Small Mammal Survey Crew Technician

The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition (ENLC), based in Ely, NV, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of environmental conservation through projects, research, education, and partnerships throughout the arid and semi-arid West.

ENLC, in cooperation with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), is recruiting Small Mammal Survey Technicians to conduct small mammal trapping surveys throughout Nevada. Surveys will focus on a variety of Rodentia species, with the target species and methodologies varying by site. Currently many sites identified are in the valley floors targeting desert heteromyids, but some sites may include high elevation chipmunk surveys, for example. The Small Mammal Survey Crew will be collecting tissue from captured target species for genetic analysis, and in certain circumstances, may need to euthanize and prepare specimens for curation. The Small Mammal Survey Crew will also take data regarding habitat, site characteristics, and weather, and may occasionally be asked to assist on other data collection if time permits.

The three-person Small Mammal Survey Crew, comprising one crew lead and two field technicians, will perform this work in coordination with the contractor lead and various biologists with NDOW. This is principally a field-based position. The work schedule will generally be five consecutive days on (Monday-Friday), followed by two consecutive days off (Saturday-Sunday). However, there may be occasional ten-day hitches or longer field days, which will be discussed at the beginning of the season. Due to the small mammal trapping protocol requirements, the crew will often work a schedule which includes early morning trap checks and evening trap setting. Camping in remote sites during field surveys will be required through most of the field season to minimize travel time. Office-work before and after field surveys will include trainings, maintenance of equipment and supplies, data management, planning, and communication. The crew members will follow the leadership of the crew lead and pertinent ENLC and NDOW staff.

SMALL MAMMAL SURVEY TECHNICIAN DUTIES:

• Implement standardized small mammal surveys, particularly using Sherman live traps, following approved protocols
• Identify Nevada small mammal species using keys and field guides
• Collect samples for genetic analysis
• Navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units or tablets with mapping software
• Drive large, high clearance 4×4 trucks to plots using remote, two track roads in mountainous and variable terrain
• Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office settings
• Physically fit to work outdoors and able withstand the rigors of a high desert environment in all seasons
• Willingness and ability to work early mornings and late evenings as needed during the field season
• Ability to handle peanut butter, which may be included in the bait, daily
• Ability to camp in remote, primitive sites (often without any amenities or facilities) for multiple consecutive days
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience
• Familiarity with best practices for field safety and “Leave No Trace” principles
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of ENLC and the goals and objectives of NDOW.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Qualified applicants should be working toward or have completed a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field. Applicants must be experienced with 4WD vehicles and should have a clean driving record for the past three (3) years. Preference is given to applicants with experience in small mammal trapping and identification (particularly for Rodentia species in Nevada), and experience with GPS devices and mapping software.

WAGE AND BENEFITS: $19.38/hour (plus $30 per diem when camping). Benefits include a $200 monthly health insurance allowance, and eligibility to ProDeals, such as Outdoor ProLink. Housing in Ely, NV is provided.

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time (40 hours/week) seasonal position that runs from late May through September 2024. The work schedule will generally be five consecutive days on (Monday-Friday), followed by two consecutive days off (Saturday-Sunday). However, there may be occasional ten-day hitches or longer field days, which will be discussed at the beginning of the season. Due to the small mammal trapping protocol requirements, the crew will often work a schedule which includes early morning trap checks and evening trap setting. Camping in remote sites during field surveys will be required through most of the field season to minimize travel time.

ABOUT THE AREA:

This work will be based out of Ely, Nevada. While the area is remote and sparsely populated, eastern Nevada has incredible outdoor recreation opportunities for the adventurous, including over 700,000 acres of Designated Wilderness. Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, disc golfing, fishing, and hunting are a small sampling of the area’s outdoor activities. Over 90% of the county is publicly owned. This includes lands managed by the BLM, USFS, and the NPS. Great Basin National Park is an hour from Ely, providing spectacular hikes, vistas, and camping retreats from 6,200 to 13,159ft, the summit of Mt. Wheeler (the tallest peak in the area). No matter your preferred outdoor activity, eastern Nevada has something for everyone.

Housing in Ely will be provided. When not camping or traveling, the crew will be provided with a furnished bunkhouse. The bunkhouse includes a kitchen with a stove/oven, refrigerator, microwave, table, and chairs. There are two bedrooms- one with one bed and the other with two beds. The shared bathroom has a tub shower. The living room will have a couch, chairs, and a table. Laundry (washer and dryer) is also included.

The state of Nevada encompasses multiple, diverse ecosystems including the Mojave and Great Basin deserts. The basin and range topography ranges from valleys at 3,000 ft to mountain peaks over 13,000 ft. As surveys will take place throughout the state, crews can expect to experience the full diversity the Nevada landscape has to offer. Cell phone service is poor to non-existent in many areas once the crew leaves the highway.