Wildlife Technician; NPS, Mojave National Preserve

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.

Primary 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.

Timeline:

Early November 2026;
Term length 7 weeks

Full time (40 hours/week)

Schedule:

Schedule:

4-10’s or 5, 4, 9’s (subject to change as needed)

Location:

Mojave National Preserve (MOJA) is 1.6 million acres, with about 44% of it designated as Wilderness. While most of MOJA is made up of the Mojave Desert, components of the Great Basin Desert are found in higher elevations and parts of the southern portion of the park are made up of the Sonoran Desert. Resources of the region include threatened and/or endangered species habitat, big game habitats, abandoned mine lands, and historic and prehistoric cultural sites.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $22.50 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;

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.

Required:

Must meet the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority age and citizenship requirements (see more information in PLC section below);
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.

Preferred:
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;
Experienc…