Biological Science Technician: Nevada

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Agency

Great Basin Institute

Location

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Rising from the floor of the Great Basin—the vast expanse between the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains where creeks and rivers flow inland rather than to the ocean—the steep, green mountains of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest provide critical water, wildlife habitat, and incredible adventures for visitors and residents. Ghost towns and historic mining cabins dot these vast, largely undiscovered sky islands that offer freedom, solitude, and a sense of discovery and adventure for the self-reliant. Although mostly remote, the Forest also borders some of the busiest urban areas in the country—Las Vegas and Reno. For more information about this incredible landscape, please visit the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest fact sheet. Five (5) openings are available: One (1) in the Carson-Bridgeport Ranger Districts located in Carson City, NV; two (2) in the Santa Rosa Ranger District located in Paradise Valley, NV; and two (2) in the Mountain City-Ruby Mountains-Jarbidge Ranger District located in Wells, NV. For more information on each district, please visit the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Visitor Guide.

Job Category

Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary

Living Allowance: Approximately $850 biweekly before taxes

Start Date

06/13/2022

Last Date to Apply

05/31/2022

Website

https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/Careers.aspx?req=2022-ACI-007&type=JOBDESCR

Description

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting five (5) AmeriCorps Biological Science Technicians to participate in invasive non-native plant treatment, monitoring, and management projects for the forest's statewide noxious weed control program. The primary focus of this position will be the mechanical and chemical treatment of invasive and noxious weeds. Most of this work is conducted using backpack sprayers, UTV’s, and large 4WD spray vehicles traveling on remote 4WD roads. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be supplied by the Forest Service and utilized by Technicians at all times. A tablet with ArcCollector and Invasive Species Mobile, as well as a Garmin InReach device, will be used to record plant populations. Primary duties: • Treat invasive plant infestations (Treatments primarily involve using herbicides, but may also be accomplished by hand-pulling and/or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods); • Identify non-native plant species using various fields and survey for target plants; • Collect data on infestation location and status; • Accurately and legibly record data related to invasive plant treatments according to specific protocols; and • Perform basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications. Although a small portion of time may be dedicated to data entry and other office tasks, this is primarily a field-based position which requires physical labor and daily hiking. Technicians will often navigate using global positioning systems, topographic maps, and/or compass to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions. A training session including plant identification, herbicide safety, use of tablets and associated software, UTV operation, trailer towing, and first aid will be provided at the beginning of the field season. Benefits: o Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,097.50 (Upon successful completion, the award may be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition.) o $15/day field camping per diem when applicable o Carson City: $75/week housing stipend provided o Paradise Valley: barracks housing available at $13.34/day (~$400/month) o Wells: barracks housing available at $10.61/day (~$320/month) o Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost

Qualifications

Technical requirements: o Knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification - prior experience with invasive plant management preferred; o Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods, and ability to pass Nevada State Applicator exam (training and study time will be provided prior to the exam); o Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units or tablets for navigation and/or data collections preferred, along with basic computer skills; o Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; o Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountainous forest roads, preferred; o Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles such as Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) desirable; and o Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable. Additional requirements: o Ability to self-direct and self-motivate; o Possess good organizational skills; o Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain; o Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices; o Communicate effectively with a diverse public; o Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; and o The successful applicant(s) must complete the following background checks: (1) AmeriCorps Criminal History Check (state and federal), (2) National Sex Offender registry check, and (3) USDA Forest Service background investigation.

Contact Person

Cara Montes

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