Ecological Monitoring Field Technician

GBI is recruiting Ecological Monitoring Vegetation Field Technicians to work with GBI and BLM staff. Each Field Tech will work with one other technician under the supervision of a Field Lead 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.

Depending on performance and completion of work term this position can qualify for Public Lands Corps (PLC) status given that the applicant is 30 years old or younger at the time of GBI employment. This certificate allows for non-competitive status for future federal job applications and will last two years from the end of GBI employment.

•  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); and 

•  Taking photo-points.

•  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;

•  Identifying plants to species using dichotomous keys; and

•  Employing extensive QA/QC data checks.

 

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 the following 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:

Bakersfield ESR Fire Impact Monitoring Project:

• Season Length: 02/15/2023-06/23/2023

• Bakersfield Field Office

• 3-person soils and vegetation monitoring crew

Nevada:

Desert Tortoise Habitat Project:

• Season Length:02/15/2023-10/06/2023

• Southern Nevada District

• 3-person vegetation monitoring (The crew will be assisting other projects with the potential for additional soils monitoring)

Nevada Statewide Project:

• Season Length: 02/15/2023-08/04/2023

• Southern Nevada, Ely, and Battle Mountain Offices

• 3-person soils and vegetation monitoring crews

Nevada ESR Fire Impact Monitoring Project:

• Season Length:02/15/2023- 07/28/2023

• Ely District Office

• 3-person soils and vegetation monitoring crews

Location: Las Vegas: Beyond the bright lights of the Strip, the Southern Nevada District Office manages more than three million acres of Mojave Desert in Clark and Nye counties. 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. Resources of the Southern Nevada BLM District include desert tortoise habitat, big game habitat, Wilderness Study Areas, active grazing allotments, abandoned mining areas, historic and prehistoric cultural sites, and wild horse management areas.

Compensation and Benefits: Total approximate compensation: $3,600-$3,920/month before taxes (including benefits the approximate hourly equivalent: $22.5-24.5/hour), plus health insurance (monthly premiums fully paid by GBI) and paid time off.

Breakdown:

• $18-$20/hour 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)

• 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)