What are the responsibilities and job description for the Survey Technician (Americorps; Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program) position at GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE?
Job Details
Job Location
Las Vegas, NV
Position Type
Seasonal
Job Category
Wildlife Studies & Habitat Assessment
Description
The Research Associate Program at the Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program, is recruiting 16 Survey Technicians to participate in critical fieldwork focused on tracking and monitoring desert tortoise populations.
The Mojave Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the Endangered Species Act. Multiple desert tortoise telemetry technicians will assist researchers in estimating population density, understanding tortoise ecology, and assessing conservation strategies. Monitoring occurs during April and May to coincide with the peak activity season of desert tortoises.
AmeriCorps field technicians will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills, including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, use of GPS and topographic maps, and electronic data collection technology. In addition, survey monitors will be field tested on their knowledge of and ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Field technicians will work for 5 consecutive days with 2 days off during training and 4 days with 3 days off during the field season. Technicians must be available to work any of the 7 days each week, with the understanding that the schedule is subject to change with little or no notice. Field camping is required. This position will require long hours including early mornings and may include weekends.
Service duties include, but are not limited to the following :
- Actively participating in and completing a rigorous 4-week training program during which Technicians will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including, but not limited to, 4WD vehicle operation, the use of GPS, topographic maps, and digital field technology (e.g. tablets);
- Supporting desert tortoise line distance sampling (LDS) monitoring by completing 12km transects during the peak in the desert tortoise activity season (April & May);
- Accurately collecting data that allow researchers to estimate population density of these animals in the eastern portion of their range; and
- Gathering daily location data using radio telemetry on focal desert tortoises that serve as controls for the project.
- Preseason preparation including but not limited to collect GPS points for transect start points, scout and identify road and transect access and concerns; and
- Assist with animal care including feeding, watering and pen maintenance;
Timeline :
Location : Las Vegas, NV
The "City that Never Sleeps", Las Vegas has an estimated population of nearly 650,000 in the city proper and over two million in the metropolitan area. The region is located in the Mojave Desert. Annual temperatures are hot in the summer, cool in the winter, and moderate in spring and fall. The metro area offers many culinary, artistic, and recreational opportunities. Outdoor destinations in the vicinity include Red Rock Canyon, Spring Mountains, and Lake Mead National Recreation Areas, as well as Death Valley National Park to the west, and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument to the east. For more, visit https : / / www.movoto.com / guide / las-vegas-nv / moving-to-las-vegas /
The scenery varies from dramatically colorful geologic landforms and largely unspoiled panoramic vistas of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to remote and rugged wild landscapes of Gold Butte Back Country Byway. Recreation opportunities abound and viewing sites for desert plants and animals are easily accessible. Famous National Parks and other public lands are 1-3-hour drives from Las Vegas.
Compensation and Benefits :
Segal Education Award :
After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Award varies based on term of service. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.
Student Loan Forbearance :
If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.
Interest Accrual Repayment :
As an AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid : The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility :
AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Qualifications
How to Apply :
Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and / or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.
EEO Statement :
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.
Salary : $25
