Restoration Technician (USFWS, Moapa Valley NWR)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with USFWS at Moapa Valley NWR, is recruiting one (1) Restoration Technician to assist wildlife refuge staff with wildlife habitat restoration activities including planting, watering, weeding, and survival monitoring.  

The selected candidate would be responsible for familiarizing themselves with native upland, wetland, and riparian flora so that they may identify invasive and non-native species that pose potential risks to the refuge’s diverse ecosystems. The recipient will work independently and with others to accomplish refuge work plans to manage native habitats and wildlife to achieve the purpose of the refuge, and to provide critical habitat for the endangered Moapa dace and other spring-dependent species. This position is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a government agency whose mission is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitat for the continuing benefit of the American people. Several former GBI employees now serve in permanent full-time positions with the USFWS.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist Restoration Biologist with plant watering, planting, weeding and survival monitoring;
• Implement the refuge’s Integrated Pest Management System (IPM) to treat invasive species occurring on the refuge, with special focus in riparian habitats using mechanical removal methods;
• Set and monitor traps for invasive fish species;
• Aid in the installation/construction of signs and barriers where necessary, to prevent the degradation of sensitive habitat;
• Complete necessary reporting of activities; and
• Participate in other tasks to fulfill the purpose of the refuge and mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, such as assisting with bird banding, fish surveys, or macroinvertebrate surveys on the refuge.

Timeline:

• July 6th to September 11th, 2026, 10 weeks; start and end date negotiable;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Typically Tuesday-Friday, 10 hr/day.

Location:

Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a protected wildlife refuge in northeastern Clark County near the town of Moapa, NV. It is roughly 60 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada. Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is protected to benefit the federally endangered Moapa dace (a small fish) and its habitat. Several endemic, spring-dependent species occur on the refuge.  

In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the Refuge, there are several other recreational and natural setting opportunities to explore close by. Valley of Fire State Park, Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and more are within a few hours driving distance and afford a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $17.75 hourly;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Housing and utilities are provided onsite at Moapa Valley NWR.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Familiarity with and/or interest in the ecology of aquatic desert habitat and associated resource management issues;

• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
• Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads;
• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate;
• Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
• Possess strong organizational skills; and
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with the public, coworkers, and Technical Advisors both orally and in writing, and respond in a professional manner to inquiries from the public regarding work activities.

Preferred: 

• Familiarity and experience with restoration approaches and techniques;
• Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology;
• Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles.

Physical Demands:

This position will require various physical demands in outdoor conditions including:

• The ability to safely conduct strenuous fieldwork requiring regular physical exertion including hiking on uneven terrain;
• The ability to lift and carry heavy items, such as equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, on a regular basis; and
• The ability to work outdoors for long periods of time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions such as hot, cold and/or humid conditions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.