Survey Technician (Americorps; Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program)

The Research Associate Program at the Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program, is recruiting 16 Survey Technicians 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.  Multiple desert tortoise telemetry technicians will assist researchers in estimating population density, understanding tortoise ecology, and assessing conservation strategies.   Monitoring occurs during April and May to coincide with the peak activity season of desert tortoises.

AmeriCorps field technicians will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills, including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, use of GPS and topographic maps, and electronic data collection technology.  In addition, survey monitors will be field tested on their knowledge of and ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Field technicians will work for 5 consecutive days with 2 days off during training and 4 days with 3 days off during the field season. Technicians must be available to work any of the 7 days each week, 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.

Service duties include, but are not limited to the following:
• Actively participating in and completing a rigorous 4-week training program during which Technicians will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including, but not limited to, 4WD vehicle operation, the use of GPS, topographic maps, and digital field technology (e.g. tablets);  
• Supporting desert tortoise line distance sampling (LDS) monitoring by completing 12km transects during the peak in the desert tortoise activity season (April & May); 
• Accurately collecting data that allow researchers to estimate population density of these animals in the eastern portion of their range; and 
• Gathering daily location data using radio telemetry on focal desert tortoises that serve as controls for the project. 
• Preseason preparation including but not limited to collect GPS points for transect start points, scout and identify road and transect access and concerns; and 
• Assist with animal care including feeding, watering and pen maintenance;

Timeline:

• March 11, 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:

• Living Allowance: $7,200 for a full term (approximately $800 weekly before taxes)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (300 hrs): $1,565.08 upon its successful completion, the award may be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition.
• 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.
•  Camping per diem provided; $25.00 per day while camping
• Access to Pro Deals

•    Willing to undergo and pass required background checks;
•    Bachelor’s degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field, required; 
•    Experience collecting field data or 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 using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection preferred;
•    Experience conducting line distance sampling or working with desert tortoises desirable;
•    Self-motivated with 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 to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days required;
•    Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license preferred;
•    Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road preferred;
•  AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (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.
 

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.