The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management - Elko District Office, is recruiting four (4) Restoration Landscape Technicians focused on projects within the Upper Humboldt/O’Neil Basin Restoration Landscape. As a team, the technicians will assist BLM Resource Specialists with surveying, mapping, assessing, monitoring, and completing minor repairs on rangeland improvement projects, including fences, springs, troughs, pipelines, and other applicable sources of water or infrastructure used for livestock management. Technicians will also record habitat conditions, plant diversity, native and non-native species invasions, along with documenting impacts to plants or habitat resulting from livestock use and off-highway vehicle (OHV) damage. 

Data collection will involve the use of mobile devices utilizing various apps appropriate for the task at hand. The team would verify through quality assurance and quality control field data completeness, and work with the BLM Wildlife Biologists, Rangeland Management Specialists, and Range Technicians to ensure data is being collected that will make management of BLM-administered lands more efficient. All collected data would be entered into a GIS and accompanying databases. Data analysis and written reports will follow.

This opportunity will allow participants to develop skills in range management, botany, cartography, ecology, engineering, and to improve life skills in technical writing, organization, communication, and leadership. There are many paths within the broad category of natural resources. Participants will gain an increased understanding of ecosystem processes and could further refine their career goals, whether that be pursuing an advanced degree or entering the federal or private sector workforce.

Timeline

• ~28-week appointment starting on May 5, 2025, and ending on November 14, 2025, with the possibility of extension depending on available projects and funding
  • Start date is pending the successful completion and passage of a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation
    • Please note a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation may take up to 6 weeks to process and clear.
• Full-time (minimum 40 hours/week) with a Monday through Thursday schedule
• Remote field sites will likely require frequent camping out at the site for a period of 1-3 nights
• Weekend and holiday work may be required

Location

The Elko District Office encompasses the Wells Field Office and the Tuscarora Field Office. Ideally, one team of two will report to the Wells Field Office and one team of two technicians will report to the Tuscarora Field Office. 

Overall, this project will take place within the Upper Humboldt/O’Neil Basin Restoration Landscape (UHOBRL). The UHOBRL was established in 2023 under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed into law by President Biden. The UHOBRL is dominated by shrub-filled valleys and mountains that rise to over 10,000 feet above sea level. Mountain areas are typically dominated by shrubland plant communities and support vast acreages of deciduous and conifer forests. The landscape is dotted with natural seeps and springs and is bisected by flowing streams fed by snowmelt. The major mountain ranges in the UHOBRL are the Independence Mountains, Bull Run Mountains, Jarbidge Mountains, and the Snake Mountains; all of which support a variety of big game mammals such as mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose.

Compensation and Benefits

• Wage: $23.50/hour
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums available at no cost
  • Eligible to enroll on the first day of the month following the first day of employment
• No-cost $25,000 life insurance policy
• Paid leave and holidays
• Housing stipend: $100 per week
• Uniform and gear reimbursement up to $250
• Field per diem may be provided
  
  

Qualifaictions

• A degree in Wildlife Management, Ecology, Forestry, Rangeland Management, or Natural Resources Management is preferred. 
  • Experience may be substituted for education for highly motivated individuals. 
• Basic knowledge of biology, with the ability to identify general plants and wildlife.
• Knowledge of or interest in learning about Great Basin vegetation 
• Knowledge of or interest in learning about range improvements is a plus
• Familiarity with basic fence construction
• Familiarity with common software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, ArcPro, Google Maps, etc.
• Ability to pass a Department of Interior Background Investigation
• Ability to work outdoors in rugged terrain that includes walking, bending, climbing hills, lifting, and carrying various materials or supplies which are occasionally heavy
• A dedication and openness to working with others who may have different personalities, perspectives/worldviews, experiences, and competencies