The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR) to recruit a Wildlife Monitor. The wildlife program at JOTR’s Resource Management Division requires the assistance of a highly skilled wildlife biologist to help with the survey, documentation, and management of its wildlife. During road and related developments in JOTR, the Wildlife Monitor will conduct field surveys and construction monitoring. Wildlife observations and data within and around the park will also be recorded and analyzed by the Monitor. 

Major duties include:

• Monitor project areas during construction or other activities that could be destructive to habitat or potentially hazardous to endangered or threatened species;
• Collect data and manage large datasets;
• Work collaboratively with Managers and other Resource Management staff;
• Analyze wildlife observations and data within and around JOTR;
• Assist ongoing resource-based activities by monitoring park resources, sometimes utilizing volunteers; and
• Create, promote, facilitate and/or improve the public understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational, and other aspects of JOTR.

Compensation:   

• $20/hour
• Paid personal leave and federal holidays
• Fully paid monthly health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision) 

Timeline:  

• Upon availability for a 6-month duration; potential for extension pending available funding and positive performance review
• Full time, 40 hours per week, with overtime and some weekend work 

Location:

Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field in the biological sciences;
• Familiarity and knowledge of natural resource management at western National Parks, specifically wildlife;
• Previous U.S. Fish and Wildlife approval as an Authorized Mojave Desert Tortoise Biologist, preferred;
• Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
• Ability to work in extreme and remote parts of the park;
• Familiarity with ecological processes and the fauna, as well as the flora, of the Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts;
• Familiarity with or previous experience working in the Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
• Experience using ArcGIS software; 
• Knowledge or familiarity with Joshua Tree National Park, preferred;
• Willingness and ability to work, hike long distances carrying 40-50 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable desert conditions, including in extreme heat; and
• Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends.

Additional requirements:

• Possess reliable vehicle or other form of transportation;
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; 
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, unimproved roads;
• Ability to work independently to accomplish goals;
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public;
• Possess good organizational skills;
• Possess a favorably adjudicated background clearance; and
• Must be motivated, self-directed, organized, and detail oriented in order to balance multiple tasks simultaneously.

Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS 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.

Authorized Mojave Desert Tortoise field biologists are encouraged to apply.