Vegetation Monitoring Technician
Great Basin Institute / Joshua Tree National Park
Description:
In cooperation with the National Park Service Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting a Vegetation Monitoring Technician to support vegetation monitoring and management projects. The Technician will be responsible for implementing on-the-ground monitoring protocols and will work with a research team to lead volunteers, collect data, and enter data into various databases. This program will focus on conditions and trends of park resources in order to improve scientific understanding of how the vegetation of the park is responding to the effects of climate and environmental change. JOTR has established a suite of long term monitoring programs and needs assistance in gathering data for analysis to guide management and policy. These projects will help create, promote, facilitate and/or improve the public understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational, and other aspects of JOTR. Another goal of the program is to provide youth with an opportunity to spend time working on projects in JOTR.
Other duties will include maintaining and establishing new volunteer-based programs to provide visitors and community members with opportunities to participate in natural resource management activities; coordinate species inventories, citizen science/external research partner studies done in the park. The Technician will support the JOTR Restoration staff with various projects. This will include native plant restoration including planting and irrigation, invasive plant inventory and control, boundary incursion mapping, protection and restoration activities, and plant propagation and nursery maintenance.
Compensation:
- $18/hour
- Health and Dental Benefits
Timeline:
o 6-month appointment beginning May/June 2018, or pending availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation
o Full time, 40 hours per week, possibly including some weekends
Location:
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Field conditions 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.
Qualifications:
o Bachelor’s degree in biology, restoration ecology, botany, environmental studies/science or related discipline;
o Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
o Familiarity with ecological processes and the flora of the Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts;
o Familiarity with or previous experience working in the Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts;
o Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
o Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
o Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
o Experience using ArcGIS software;
o Willingness and ability to work safely, hike long distances carrying 40-50 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable desert conditions, including in extreme heat;
o Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends; and
o Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads.
o Ability to work effectively on a diverse team that includes other Research Associates, interns, and volunteers
o Demonstrated leadership skills, including coordinating and overseeing groups of volunteers
How to Apply:
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.