The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with the National Park Service Mojave Desert Network (MOJN) Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program to recruit a Botanist. The overall objective is to perform Integrated Upland monitoring in Great Basin National Park, NV. Vegetation, soils, and target invasive species will be monitored for status and trends. Data collected is intended to provide decision-makers with indicators and data on the upland communities. The Botanist will also assist the MOJN Ecologist with testing the Riparian Vegetation Monitoring protocol and providing plant ID training and skills for riparian plants.
Specific duties include:
• Be a member of the MOJN I&M Integrated Upland monitoring field crew;
• Provide plant identification assistance and training;
• Participate in preparing for the field season;
• Assist with compiling training material, particularly related to botany;
• Assist with conducting field protocol and data QA/QC;
• Support data organization, processing, data entry, and QA/QC;
• Utilize ArcGIS to develop reports and other mapping products;
• Maintain field equipment and tools;
• Participate in GBI or partner-sponsored training opportunities.
General field duties include implementing Integrated Upland (IU) protocols designed to address MOJN I&M’s vital signs (training will be provided); walking long distances over uneven terrain; establishing monitoring sites; collecting vegetation and soils data using established procedures; taking GPS points and photos at each site; ensuring the consistency of data quality during the field season; and maintaining safety awareness and practices. The successful applicant must have strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and exhibit strong leadership and organization skills. Office tasks include data organization, processing and QA/QC; utilizing ArcGIS to develop reports and other mapping products, and compiling pictures and concise field notes. This position will require regular travel and camping during the field season in order to ensure that all plots are successfully completed during the field season, and may require long hours including early mornings and weekends.
MOJN is comprised of nine national park units located within the Mojave and Great Basin deserts of Nevada, Arizona, and California: Death Valley National Park, Great Basin National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Manzanar National Historic Site, Mojave National Preserve, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument, and Castle Mountains National Monument. Across these park units, MOJN I&M monitors the health and quality of five different vegetation communities, six subalpine lakes, and several hundred water features including oases, springs, streams, seeps, and wells.
Compensation:
o Rate of Pay: $18.50/hour
o Benefits: Paid health insurance (medical, dental and vision)
o Paid holidays and personal leave
Timeline:
o Start March 2017, or upon availability and completion of a Department of Interior Background Investigation.
o For 26 weeks, potential for extension pending funding and positive performance review
o Full time, 40 hours per week; some overtime may be required
Location:
Mojave Desert Network’s main office is located in Boulder City, NV, which is approximately 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreation Area are a short drive from Boulder City, allowing for a variety of recreational opportunities. Boulder City maintains strict controls on growth and development, which has resulted in limited nearby housing options.
Field work in any of MOJN’s nine park units may be required throughout the season, although the overall objective is to perform Integrated Upland monitoring in Great Basin National Park.
Great Basin National Park (GRBA) lies entirely within the Great Basin desert region, which is considered a high elevation desert environment. Due in part to its distance from urban centers, GRBA contains many relatively pristine water resources, and has some of the best visibility in the nation. It contains unique natural resources such as glacial formations, six subalpine lakes, and the longest cave in Nevada (Lehman Caves).
Qualifications:
o Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Botany, Ecology, or a closely related field in the biological sciences;
o Coursework in plant taxonomy and/or systematics (transcripts may be requested), botany, soils, or hydrology;
o Ability to identify native and non-native plants of the desert southwest;
o Familiarity with ecological processes, flora, and fauna of the Great Basin, Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts;
o Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
o Previous work experience in water quality data collection;
o Experience with data entry and data management;
o Ability to work in extreme and remote parts of the desert southwest;
o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
o Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
o Possess a clear understanding of GIS theory and applications, including experience with ArcGIS 10.x to create maps, manipulate and analyze data, and generate reports;
o Willingness and ability to work, hike long distances carrying 40-50 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable desert conditions, including in extreme heat;
o Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
o Experience working with federal land management agencies, members of the public, or non-profit organizations; and
o Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends.
Applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation or submit paperwork to National Park Service human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position.
Additional requirements:
o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
o Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, particularly with unimproved roads;
o Ability to work independently to accomplish goals;
o Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public;
o Possess good organizational skills;
o Possess a favorably adjudicated background clearance; and
o Must be motivated, self-directed, organized, and detail oriented in order to balance multiple tasks simultaneously.
How to Apply:
Please visit our website to apply directly through our online portal using this link:
http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=ASPT&req=2016-RAP-067
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.