Invasive Plants Field Crew Lead (USFS, Humboldt-Toiyabe)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting up to two Research Associate to serve as Crew Lead for Great Basin Institute Field Technicians (AmeriCorps members) performing non-native, invasive plant species survey, treatment, and monitoring for the forest’s noxious weed control program. The primary duties for this position include organizing the schedule; assisting USFS resource staff with the logistics of monitoring and treatments, as well as general truck and UTV maintenance needs; and inputting monitoring and treatment data into the Forest Service FACTS database on a bi-weekly basis. The Crew Lead will also serve as a mentor to the Field Technicians and is responsible for ensuring that safety and field protocols are adhered to, and administrative duties (e.g., completing service logs and evaluations) are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Additional duties include treating noxious weed populations by hand or through chemical application of herbicides; inventorying wilderness and non-wilderness forest lands for noxious weed populations; and mapping treatment areas and plant populations using applications such as Fieldmaps, EDDMapS, and Avenza Maps on a tablet. The majority of this work is conducted using UTV and large 4WD spray rigs (trucks) traveling on remote 4WD roads. A multi-week training session including invasive plant and noxious weed identification, herbicide safety (including applicator certification), technical training with the tablets and associated software, UTV and 4WD operation, and first aid will be provided at the beginning of the field season.

Physical Demands:  

Although a small portion of time may be dedicated to data entry and other office tasks, this is primarily a field-based position which requires physical labor and daily hiking. Field work involves driving a Forest Service vehicle on both highways and 4WD roads, as well as hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 5 miles per day, but more typically 0-2 mile per day. Manual removal requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds and precipitation in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, tablets, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations may be required for some duty locations. Schedules can vary dependent on project and weather.

• Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment
• Bend, lift, pull, and push
• Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time
• Drive on highways and 4WD roads.
• Handle plant material for many hours a day.
• Walk and stand for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment
• Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season and location)
• Occasionally work 10+ hour days
• Travel and camp overnight (dependent on duty location)

Contract Timeline:

• 33-week appointment beginning in May
• 40 hours/week

Location:

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Available duty locations will be based at some or all the following locations (NV):

• Santa Rosa Ranger District Office,
• Carson City Ranger District Office,
• Wells/Elko Ranger District Office,
• Ely Ranger District Office,
• Las Vegas Ranger District Office, &
• Bridgeport Ranger District Office (CA)

Travel throughout the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will be required to assist at the various duty sites. Please state on your cover letter your preferred duty location and availability for the position.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $22.00/hour
• Bunkhouse space may be available, dependent on duty location.
• Housing Stipend: $140/week
• $20/day field camping per diem when applicable
• $250 Uniform Stipend
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided at no cost to participant
• Paid holidays and personal leave accrual

Job Qualifications:

Technical requirements:

• Prior leadership experience including leading/guiding field technicians and/or volunteer groups to complete field tasks;
• The successful candidates will possess knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification
• Prior experience with invasive plant management, desirable;
• Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods, and ability to pass Nevada State Applicator exam;
• Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units and/or tablets and/or cell phones for navigation and data collection, along with basic computer skills;
• Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads;
• Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), desirable; and
• Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable.

Additional requirements:

• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate;
• Possess good organizational skills;
• Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain;
• Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices;
• Previous USFS LincPass access, preferred;
• Communicate effectively with a diverse public; and
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.
• The successful applicant(s) must complete the following background checks: (1) AmeriCorps Criminal History Check (state and federal), (2) National Sex Offender registry check, and (3) USDA Forest Service background investigation.