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Plant and Pollinator Project Lead/Wildlife Associate

Description:

In partnership with the BLM Elko District Office, GBI is recruiting a Sensitive Plant and Pollinator Project Lead/Wildlife Technician to assist with wildlife, restoration, and natural resources monitoring programs. This individual will support a program to inventory sensitive plant and pollinator species, in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Forest Service. The work will primarily involve working independently or with one other individual in the field to complete plant and pollinator inventory and mapping. Other projects will include wildlife surveys and collecting field data utilizing a variety of standard techniques. The information obtained will be applied to determining habitat distribution and population viability of sensitive species.

Botanical Projects:

• Work independently or with Biodiversity Program employees identifying, mapping, and surveying sensitive plant populations in the field.
• Coordinate with species experts at multiple herbariums to identify sensitive plant species.
• Collect her barium specimens and maintain herbarium collection records (both physical and online databases).
• Use GIS (ArcMap or ArcPro) to maintain project data.
• Identify and survey white bark pine populations.
• Develop monitoring plans for sensitive plant species with the Biodiversity Program (BP) Coordinator.
• Capture, collect, and identify sensitive pollinator species and pollinators found utilizing sensitive plant populations.

Wildlife Projects:

This position would also be expected to assist the Biodiversity Program Coordinator with wildlife projects throughout the year. However, sensitive plant work will take priority when growing conditions are suitable. Extensive training will be provided for the following topics:
• Bats - Assist with capture and acoustic sampling when necessary. Rabies pre-exposure vaccine/booster/titer check necessary. Includes capture of set up equipment, handling bats, filling out datasheets, and set up of acoustic equipment.
• Springsnails – Assist with springsnail surveys when needed. Includes creating plan list for springsnail sites (riparian and aquatic species), identifying springsnails, making collections, and filling out datasheets.
• Mussels – Assist with mussel surveys. Includes snorkeling or wading while counting, species ID, and filling out datasheet while acting as safety.
• Birds – Assist with bird surveys when needed (winter raptor, Ferruginous Hawk, Northern Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon).

Field work will occur in remote locations, and backcountry camping will be required for up to 8 consecutive nights depending on project locations. During May-September, work will be 90% field based. During October-November, work will be 70% field based. The field schedule will be flexible and will require working some weekends.

The Great Basin Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. GBI’s Research Associate Program provides multidisciplinary capacity for professional support of diverse partnerships across western states while presenting emerging professionals with career-enhancing opportunities in natural/cultural/recreation resource management, ecological conservation, environmental stewardship, and related fields. The Wildlife Monitoring Technician will gain exposure to policies and approaches for managing natural resources on public lands with a multi-use designation. In addition, the technician will acquire experience in standard techniques for botanical and wildlife monitoring, and management of associated data.

Contract Timeline:

• Seasonal/Annual appointment beginning April 3, 2023
• Full-time, 40 hours per week (overtime may be required occasionally)

Location:

The BLM Elko District in northeastern Nevada encompasses over 12 million acres located within the Great Basin ecoregion, which is generally characterized by a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Elko is approximately 230 miles west of Salt Lake City, UT, 295 miles northeast of Reno, NV, and 255 miles south of Boise, ID. Recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, visiting cultural resource sites, and wildlife viewing, abound in this region.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Rate of Pay: $24.00/hour
• Field per diem when overnight camping is required
• Paid health and dental benefits