Invasive Plant Management Crew Lead

The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition (ENLC), based in Ely, NV, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of environmental conservation through projects, research, education, and partnerships throughout the arid and semi-arid West.

The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition is hiring two (2) Invasive Plant Management Crew Leads to work in the Elko District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These positions are intended to strengthen the program’s capacity to deliver exceptional results and make a more significant impact on the program initiatives. This project is funded through a cooperative agreement between the Elko District BLM and ENLC. ENLC’s Elko Noxious and Invasive Weed Management Program plays a pivotal role in supporting critical BLM initiatives, including inventorying locations of noxious weeds and other invasive species, using an Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) approach to determine the most effective method of invasive species control, stabilization and rehabilitation of disturbed areas, and adaptive management for controlling new invasive species. Through these efforts, this program makes a meaningful impact on the environment, maintaining the health of our native landscapes on public lands. 

The crew leads will be responsible for leading 6 technicians in conducting noxious weed inventorying, monitoring, and mechanical and chemical treatment activities. The crew will be based out of the Elko District BLM Office and will work throughout the District. Much of the work will take place in remote locations in variable weather conditions. Some camping may be required but would be the exception. Successful candidates must pass the Nevada Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator’s certification.

The Invasive Plant Management Crew Leads will encounter a variety of opportunities for professional development, including exposure to a spectrum of noxious and invasive plant inventory and treatment methods, overcoming day-to-day challenges of working in remote settings, and the ability to effectively support the success of a mission-driven non-profit organization. This exciting role contributes to ENLC’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation. 

CREW LEAD DUTIES:

• Effectively lead and oversee 6 technicians in performing inventorying, monitoring, and control of noxious weeds.
• Daily communication, planning, and logistics coordination with the ENLC field coordinator and technicians.
• Inventorying includes identifying invasive plants to the species level, surveying and mapping infestations with GPS receivers, capturing digital photo points, and managing data.
• Monitoring noxious weed populations using standardized protocols to ensure treatment effectiveness.
• Control infestations with herbicide applied via backpack sprayers and UTVs with boom sprayers.
• Safely and effectively conduct herbicide application activities and abide by federal and state guidelines/regulations.
• Identify Nevada plant species, especially Nevada state listed noxious weeds.
• Driving large 4×4 trucks with UTV trailer on highways and on remote two-track roads.
• Obtain Nevada Department of Agriculture applicator’s certificate.
• Ability to carry up to 40lbs, while hiking over uneven terrain.
• Safe and effective use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which will be provided.
• Safe operation of UTVs.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Qualified applicants should have experience and/or education in overseeing field crews, invasive plant management, biological sciences, natural resources, botany, GIS, rangeland management, or general plant taxonomy and the ability to follow directions and safety protocols. Applicants must be experienced with 4WD vehicles and should have a clean driving record for the past three (3) years. Preference is given to applicants with experience using GPS units and ArcMap. Plant identification experience with Great Basin species is a plus.

WAGE AND BENEFITS: $23.50/hour (plus $40 per diem when camping). Benefits include a $200 monthly health insurance allowance and a weekly $75 housing allowance, and eligibility to Pro Deals, such as Outdoor ProLink.

SCHEDULE: This position runs from mid-April through late-September or October 2024 with 40-hour work weeks.  Successful candidates are responsible for their own housing while working on this project.

ABOUT THE ELKO, NV AREA: The Elko District BLM encompasses 12.5 million acres and has topography typical of the Great Basin with broad valleys separated by mountain ranges. Nestled in the valley of the Ruby Mountains, it is only a 20-minute drive into one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the state. Often described as the Swiss Alps of Nevada, the Ruby Mountains’ steep peaks rise nearly 5,000 feet above the valley below, capped by Ruby Dome at over 10,000 feet. The drive to the top of the infamous Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway is less than an hour from Elko, where the hikes range from half days to multi-day thru-hikes on the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail, highlighting jagged peaks and stunning alpine lakes. In the wintertime, the Rubies boast 200+ inches of cold smoke snow each year; seducing snowshoers, snowmobilers, yurt hikers, and powder-hungry backcountry and heli-skiers alike. North of Elko, the Jarbidge Wilderness beckons to climbers and canyoneers, and can be found chock-full of wildflowers in the spring and summer months.

The city of Elko (population 21,000) is located along the I-80 corridor and is approximately 230 miles west of Salk Lake City, UT and 290 miles east of Reno, NV. Full of rich Nevada history, local attractions include the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering and the well-known Basque Festival. The Humboldt River cuts through Elko’s city center, and hot springs are located right outside the city. Elko was ranked in the top 62% best cities to live in the world in 2022.