The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with BLM (Reno), is recruiting 1 Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species Specialist. Under the direction of the BLM Renewable Resources Branch, the selected candidate will assist with tasks related to BLM special status species, including BLM sensitive and T&E species, ESA, reporting, and presentations. This includes development of conservation strategies/plans that include best management practices. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Planning and implementing actions related to conservation and restoration of Nevada wildlife and plant resources, and their habitats.  
• Maintain databases and summarize data.
• Create maps and habitat models.
• Develop protocols for T&E and sensitive baseline surveys. Work with BLM GIS and Renewable Resources staff to manage the BLM Nevada Special Status Species Observations ArcGIS Online groups. Provide training materials for BLM staff on the Survey123 Observation form. 
• Develop habitat accounts for special status species. Compile special status species reference guides for habitat and survey timing. 
• Develop outreach tools to share with wildlife, range and botany staff at BLM. Compile a Special Status Species (SSS) desk guide for BLM staff.  This will act as a resource on Best Management Practices (BMPs) for new and current biologists and NEPA planners.
• Develop a Sharepoint site for Special Status Species management. 
• Assist NatureServe to coordinate with field on entering legacy data. Work with state office program leads, the renewable energy biologist, and PCRP senior ecologist on renewable projects.
• Help coordinate NDNH rare plant seed collection for renewable energy program.
• Identify what species could occur in project areas to inform recommended surveys for species.
• Pre-field review and desk analysis to determine habitat suitability for plant species. 
• Serve as a liaison between GBI and BLM staff;
• Ensure that all administrative paperwork is completed and submitted on time and correctly; and 
• Ensure GBI and agency equipment are maintained and treated properly. 
• Adhere to daily/weekly work schedules that are subject to change in response to project needs;
• Participation in GBI and/or BLM training opportunities; 
• Complete and submit quarterly progress reports to GBI staff. Reports are due on January 15th, April 15th, July 15th, and October 15th; a final report, describing activities during your last quarter, will be due no later than one week before the end of contract; 

Timeline:

• January/February – June 1st 2025, 40 weeks
• Full time (40 hours/week)
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 hours daily

Location:

Position will be based out of the BLM Nevada State Office in Reno, NV. Remote work may be considered for the right candidate.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation: $31 hourly
• Benefits: Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
• Paid leave and holidays
• Access to Pro Deals

Qualifiactions: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany or Wildlife Biology, or related discipline, or a combination of relevant education and field experience; master’s degree preferred;
• Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of threatened, endangered, and sensitive status species;
• Familiarity with native and rare flora and fauna of the state of Nevada;
• Familiarity with the Endangered Species Act, Nevada state code/statutes pertaining to special status species, and BLM rules and regulations on specials status species;
• Experience with Nature Serve products and ArcGIS applications such as Survey123;
• Experience maintaining databases and summarizing data;
• Previous experience developing species habitat models;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Experience with data entry and QA/QC procedures;
• Familiarity with seed collection protocols for rare plants;
• Reliable, team-player with strong leadership and communication skills;
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to BLM human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.
• Driving: Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record.