect and organize field data using standardized procedures and equipment; apply precedents and established techniques to new situations; ensure quality control of collected data;  perform field and laboratory analysis of collected samples; provide preliminary data analyses; observe and evaluate natural resource conditions, and interpret variables, trends, correlations, and interrelationships among data and conditions; recommend management actions based on prescribed guidelines in existing park plans; prepare draft project reports, including literature research, descriptions of methods, preliminary data analysis, graphs and charts, and recommendations for planning, protection, and mitigation activities; provide logistical support; install, operate and maintain resource management equipment; provide information to LAKE employees, concessionaires and visitors about the natural resource management program and practices; and develop and present related interpretive programs to the public.  The required work is often performed in remote sections of the park and at locations distant from the supervisor.  The Quagga Mussel Coordinator must be able to work without direct supervision and to adjust work schedules, guidelines, and assignments independently.

Compensation:
o    $18.59/hour
o    Health and Dental Benefits

Timeline:
o    15 August 2011 – 14 January 2012
o    Full time, 40 hours per week, including some weekends

Location:
Lake Mead NRA encompasses nearly 1.5 million acres in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona.

Qualifications:
Required:
o    Educational background and field experience in aquatic biology, limnology, fisheries or related field (B.S. minimum);
o    Familiarity with the biology of aquatic mollusks and associated natural resource issues of invasive species;
o    Experience in field study design, field data collection and analysis, and reporting;
o    Ability to work in remote, harsh, rapidly changing environments and in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and be in overall good physical condition;
o    Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and communicate effectively with a diverse public;
o    Posses a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; and
o    Pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks.

Helpful but not required:
o    Ability to read and interpret topographical maps and navigate using a compass;
o    Experience operating hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and electronic field data collection;
o    Experience driving 4WD vehicles on paved and un-paved roads;
o    Posses good organizational skills and be detail oriented; and
o    Experience working in the desert southwest, or similar desert climates.