In cooperation with the National Park Service, the Great Basin Institute Research Associate Program is recruiting two Invasive Plant Technician Research Associates for a short-term project aimed at preserving biodiversity and protecting native species in Joshua Tree National Park. This position plays a crucial role in the start of a three-year project funded by the California Green Sticker Grant Program. The Invasive Plant Technician will monitor locations in the national park that were impacted by illegal off-road driving to identify and measure invasive plant populations. Data collected will be used by the Invasive Plant Technician and future teams to inform decision making and treatment implementation in subsequent years. Invasive plant treatment methods may include mechanical (hand-pulling, cutting, etc.) or chemical (herbicide) treatments. This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals.

Contract Timeline

• 6-Month/week appointment beginning in Mid September ( pending successful completion of DOI Background Investigation, with the possibility of extension up to 24 months upon satisfactory performance.
• Full-time (40 hrs./wk)

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $20/hr.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums available at no cost
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
• Personal Leave
• Access to Prodeals

Location:
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in southern California, 2- to 4-hour drive from Los Angeles, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Joshua Tree National Park is of special management concern, lying in the transition of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, the Mojave Preserve, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area are nearby and afford a diversity of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock hounding to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.

Field conditions at Joshua Tree include hot, arid days with high exposure to the sun, as well as cold, winter weather. Terrain varies from sandy desert washes to steep rocky slopes, and many large boulder fields. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

Basic Requirements:

• Applicant must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Applicant must be willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Applicant must possess an associate or bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, environmental science, natural resource management or related field.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to represent the Great Basin Institute and the National Park Service in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.

(Because the agreement under which this position is being advertised is a Public Lands Corps Youth Assistance Agreement, all applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 30 years old at time of application.)

Skills Required:

• Ability and knowledge to identify invasive plants.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both written and orally, with a diverse audience.
• Ability to follow a provided work plan and self-direct work activities.
• Ability to work independently and with a group, displaying positivity and providing measurable contributions.
• Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads.
• Ability to hike long distances (up to 15 miles) in a desert environment, including steep and rocky terrain.
• Ability to safely navigate on and off designated trails, read maps, and plan for unforeseen weather changes.
• Ability to complete quality control of data and prepare quarterly reports.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with appropriate conduct in the backcountry and low-impact principles.
• Ability and knowledge to identify invasive plant species commonly found in southern California.
• Ability to use hand-held electronic devices, such as a tablet or mobile device, with eligible software to collect data in the field.
• Ability to back-up collected electronic data within a geodatabase.
• Knowledge and skills utilizing ArcGIS Pro software.
• Desire to acquire a California State Applicator’s Certificate during time of employment.

Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship.