The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, is recruiting two (2) Wildlife Management Technicians. The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is dedicated to maintaining the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of fish, wildlife, and plant resources. The Technicians will gather scientific data on waterfowl, pronghorn and other ungulates, pygmy rabbits, sagebrush and salt desert scrub habitats, and various other species and ecosystems.

The Technicians will also support NWRS priorities by the mapping and treatment of invasive plant species on the refuge; thereby allowing us to maintain and restore critical waterfowl habitat as well as more accurately track herbicide treatments and results so that appropriate measures can be taken to control infestations in subsequent years. This work will familiarize the technician with current methods of GIS data collection and all aspects of herbicide application. There will also be opportunities to gather scientific data on waterfowl to support population estimates in one of the most important waterfowl areas in Northeast Nevada by providing waterfowl trapping and banding information.

Primary Responsibilities:

• GIS mapping of invasive plant species location using ArcGIS Field Maps;
• Chemical and mechanical treatments of invasive plant species;
• Habitat assessments (sagebrush, salt desert scrub, grassland/meadows, wetlands);
•  Wildlife surveys (pygmy rabbits, ungulates, sandhill cranes, shorebirds);
• Wildlife habitat enhancement;
•  Trapping and banding of waterfowl; 
•  Other duties as assigned.

Timeline:

• April to October 2025 (25-week appointment)
• Full time (40 hours/week)

Location

:Ruby Lake NWR sits at an elevation of 6000 ft and comprises~ 40,000 acres of marsh, meadows, and sagebrush steppe. The refuge is very remote. It is 52 miles to Spring Creek and 63 mi from Elko, which are the nearest places for groceries, restaurants, and entertainment. Recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, abound in this region.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation: $18.00 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;
• Personal leave and holidays;
• Furnished housing is provided on site at no cost;
• Access to Pro Deals.

Qualifications: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or coursework and experience in biology, ecology, or a related field;
• Field experience that included adhering to field data collections protocols and accurately collecting and recording field data;
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and plant taxonomy including use of technical keys;
• Experience with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey 123 (preferred);
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads;
• Experience with invasive plant management (preferred, but not required);
• Experience with ID of waterfowl (preferred, but not required);
• Experience with bird banding (preferred, but not required); and
• Possess strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.

Preferred:

• Ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, GBI and agency staff, and a diverse public;
• Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time (e.g., digging, bending over, hauling material, hiking);
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
• Must possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license; clean driving record; and ability to safely operate a 4WD truck on paved and unpaved roads, including narrow, mountain forest roads;
• Must pass National Safety Council Defensive Driving Course;
• Must pass USFWS UTV/ATV training;
• Must follow all safety protocols while conducting work;
• Must pass USFWS background check to obtain Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card;
• Ability to pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks;