GBI is recruiting Ecological Monitoring Vegetation Field Leads to work with GBI and BLM staff. Each Vegetation Field Lead will coordinate a field crew (one Lead will supervise two Technicians) to characterize vegetation using the terrestrial AIM core methods. In some instances, Habitat Assessment Framework (HAF), and/or other supplemental protocols will be performed, for which training will be provided. Aside from core AIM sampling, any supplemental protocols implemented will vary by project.

Duties include following established field protocols to perform vegetation sampling and field data collection at new and existing sampling plots. Data will be used by resource specialists and land managers to inform decisions regarding land management at various temporal and spatial scales. During field work, car camping for 7 night “hitches” in remote locations will typically be required.

Field work will include:
• Maintaining safety awareness and practices;
• Extensive 4x4 driving on unmaintained roads;
• Navigating off-trail to sampling sites;
• Establishing sampling plots and transects;
• Collecting vegetation data (including species inventory, forb diversity, species abundance, sagebrush shape, foliar cover, canopy gap, and herbaceous and woody heights);
• Identifying and describing soil horizons to help verify ecological site descriptions (ESDs);
• Taking photo-points.

Additional duties include:
• Regular communication with GBI support staff and agency staff;
• Participation in GBI and agency trainings;
• Entering data into both Field Maps and Survey 123 software;
• Managing ArcGIS Online databases;
• Identifying plants to species using dichotomous keys;
• Employing extensive QA/QC data checks; and
• Leadership:
• Supporting and managing a field crew;
• Coordinating field logistics and scheduling; and
• Report writing and completing administrative paperwork

Contract Timeline:
Locations and timelines listed below are tentative, some with potential for extension. Crews will be based out of the Las Vegas GBI Office but work in BLM Field Office (FO’s) areas.

Please indicate your availability and project preference in your cover letter when applying. Application review will continue until all positions are filled. We encourage applying early to gain the best chance of getting top-choice locations. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

California:
California Statewide Project:
• Season Length: 02/13/2023-06/23/2023
• California Desert District Office
• 2-person vegetation monitoring crews

Bakersfield ESR Fire Impact Monitoring Project
• Season Length:02/13/2023-07/07/2023
• Bakersfield Field Office
• 3-person soils and vegetation monitoring crew

Nevada:
Nevada Statewide Project:
• Season Length: 02/13/2023-08/04/2023
• Southern Nevada, Ely, and Battle Mountain Offices
• 3-person soils and vegetation monitoring crews

Nevada ESR Fire Impact Monitoring Project:
• Season Length: 02/13/2023-07/28/2023
• Ely District Office
• 3-person soils and vegetation monitoring crews

Compensation and Benefits:
Total approximate compensation: $4,400-$4,880/month before taxes (Including benefits the approximate hourly equivalent: $27-$30), plus health insurance (monthly premiums fully paid by GBI), and paid time off.

Breakdown:

• $1,840-$2,080 biweekly salary, depending on experience
• $150 bi-weekly housing stipend*
• $30 per diem for every night camped in the field (up
to 7 units in an 8 day work week)
• $32.30/month cell phone stipend
• Affordable Care Act Compliant Health insurance
including vision and dental provided at no cost to
the employee starting the first day of the month
following employment start date.
• Paid federal holidays
• Paid personal time off (amount dependent on contract
length)