The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with National Park Service at Joshua Tree National Park, is recruiting one wildlife monitor to participate 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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• 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.

Timeline:

• We are looking to start this position in February, the position is 24 project wks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); 
• Schedule: Monday - Thursday, 10 hour shifts.

Location:

Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California, 2- to 3-hour drive from Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Aside from the outdoor recreation opportunities and natural wonders within the park, Death Valley and Grand Canyon National Parks, the Mojave Preserve, as well as Lake Mead and Spring Mountains National Recreation Areas are nearby and afford a diversity of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock hounding to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.

Field conditions at Joshua Tree 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.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $22 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;
• Access to Pro Deals;
• Housing will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Participants must meet the Public Land Corp Hiring Authority age requirements (see section below);
• Possess reliable vehicle or other form of transportation;
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; 
• Successful applicants 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.
• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field in the biological sciences;
• Experience working with Mojave Desert Tortoise (Opportunity to become an Authorized Mojave Desert Tortoise Biologist)
• 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;
• 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;
• 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; 
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, unimproved roads;
• Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends.

Preferred:

• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: 

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.