Description:

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), is recruiting one Biological Technician to assist with habitat restoration projects to aid in the recovery of the critically endangered Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea). The selected candidate will remove invasive fish species, control aquatic and terrestrial invasive plant species through mechanical and chemical methods, assist with inventory and monitoring of Moapa dace population, and participate in songbird banding in riparian habitats. They will also collaborate and network with external and internal stakeholders on a variety of field work projects and in professional meetings.

Compensation:

• Rate of Pay: $13.95/hour

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you

• Housing is provided in a shared bunkhouse

• Paid leave and holidays

Timeline:

• Six month appointment beginning February 2021, or upon completion of a Department of Interior background investigation

• Full-time, 40 hours per week

Location:

Established in 1979, Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge serves to protect three thermal spring systems that provide habitat for the Moapa dace. The Moapa dace is an endemic, critically-endangered minnow that inhabits the headwaters of the Muddy River System in southern Nevada. Since its establishment, extensive habitat restoration efforts have been conducted on the Refuge and adjacent lands and those projects are ongoing. Currently, recovery efforts are aimed at continued habitat restoration through invasive species (aquatic and terrestrial) control and maintaining stream flows. Western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and shortfin mollies (Poecilia mexicana) are two non-native fishes that present an ongoing threat to the recovery of the Moapa dace through competition and predation. Additionally, non-native California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera) and eel grass (Vallisnera sp.) have become common in the system and negatively alter spring flows further inhibiting recovery efforts. This habitat restoration project will provide an opportunity to reduce the negative impacts that invasive species are having on the Moapa dace population by removing predators and restoring stream flows to a level more conducive to dace recovery. The refuge is located in the Mojave Desert in Moapa, NV, and is about a 1 hour drive north of Las Vegas.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related field and/or commensurate field experience);

• Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology, desirable;

• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and/or navigation, along with basic computer skills;

• Understanding and/or experience using GIS software, desirable;

• Experience using MS Access and Excel for database management, desirable;

• Ability to identify and survey for western bird species;

• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record;

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with a diverse audience;

• Knowledge and experience operating 4WD trucks, and Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), desirable; or at a minimum, must be able to obtain UTV certification after training;

• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate;

• Ability to perform physical labor in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions year-round, independently or as part of a team;

• Comfortable with flexible weekly schedules as it may change in response to project needs.