Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead; Reno, NV

Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead (Reno, NV)

Position Title:

Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead (Reno, NV)

Position Type:
Temporary Position

Application Review Begins:
Monday, February 23, 2026

Final date to receive applications:
Monday, March 23, 2026

Department/Division:
Bureau of Land Management

Field (e.g., systematics):
Vegetation Research and Monitoring

The Great Basin Institute is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research, education, and service through the west. The Institute’s mission is to advance applied science and ecological literacy through community engagement and agency partnerships, supporting national parks, forest, open spaces and public lands.

The Ecological Monitoring Program at GBI serves as an excellent professional development opportunity for natural resource professionals looking for experience in botanical, soil, and rangeland surveys. The Ecological Monitoring Program at GBI serves as an excellent professional development opportunity for natural resource professionals looking for experience in botanical, soil, and rangeland surveys. This program focuses on the collection of reliable and consistent quantitative data on the status, condition, and trend of natural resources on public lands.

GBI Ecological Monitoring Program partners with the Bureau of Land Management to acquire these data by implementing the Assessment Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Strategy, a national program that sets rigorous standards for data collection for use across jurisdictions and agencies. Data collected documents changes in resource condition over time and informs decision making at the landscape scale.

GBI’s Ecological Monitoring Program is dedicated to providing college graduates and emerging professionals with hands‑on survey, inventory, monitoring, and reporting experience in natural resource management. Extensive training and technical field skills development provides employees a unique opportunity to obtain valuable experience in executing monitoring protocols that will increase their employment success.

This video () highlights the national BLM AIM strategy for landscape-scale data capture across western states.

GBI is recruiting Ecological Monitoring Vegetation Field Leads to work with GBI and BLM staff. Each Vegetation Field Lead will coordinate a field crew (one Lead will supervise two Technicians) to characterize vegetation using the terrestrial AIM core methods. In some instances, Habitat Assessment Framework (HAF), and/or other supplemental protocols will be performed, for which training will be provided. Aside from core AIM sampling, any supplemental protocols implemented will vary by project.

Locations and timelines listed below are tentative, some with potential for extension. Crews will be based out of the or Reno GBI Office but work in the following BLM Field Office (FO’s) areas:

• California:
  • California Project:
    • Season Length:
      Approximately 22 weeks, starting in early April
    • Locations:
      Eagle Lake, Applegate, Redding and Arcata Field Offices
    • Crews: 3‑person soil and vegetation monitoring crews

Please indicate your availability and location/project preferences in your cover letter when applying. Application review will continue until all positions are filled. We encourage applying early to gain the best chance of getting top‑choice locations.

Total approximate compensation: $4,972.40 – $5,452.40/month before taxes, plus health insurance (monthly premiums fully paid by GBI), and paid time off.

• Wage: $23.50–26.50/hr, depending on experience
• Bi‑weekly housing stipend: $150.00 (pro‑rated if less than 80 hours worked)
• Per diem: $35.00 per night camped in the field (up to 7 units in an 8‑day work week)
• Cell phone stipend: $32.30/month
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance premiums covered 100% by GBI
• Basic Life & AD&D insurance: $25,000 at no cost
• Paid federal holidays
• Paid personal time off (amount dependent on contract length)

* Housing stipend is untaxed and can be used at the discretion of the applicant. Housing is not provided. Applicants must be able to provide their own lodging.