*To learn more and apply, please follow the link below:*
The Biological Science Technician will provide national service at the
Bureau of Land Management Eagle Lake Field Office (Susanville, CA), a host
site for the Great Basin Institute’s AmeriCorps Environmental Service
Program.
*Description:*
Working cooperatively with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Eagle Lake
Field Office, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting two Biological
Science Technicians to assist BLM resource specialists with noxious weed
treatment and monitoring.
*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 field guides 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.
This is a primarily field-based position which requires physical labor and
daily hiking. Service will be performed in an outdoor environment that
ranges from cold and wet to hot and dry. This work may require physical
exertion over steep, wet, muddy, slippery, rough, uneven or rocky surfaces;
and may include bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and
similar activities. There is potential for overnight camping in remote
areas, but it is not required. BLM seasonal crews typically serve 4
10-hour day work weeks (Mon-Thu).
Location:
The BLM Eagle Lake Field Office is located in Susanville, California, in
the vicinity of many outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing,
mountain biking, hiking/backpacking, and skiing/snowboarding. Susanville is
located in northeastern California, with access to nearby national forests
and the Sierra Nevada range to the south.
Compensation:
• AmeriCorps Living Allowance: $12,060.00 (approximately $960 biweekly
before taxes)
• AmeriCorps Education Award*: $3,047.50 (upon successful completion)
• Housing Stipend: $75/week
• Field Camping Per Diem: $15/day if applicable
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no-cost
*AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future
education experiences, including payment of qualifying federal student
loans. Student loan forbearance is also available.
*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;
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
Additional Requirements:
o Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to
safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
o Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team focused
on accomplishing mutual goals and communicate effectively, both written and
orally, with a diverse audience;
o Possess good organizational skills and be detail oriented;
o Ability to work in challenging environmental conditions, work in all
types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and perform required
physical activities; and
o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal
resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education
Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time
education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)
and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules,
regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service
Agreement; and (5) will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed
in the Member Service Agreement.