The Great Basin Institute
Job title:
Invasive Species Management Intern (Desert National Wildlife Refuge)
Company
The Great Basin Institute
Job description
In partnership with the USFWS Desert National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting an Invasive Species Management Intern to work in the Research Associate Program. This internship will be a 1-year entry level position and will provide solid habitat management and restoration experience as the intern will primarily support the Invasive Plant Management program, but also assist refuge staff by conducting biological monitoring projects, working with volunteers, and assisting with the other refuge projects. Additional duties may include projects such as backcountry invasive species and water resource monitoring, leading educational talks for invasive species awareness and creating outreach materials for invasive species.
The position is based at the Desert NWR Corn Creek Visitor Center, which houses the administrative offices, accessible trails, and is the primary gateway into the backcountry areas of the refuge. Due to the high visitation within the small footprint of Corn Creek, this area experiences the greatest impact from visitation. This internship is critical for minimizing impacts on natural resources. The intern will assist with management of invasives plant species area utilizing a combination of mechanical removal and chemical treatment. The intern will also assist in monitoring for new invasive species and infestations in the backcountry. Monitoring for new populations of invasive species in the backcountry is essential to preventing new species from establishing a foothold within the interior of the refuge. The intern will locate populations of invasive species, document, treat, map (using GIS, photography, and topographic maps), enter field data into databases, compile and analyze data to generate reports.
The Invasives Plant Management program is working to create volunteer opportunities at the refuge to those interested in conservation. The intern will assist with leading volunteers and stewardship opportunities, including collaborative events with partnering NGO’s.
Duties include:
- Treating of invasive plant species by mechanical removal and chemical treatment through the application of herbicide,
- Documenting, treating and monitoring of new invasive species or populations of invasive plants at Corn Creek and in the backcountry.
- Maintaining field equipment and tools.
- Assisting with the creating, organization, and promotion of volunteer and stewardship opportunities.
- Assisting with management of volunteers and Conservation crews working on invasive species on the Refuge.
- Data entry, database organization and compilation, and report writing.
- Assisting with miscellaneous biological, maintenance and visitor services projects on the refuge.
The intern must be comfortable working and living in a remote desert location. Work will be primarily outdoors and often independently. Applicate must be able to tolerate working in hot, dry, often dusty conditions, hiking long distances over uneven terrain; carry a 4-gal backpack sprayer (approximately 35 pounds). This position requires working with herbicides and other potentially hazardous materials.
Contract Timeline:
- Anticipated start date of early April, or as soon as possible upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation.
- Full time, 40 hours per week; Mo-Fr, some flexibility in schedule and weekend work will be required.
- One-year appointment.
Location:
Las Vegas, Nevada.
The duty station is at the Corn Creek office building for Desert NWR just outside of Las Vegas. Desert NWR is the largest National Wildlife Refuge outside of Alaska and was designated in 1936 to provide habitat and protection for desert bighorn sheep. The refuge encompasses six major mountain ranges and boasts over 500 plant species as it transitions from the Mojave to the Great Basin Desert. Corn Creek is a spring fed riparian area in the midst of dry desert, important to migratory and resident birds and countless other wildlife, and also the location of the refuge visitor center and offices. The Desert Refuge Complex also includes Ash Meadows, Pahranagat and Moapa NWR’s, the complex showcases the abundance and variety of nature that can be found in Southern Nevada.
In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the Refuge, there are several other recreation and natural setting opportunities to explore close by. Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and more are within a few hours driving distance and afford a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.
The intern must provide their own reliable transportation for non-work related trips as the closest personal amenities and grocery stores are approximately 15 miles away on the edges of the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Rate of Pay: $19.50/hour.
- Health, Dental and Vision Insurance premiums will be completely paid for at no cost to you
- Paid leave and holidays.
- Housing is available in a shared bunkhouse.
Job Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related field and/or commensurate field experience)
- Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records
- Ability to perform physical labor in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions independently or as part of a team
- Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license
- Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and/or navigation, along with basic computer skills
- Experience using MS Access and Excel for database management
- Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with a diverse audience
- Comfortable with flexible weekly schedules as it may change in response to project needs
Desired Knowledge and Abilities:
- Ability to self-direct and self-motivate
- Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology
- Understanding and/or experience using ArcGIS Pro software
- Willingness and ability to carry a backpack sprayer (up to 35 pounds), lift up to 50 pounds, and to perform physical labor, including but not limited to, manual removal of non-native vegetation
- Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals
- Ability to work independently and safely in remote areas
- Knowledge and experience operating 4WD trucks
- U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
- Willingness and ability to pass a background check, and pass computer security and ethics training.
EEO Statement
We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
Expected salary
$19.5 per hour
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Job date
Thu, 29 Feb 2024 02:11:54 GMT
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