The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), is recruiting a Research Associate (RA) invasive species technician to support invasive species monitoring and control at Desert National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The RA will lead invasive species control projects, collect data, track treatment progress, and work in close cooperation with other refuge staff on other biological and maintenance tasks. The RA must be proficient in flora and fauna identification techniques, with a willingness to learn and specialize in Mojave Desert wildlife. The RA must also be proficient in/or willing to learn invasive species management techniques through as herbicide and pesticide application methods. Daily and weekly work schedules will vary to accommodate project needs. Work will take place both indoors and outdoors. Applicant must be comfortable working outside in extreme weather conditions.

Job duties will include, but are not limited to: 

• Become familiar with native plant fauna and develop ability to identify current as well as potential invasive plant species.
• Complete monitoring, manual, and chemical control of invasive species at Desert NWR Corn Creek station with a focus on sandbur, Russian thistle, red brome, and non-native mustards.
• Track project work, progress, and complete summary reports for work completed.
• Assist with documentation of invasive plant distribution, treatments, and results of treatments.
• Monitor and treat invasive plant species in the backcountry.
• Collect project data and develop maps using hand-held GPS equipment and GIS software.
• Monitor Corn Creek station and backcountry for new emerging invasive plant species.
• Create invasive species identification materials for use by staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Plan and lead invasive species treatment events with volunteers or the public and develops fliers and social media posts to promote such events. 
• Other duties as assigned to assist refuge staff with biological, visitor services, and refuge maintenance.
• Work in close cooperation with Desert National Wildlife Refuge staff in all aspects of work duties.

Timeline:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week; a flexible schedule and occasional weekend work will be required.
• One year appointment beginning as soon as possible and upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation, may be extended for up to three years.

Location:

Las Vegas, Nevada

The duty station is at the Corn Creek office building for Desert NWR, just outside of Las Vegas. DNWR is the largest National Wildlife Refuge outside of Alaska and was designated in 1936 to provide habitat and protection for desert bighorn sheep. The Refuge encompasses six major mountain ranges and boasts over 500 plant species as it transitions from the Mojave to the Great Basin Desert. Corn Creek is a springfed riparian area amid the arid desert that is important to migratory and resident birds as well as countless other wildlife. It is also the location of the refuge visitor center and offices. The Desert Refuge Complex also includes Ash Meadows, Pahranagat, and Moapa NWRs, showcasing the abundance and variety of nature found in Southern Nevada. In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the Refuge, there are several other recreation opportunities to explore close by. Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and more are within a few hours driving distance and afford a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking rock climbing, fishing, boating, and skiing/snowboarding.

Compensation: 

• Rate of Pay: $20.00 hour.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you.
• Paid leave and holidays.
• Housing may be provided in a shared bunkhouse on the refuge. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental sciences, or related coursework and corresponding field experience.
• Experience working in desert ecosystems and knowledge of native/invasive flora and fauna. 
• Experience in herbicide planning and application techniques (preferred applicators license).
• Experience using basic hand tools and lawn care equipment.
• Ability to stay on schedule and maintain accurate and detailed records of invasive species treatments.
• Hard working and capable of working with little direct supervision. 
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments. 
• Computer skills including use of MS Word, PowerPoint/illustrator, Excel and other software for communication, presentations, project, and data management. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with a diverse audience.
• Comfortable with flexible daily and weekly schedules to accommodate refuge and project needs.
• Ability to work productively and cooperatively independently and as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals.

Additional Requirements: 

• Possess valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license. 
• U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status. 
• Willingness to submit to a background check, and pass computer security, ethics and other mandatory government employee training.