Vegetation – Biological Soil Crust Technicians

Great Basin Bird Observatory in collaboration with USGS - Western Ecological Research Center

Open: Present -  2/15/2024

Compensation will depend on experience and range from $16-18 / hour.

Undergraduates still in school are encouraged to apply, especially if individuals could be employed through all or part of the summer.

• Period of Performance: March- August 2024, start date is negotiable
• Full time with possible extension to 2025-2026 contingent on performance and funding.
• Duration: Temporary
• Office Location: 1100 Valley Rd, Reno, NV 89512

Technicians will receive unique training on the identification and ecology of biological soil crusts in the Great Basin. Technicians will also assist in data collection and management related to sagebrush ecosystems, with a special focus on habitat for sage-grouse, management and restoration of vascular plants and biological soil crusts. Projects are funded primarily by state and federal partners (e.g., Nevada Dept. of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service). Tasks will include, but are not limited to, collecting data in both local and remote locations, preparing materials for restoration efforts and studies, and collecting data on vegetation and biological soil crusts in the field.

Field Locations: Field locations are across the Great Basin and Eastern California. Primitive field housing will be provided to technicians in some locations, and successful applicants will be required to stay on site during work periods over the field season. During field work, 8-day camping hitches in remote locations will typically be required. Some work will likely be conducted within the vicinity of Reno.

The sagebrush ecosystems of the Great Basin and Eastern California are unique and support a diversity of flora and fauna. With this opportunity, you will get the chance to work closely with endemic species, explore large expanses of public land and participate in recreational activities including backcountry camping, hiking, climbing, hot springs, mountain biking, and many more!

Desired expertise/skills

Minimum Qualifications
- all applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver's license
- previous experience collecting biological data in remote, difficult working environments
- driving four-wheel drive vehicles on dirt roads
- working under challenging weather conditions as are common in the Great Basin, specifically hot-dry conditions, and cold-windy conditions
- attention to detail, critical thinking on the fly, and ability to make deadlines

Desired qualifications include experience with vegetation in the region, especially plant identification.

Description of Working Conditions
Work will take place in office, lab, outdoor lab, and field settings. Field work can involve exposure to extreme temperature and weather conditions, including long hours standing, bending, walking, and performing tasks that require physical exertion. Incumbents may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds in the performance of the assignment. Incumbents will be expected to work 40 hours/week, although intermittent work can be negotiated. Work during the field season will regularly require 80 hours per two-week pay period.

Contact Information: To apply, send your CV and a cover letter and contact information for three references expressing your interest and qualifications to Lindsey Stone at sagebrushecosystems@yahoo.com  .

For questions related to the job, please contact the email address listed above or text or call 530-902-9508