Survey Technician: Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program

The Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the Endangered Species Act.  Desert tortoise technicians will assist researchers in estimating population density using line distance sampling and mark-recapture methods. Monitoring occurs during April and May to coincide with the peak activity season of desert tortoises. 

Thirty-three (33) AmeriCorps field technicians will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills, including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, use of GPS and topographic maps, and electronic data collection technology.  In addition, survey monitors will be field tested on their knowledge of and ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Field technicians will work for 5 consecutive days with 2 days off during training and 4 days with 3 days off during the field season. Technicians must be available to work any of the 7 days each week, with the understanding that the schedule is subject to change with little or no notice.  Field camping is required.  This position will require long hours including early mornings and may include weekends.

Contract Timeline:

• March 11, 2024 – May 10, 2024
• Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week
• Weekend hours may be required during field season
  Location:Clark County, NV (Las Vegas)

Compensation and Benefits:

• $6,931.00 Living Allowance
• $1,459.26 Education Award
• Field Per Diem ($25.00 per day while camping)
• Health Insurance
• Student loan forbearance/interest accrual

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field, required; 
• Experience collecting field data or following established field data collection protocols required;
• Ability to walk a minimum of 15 km/day in challenging terrain and harsh and rapidly changing desert conditions, and otherwise be in good physical condition required;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection preferred;
• Experience conducting line distance sampling or working with desert tortoises desirable;
• Self-motivated with ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment required;
• Ability to work a variable schedule (including weekends) that may change with little or no notice required;
• Willingness to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days required;
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license preferred;
• Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road preferred;
• 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), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks.