Wildlife Technician (NPS, Mojave National Preserve)
About The Position
The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) at Mojave National Preserve (MOJA), is recruiting one Desert Tortoise Technician to participate in wildlife surveys, resource monitoring, data collection, and natural resource management activities throughout the preserve. As the field season is late in the year, the positions will not be exclusively focused on desert tortoises. Technicians may have opportunities to conduct tortoise monitoring for construction projects, along with a variety of other resource management activities, including desert spring surveys, bat emergence surveys using acoustic recorders and thermal cameras, and habitat improvement projects for the Mohave tui chub fish. These activities will provide opportunities to support the preservation and management of the preserve's diverse desert ecosystems and sensitive wildlife species.
Requirements
- Must meet the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority age and citizenship requirements.
- Possess reliable vehicle or other form of transportation.
- Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Previous experience monitoring on Mojave Desert tortoise projects or working with Mojave Desert tortoise.
- Undergraduate or Graduate degree in Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field in the biological sciences.
Nice To Haves
- Previous U.S. Fish and Wildlife approval as an Authorized Mojave Desert Tortoise Biologist, preferred.
- Familiarity and knowledge of natural resource management at western National Parks, specifically wildlife.
- Experience in performing field work, and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data.
- Ability to work in extreme and remote parts of the park.
- Familiarity with ecological processes and the fauna, as well as the flora, of the Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts.
- Familiarity with or previous experience working in the Mojave and/or Sonoran Deserts.
- Experience operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, unimproved roads.
- Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation.
- Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass.
- Experience using ArcGIS software.
- Knowledge or familiarity with Mojave National Preserve, preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience.
- Willingness and ability to work, hike long distances carrying 40-50 pounds, and lift, carry and use equipment in harsh, variable desert conditions, including in extreme heat.
- Willingness to work a variable schedule, possibly including some weekends.
- Ability to work independently to accomplish goals.
- Ability to communicate effectively with team members, agency staff, and a diverse public.
- Possess good organizational skills.
- Possess a favorably adjudicated background clearance.
- Must be motivated, self-directed, organized, and detail oriented in order to balance multiple tasks simultaneously.
Responsibilities
- Monitor project areas during construction and other activities that could damage habitat or pose risks to endangered or threatened species, including opportunities for desert tortoise monitoring.
- Conduct wildlife and natural resource surveys, potentially including desert spring surveys and bat emergence surveys using acoustic recorders and thermal cameras.
- Assist with habitat improvement and management activities for sensitive species, including the Mohave tui chub fish.
- Collect, organize, analyze, and manage wildlife observations and other natural resource datasets within and around MOJA.
- Work collaboratively with project managers and NPS Resource Management staff to support ongoing conservation and monitoring efforts.
- Assist with resource-based activities and monitoring park resources, sometimes in coordination with volunteers.
- Help promote public understanding and appreciation of MOJA’s natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources.
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
- Access to Pro Deals
- Housing will be provided to the selected participant at no additional cost. The Park will provide housing in a dormitory. The interns will have a private room with a shared bath, shared kitchen and common areas, located in Essex, CA at the Hole-in-the-Wall Fire Center.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
