Invasive Plant Research Associate

Job Description:

In cooperation with the National Park Service at Joshua Tree National Park (JOTR), the Great Basin Institute is recruiting an Invasive Plant Research Associate (RA) to lead invasive plant inventory and control efforts. The RA will be responsible for leading an Early Detection, Rapid Response program for invasive plants, for continuing ongoing manual and chemical control treatments of weed infestations, for treating new infestations, and for monitoring treatment effectiveness. The RA will be responsible for properly applying herbicides to control invasive plants in accordance with product labels and for maintaining application records in conformance with federal and state law and National Park Service policy. The RA will assist in maintaining fuel breaks using herbicides. The RA will be responsible for maintaining and updating a geodatabase of infestation locations, treatments, and treatment effectiveness. The RA will lead groups of volunteers that assist with monitoring and controlling invasive plants within the park. The RA may, contingent upon funding, direct the work of a field crew, including hiring, training, supervision, planning and scheduling field work, leading the crew in implementing treatments, and assuring conformance to safety policies. The RA will provide training for park staff, volunteers, and cooperators on invasive plant identification and best management practices for reducing the spread and establishment of invasive plants. The RA will need to be in possession of a current, California Qualified Applicator’s Certificate/License or obtain one within three months of starting the position. The RA must be capable of hiking long distances in a desert environment, including steep, rocky terrain, to reach some infestations.

As part of the Vegetation Branch Team, the RA may also assist park staff with vegetation monitoring, native plant restoration projects, and reclaiming damages caused be vehicles traveling off-road. Monitoring tasks may include but are not limited to collecting plant cover, height, frequency, density, and population demography data, including identification to genus-species-variety level. Restoration projects may include but are not limited to digging holes by hand or using augers to plant seeds and container-grown plants, constructing wire cages around plants, and watering plants for an extended period. Off-highway vehicle damage reclamation may include but are not limited to inventory of incursion tracks, construction of barricades, installation of signage, installation of vertical and horizontal mulch and raking out vehicle tracks.

Contract Timeline:

• 12-month appointment beginning April 2024, or pending availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation
• Full time, 40 hours per week, possibly including some weekends; potential to extend length of employment depending on available funding and positive performance review.

Location:

Joshua Tree National Park 

Field conditions at Joshua Tree include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Terrain varies from sandy desert washes to steep rocky slopes, including navigating through large boulder fields. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $25.00 to $28.00 per hour depending on experience
• Fully covered Health, Vision and Dental Benefits
• Field per diem for camping
• Paid leave and holidays

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in weed science, plant science, botany, restoration ecology, biology, environmental studies/science or related discipline;
• Experience in the safe application of herbicides to control invasive plants for natural resource management;
• Experience in preparing pesticide use proposals and pesticide application records;
• Hold a current State of California Qualified Applicator Certificate or License, or succeed in obtaining a certificate within three months of starting the position (failure to obtain a certificate will result in termination);
• Knowledge of California desert invasive plants and control techniques;
• Ability to identify plants to genus, species, and, when applicable, variety level using botanical dichotomous keys;
• Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
• Experience using tablets or similar devices for data collection and navigation;
• Experience using ArcGIS software, including ArcGIS Pro and Field Maps;
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors, hike long distances (up to 15 miles round trip) carrying 25-40 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in variable desert conditions;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads and pulling a trailer.

Successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.