Field Crew Supervisor (Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program, is recruiting 6 Field Crew Supervisors to participate in critical fieldwork focused on tracking and monitoring desert tortoise populations.

The Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the Endangered Species Act. Desert tortoise monitoring will assist researchers in estimating population density using line distance sampling and mark-recapture methods. Monitoring occurs during April and May to coincide with the peak activity season of desert tortoises.

Field Crew Supervisors will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, field safety and emergency response protocols, proficient use of GPS and electronic data collection technologies, as well as navigation using topographic maps and compasses. In addition, Field Crew Supervisors will be field tested on their ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Six (6) Field Crew Supervisors will be hired to provide on-the-ground technical assistance and support to field technicians, as well as conducting field inspections of data for quality, accuracy, completeness, and adherence to monitoring protocols. Each Field Crew Supervisor will independently supervise up to five monitoring technicians and will themselves participate in data collection. Field Crew Supervisors will work for 5 consecutive days with 2 days off during training and 4 days with 3 days off during the field season, with the understanding that the schedule is subject to change with little or no notice.  Field camping is required.  This position will require long hours including early mornings and may include weekends.

Timeline:

• March 4, 2025 – May 9, 2025
• Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week 
• Weekend hours may be required during field season

Location: 

Las Vegas, NV
The “City that Never Sleeps”, Las Vegas has an estimated population of nearly 650,000 in the city proper and over two million in the metropolitan area. The region is located in the Mojave Desert. Annual temperatures are hot in the summer, cool in the winter, and moderate in spring and fall. The metro area offers many culinary, artistic, and recreational opportunities. Outdoor destinations in the vicinity include Red Rock Canyon, Spring Mountains, and Lake Mead National Recreation Areas, as well as Death Valley National Park to the west, and Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument to the east. For more, visit https://www.movoto.com/guide/las-vegas-nv/moving-to-las-vegas/

The scenery varies from dramatically colorful geologic landforms and largely unspoiled panoramic vistas of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to remote and rugged wild landscapes of Gold Butte Back Country Byway. Recreation opportunities abound and viewing sites for desert plants and animals are easily accessible. Famous National Parks and other public lands are 1-3-hour drives from Las Vegas. 

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation: $22.75 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
• Field per diem ($25.00 per day while camping)
• Access to Pro Deals

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field required, MS preferred;
• Experience collecting field data and following established field data collection protocols required;
• Ability to walk a minimum of 15 km/day in challenging terrain and harsh and rapidly changing desert conditions, and otherwise be in good physical condition required;
• Experience supervising one or more individuals preferred;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection preferred;
• Experience conducting line distance sampling or working with desert tortoises desirable;
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment required;
• Ability to work a variable schedule (including weekends) that may change with little or no notice required; 
• Willingness and ability to camp in the backcountry for consecutive days required;
• Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred;
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license required; and
• Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road, required.
• Able to pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and FBI criminal background checks.

How to Apply: 

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign 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.