Sage-grouse Research Associate (SLPT)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe (SLPT), is recruiting one Sage-grouse Research Associate to perform tasks associated with surveying and monitoring Greater sage-grouse and their habitats. The associate will work with SLPT Natural Resources Department staff to collect data on sage-grouse on and around Summit Lake Indian Reservation. The associate will also collect data on vegetation composition and metrics in the shrub-steppe habitat in association with sage-grouse activities. The candidate will be expected to adhere to survey protocols established by SLPT Natural Resource Department and assist with other natural resource objectives as needed. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• Conduct sage-grouse lek surveys periodically throughout the breeding season
• Assist with safe capture, handling, collaring, and tracking of sage-grouse through radio telemetry and GPS location acquisition
• Assist with identification of sage-grouse nest sites and installation of nest monitoring equipment
• Conduct sage-grouse nest and brood checks
• Conduct vegetation surveys at nest sites, brood sites, and other sage-grouse associated habitat.
• Occasionally assist with other natural resource projects as needed, such as water quality monitoring, fence and station maintenance, community outreach, and fisheries monitoring.

To Whom Position Reports: Natural Resource Director or delegate as assigned.

Travel Requirements: Weekly travel to Reservation (compensated for travel time)
Conditions of Employment: Shared housing with basic amenities (electric, water, heat/AC, etc.) on the Reservation is provided during scheduled fieldwork only. Employees are expected to adhere to all Summit Lake Paiute Tribe Policies when on Tribal property including during non-working hours.

Contract Timeline:
One position available from March 18, 2024 – September 29, 2024

Location:
Summit Lake Paiute Tribe Headquarters, Sparks, Nevada and Summit Lake Indian Reservation, Humboldt County, Nevada

Compensation and Benefits:

• Total Living Allowance: up to $21/hr with overtime at 1.5x hourly rate.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost.
• Paid leave and holidays.

Additional benefits:

• Eligibility for pro deals through GBI, such as Outdoor Prolink and Black Diamond
• Opportunity to network with GBI and federal partners for career advancement

Job Qualifications:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Successful completion of 2 years of college-level coursework in natural resources, biology, or related field; and
• >6 months experience in natural resource projects such as wildlife research and monitoring, plant identification, or vegetation survey and management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Good physical condition with ability to lift up to 50lbs and hike for extended periods of time over uneven terrain in inclement weather;
• Ability to navigate in remote areas (no cell service) using compass, GPS, natural features, and maps;
• Able to live and work as a team member in an extremely remote area of northern Nevada for extended periods of time;
• Adhere to daily/weekly work schedules that are subject to change in response to project needs; comfortable working in both extremely cold and extremely hot temperatures;
• Comfortable with primitive living conditions for extended periods of time;
• Able to maintain a flexible work schedule – i.e. working on weekends and/or through the night and/or beginning the work day pre-dawn when required by project;
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude;
• Able to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills;
• Effectively interact with Tribal members, staff and agency personnel;
• Work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a cross-cultural environment with people of various skills;
• Working knowledge of proper wildlife handling, tagging, and tracking techniques, proper data collection and record keeping, safe driving techniques on unmaintained dirt/ gravel roads using 4×4 trucks, UTVs and ATVs;
• Ability to assist professional staff in conducting natural resource related studies and projects by independently collecting data, identify species of plants and animals, communicate effectively with others;
• Passion for the outdoors and natural resource conservation and management.