Restoration Lead (Death Valley NP)

In cooperation with Death Valley National Park (DEVA), the Great Basin Institute’s (GBI) is recruiting a Restoration Lead Research Associate (RA). The RA will work cooperatively with National Park Service staff to assess, monitor, and implement restoration activities within the park, with a specific focus on restoration related to OHV damage. The RA will perform a wide variety of tasks that include, but are not limited to:

• Inventory and map OHV incursions using a GPS unit;
• Locate and prioritize areas for restoration of OHV damage and develop written project plans and compliance documents to restore the disturbance in these areas;
• Implement restoration treatments using local native plant materials, vertical and horizontal mulch, and installation of protective fencing and other barriers, and the disguising of vehicle tracks;
• Manage OHV damage inventory and treatment geodatabases (GIS);
• Record data and prepare written reports of work completed including analysis of treatment effectiveness;
• Maintain field equipment and tools;
• Drive through rugged terrain using 4WD vehicles; and
• Assist with other vegetation and resource management activities at DEVA including invasive plant mapping and treatment, social trails restoration, rare plant monitoring, native plantings and seed collection.

The Lead Restoration Technician RA will work closely with park staff from a variety of disciplines. Leadership skills can be acquired by overseeing projects and other technicians. Orientation and safety trainings will be presented throughout the year.

Contract Timeline:

• 30 week appointment beginning April 2024, or upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation; potential for extension pending available funding and positive performance review
• 40 hours per week; some overtime and weekend work may occasionally be required

Location:
Death Valley National Park is located in Nevada and California and boasts some of the hottest and driest climates, and lowest elevation in North America. The park includes a superlative desert of streaming sand dunes, snow-capped mountains, multicolored rock layers, water-fluted canyons and three million acres of wilderness. Death Valley is home to the Timbisha Shoshone people and to plants and animals unique to the harshest desert environment. The closest cities are Pahrump and Beatty, Nevada (both approximately 1 hour away).

Field conditions include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. 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:

• Rate of pay: $24.50/hour
• Limited Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute and available starting your first day of service.
• Shared park housing may be available (dorm style accommodations with shared bedroom/no pets) at an affordable rate.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, soil science, hydrology, environmental science, natural resources, or related discipline; Master’s degree desirable;
• Experience in performing field work in remote and rough terrain, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
• Familiarity with invasive/exotic plant species and associated resource issues, and experience in performing weed inventories, treatment and monitoring;
• Experience in applying revegetation and other restoration techniques;
• Experience in constructing fences and other barricades to deter illegal OHVs;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Experience using hand-held GPS devices for data collection and navigation;
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
• Experience using ArcGIS software and managing geodatabases;
• Familiarity with the flora of the Mojave and Colorado/Sonoran Deserts preferred;
• Willingness and ability to work, hike, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable desert conditions;
• Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends;
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads; and
• Ability to work effectively and provide leadership in a team setting with park staff and other Research Associates.

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. 

EEO Statement: We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.