Wildlife Management Technician (Ruby Lake NWR)

Description:
In cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting two (2) Wildlife Management Technicians to join our AmeriCorps program. The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is dedicated to maintaining the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of fish, wildlife, and plant resources. The Technicians will gather scientific data on waterfowl, pronghorn and other ungulates, pygmy rabbits, sagebrush and salt desert scrub habitats, and various other species. 

The Technicians will also support NWRS priorities by the mapping of invasive species occurrence and treatment of invasive species on the refuge; thereby allowing us to maintain and restore critical waterfowl habitat as well as more accurately track herbicide treatments and results so that appropriate measures can be taken to control infestations in subsequent years. This work will familiarize the technician with current methods of GIS data collection and all aspects of herbicide application. There will also be opportunities to gather scientific data on waterfowl to support population estimates in one of the most important waterfowl areas in Northeast Nevada by providing waterfowl trapping and banding information.

Primary Responsibilities:
• GIS mapping of invasive species location using ArcGIS Field Maps;
• Chemical and mechanical treatments of invasive species;
• Biological surveys (vegetation and wildlife)
• Trapping and banding of waterfowl;
• Wildlife habitat enhancement;
• Trail maintenance;
• Fence repair or removal;
• Other duties as assigned

Contract Timeline:
• April – September 2024 (25-week appointment)
• Full time (40 hours/week)

Location:
Ruby Lake NWR sits at an elevation of 6000 ft and is comprised of ~ 40,000 acres of marsh, meadows, and sagebrush steppe. The refuge is very remote. It is 52 miles to Spring Creek and 63 mi from Elko, which are the nearest place for groceries, restaurants, and entertainment. Recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, abound in this region.

Compensation and Benefits:
• Total Living Allowance: up to $17,100.00 (Approximately $1,368.00 biweekly before taxes)
• Education Award: $3,447.50 (May be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition)
• Free housing provided on the refuge
• No-cost medical, dental and vision benefit premiums provided

Job Qualifications:
Technical requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree or coursework and experience in biology, ecology, or a related field;
• Field experience that included adhering to field data collections protocols and accurately collecting and recording field data;
• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and plant taxonomy including use of technical keys;
• Ability to use a GPS unit for navigation and data collection;
• Experience with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey 123 (preferred)
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads;
• Experience with invasive plant management (preferred, but not required);
• Experience with ID of waterfowl (preferred, but not required);
• Experience with bird banding (preferred, but not required); and
• Possess strong organizational skills

Additional Requirements
• Ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; 
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members, GBI and agency staff, and a diverse public;
• Ability to perform physical labor for extended periods of time (e.g., digging, bending over, hauling material, hiking);
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, carry upwards of 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition; 
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license; clean driving record; and ability to safely operate a 4WD truck on paved and unpaved roads, including narrow, mountain forest roads.
• Must pass US Fish and Wildlife Service UTV/ATV training.
• Must pass US Fish and Wildlife Service background check to obtain Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.
• Ability to pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.