Fisheries Research Associate (SLPT)

Description:
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe (SLPT), is recruiting two (2) Fisheries Research Associates to assist the SLPT Natural Resources Department staff to perform tasks associated with surveying, counting, capturing, and tagging Lahontan cutthroat trout (LCT). Summit Lake holds one of the two remaining self-sustaining lake populations of Lahontan cutthroat trout, a federally threatened species. Monitoring this population has been a 60+ year project for the SLPT and ensuring its preservation is vital for the recovery of this species as a whole and retaining the cultural significance of these fish to the tribe.

SHORT-TERM POSITION DESCRIPTION:
(April – June)
1. Assist with monitoring the LCT spawn run in the Mahogany Creek Fish Trap
2. Assist with monitoring the LCT lake population through fyke net sampling events 
3. Occasionally assist with other natural resource projects as needed, such as water quality monitoring, fence and station maintenance, community outreach, and Sage Grouse population monitoring.

LONG-TERM POSITION DESCRIPTION:
(April – September)
1. Assist with monitoring the LCT spawn run in the Mahogany Creek Fish Trap
2. Assist with monitoring the LCT lake population through fyke net sampling events 
3. Assist with monitoring the LCT stream population through electrofishing 
4. Occasionally assist with other natural resource projects as needed, such as water quality monitoring, fence and station maintenance, community outreach, and Sage Grouse population monitoring.

To Whom Position Reports: Natural Resource Director or delegate as assigned.
Travel Requirements: Weekly travel to Reservation (compensated for travel time)
Conditions of Employment: Shared housing with basic amenities (electric, water, heat/AC, etc.) on the Reservation is provided during scheduled fieldwork only. Employees are expected to adhere to all Summit Lake Paiute Tribe Policies when on Tribal property including during non-working hours.

Contract Timeline:

• Full time, average 40 hours per week;
• One (1) position available from April – June;
• One (1) position available from April – September

Location:
Summit Lake Paiute Tribe Headquarters, Sparks, Nevada and Summit Lake Indian Reservation, Humboldt County, Nevada

Compensation and Benefits:

• Total Living Allowance: up to $21/hr with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost.
• Paid leave and holidays.

Additional benefits:

• Eligibility for pro deals through GBI, such as Outdoor Prolink and Black Diamond.
• Opportunity to network with GBI and federal partners for career advancement

Job Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Successful completion of 2 years of college-level coursework in natural resources, biology, or related field; and
• >6 months experience in natural resource projects such as wildlife research and monitoring, plant identification, or vegetation survey and management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Good physical condition with ability to lift up to 50lbs and hike for extended periods of time over uneven terrain in inclement weather;
• Ability to navigate in remote areas (no cell service) using compass, GPS, natural features, and maps;
• Able to live and work as a team member in an extremely remote area of Northern Nevada for extended periods of time;
• Adhere to daily/weekly work schedules that are subject to change in response to project needs;
• Comfortable working in both extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures;
• Comfortable with primitive living conditions for extended periods of time;
• Able to maintain a flexible work schedule – i.e. working on weekends and/or through the night and/or beginning the work day pre-dawn when required by project;
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude; able to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills;
• Effectively interact with Tribal members, staff and agency personnel;
• Work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a cross-cultural environment with people of various skills;
• Working knowledge of proper wildlife and fish handling, tagging, and tracking techniques, proper data collection and record keeping, safe driving techniques on unmaintained dirt/ gravel roads using 4×4 trucks, UTVs and ATVs;
• Comfortable working on a small boat for long hours;
• Ability to assist professional staff in conducting natural resource related studies and projects by independently collecting data, identify species of plants and animals;
• Communicate effectively with others;
• Passion for the outdoors and natural resource conservation and management.