Interdisciplinary Resources Monitoring Technician (CARE)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service and Capitol Reef National Park, is recruiting an Interdisciplinary Resources Monitoring Technician to join Great Basin Institute’s Research Associate Program. The Project Monitoring Technician will support the Capitol Reef National Park Division of Resource Management & Science serving as a member of the resource staff through monitoring of natural, cultural, and paleontological resources during the resurfacing the Park’s Scenic Drive. The technician may also assist resources staff with monitoring federally listed plants, rangeland management, post construction vegetation restoration, and native seed collection. The technician will also enter, manage, and summarize data, maintain field equipment, and assist with other project management duties as needed.
  
Primary responsibilities include conducting monitoring of road construction contractor’s adherence to mitigations put in place to protect cultural, natural and paleontological resources and acting as the agency liaison between park staff and the construction project.  Responsibilities include coordinating with park subject matter experts when potential impacts arise, identifying work practices varying from the contract guidelines and ensuring that planned mitigation measures are carried out effectively.  The monitor will use computer software, including MS Access, Excel and various ESRI products (Survey 123, Field Maps, ArcGIS), to organize, manage and summarize monitoring data. 

Monitoring work requires attention to detail and long hours in the field. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds or rain in the early spring to temperatures nearing 100° F in the summer. Other challenging field conditions include high winds and gnats or other biting insects. Experience driving four-wheel drive vehicles on high clearance, dirt roads would be beneficial, but is not essential. Office work consists of data entry and management, summarizing daily project milestones or issues, writing reports, data entry GIS, and meeting with park staff.  The technician must be able to work well with other team members and ensure that safety protocols are adhered to. The technician will work to ensure that all GBI and NPS policies are adhered to.

Contract Timeline:
26-week appointment (March 3, 2024 – Aug 31, 2024)

Location:
Capitol Reef National Park is located near Torrey, UT. The location is remote. The nearest gas station is 10 miles away and the nearest grocery store is approximately 30 miles away. A personal vehicle is required for travel/transport outside of work. No cell service is available in housing or near the duty station. WiFi is available in park housing. Reliable cellular service is found when nearing Torrey. The intern should find living in a remote location desirable. Located in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges. In addition to unique geological resources and spectacular scenery, the park also has a rich cultural history.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: up to $18/hr for 39 week appointment (allocated biweekly)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
• Camping Per Diem: $35/day (when applicable)
• Housing: The Park will provide housing in a 5-6-bedroom dormitory. The interns will have a private room with a shared bath, shared kitchen and common areas. The dormitory includes all appliances, washer and dryer, some kitchen pots, pans and dishes, and internet service. Heat, electricity and water are included. A phone is available in each dorm and long distance calls can be made with a calling card. Housing is located approximately a 5-minute walk from the duty station.

Job Qualifications:

Technical requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, Paleontology, Archaeology or other related field, or combination of related coursework and/or experience with plant taxonomy and ecology, including plant identification guides, experience recognizing paleontological resources in the field, and/or experience recognizing or documenting archeological resources in a field setting
• Experience with ecological restoration post disturbance (desired, not required).
• Experience with collection, handling and storage of native seed for revegetation (desired, not required).
• Familiarity with, or proven ability and desire to learn, specific State and Federal laws and Park Service policies related to natural and cultural resources; (desired, not required).
• Experience conducting vegetation, archeological, or paleontological surveys, monitoring, or documentation (e.g., repeat photography, or transect and quadrat systematic sampling); (desired, not required).
• Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection;
• Knowledge of GIS software (highly desirable, but not required);
• Experience with technical writing and/or producing written project/grant reports;
• Experience using tablets and computer software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Access, Excel); and

Resource Management:
Knowledge of local politics and land use plans (general management plans, natural/cultural resource management plans, fire management plans, etc.); knowledge of the area (topographic features, vegetation types), critical areas, type of visitors and inhabitants, improvements, roads; understanding of potential effects of wildland fires upon significant natural and cultural resources; basic map reading skills.

General:
Knowledge and experience in guidelines, policies and implementation for natural and cultural resource management including mitigating and protection measures; oral and written communication skills; qualifying experience to include on satisfactory trainee assignment.

Additional requirements:

• Experience monitoring a construction or related project.
• Ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, GBI and agency staff, construction managers, and a diverse public;
• Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time (e.g., digging, bending over, hauling material, hiking);
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
• Willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field, if necessary;
• Good organizational skills; and
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license; clean driving record; and ability to safely operate a 4WD truck on paved and unpaved roads, including narrow, sandy or muddy desert roads.