Biologist ; Plants and Biological Soil Crusts

STATUS
:
Full time or part time (negotiable), non-exempt, seasonal position (3-month term)

REPORTS TO: Deputy Director

POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: none

LOCATION: Reno, Nevada

EXPECTED PAY RANGE: $25 / hour

This position will work in collaboration with the US Geological Survey (USGS) – Western Ecological Research Center. The Biologist I position will work with a growing team focused on vegetation and biocrusts within a larger program dedicated to the topic of sagebrush ecosystems. The focus of this position is assisting in the synthesis of information as well as project design and planning.

Some analyses and writing may also be expected, with a focus on management and restoration of vascular plants and biological soil crusts. Some field work will be associated with the position. Field work can involve 8-day hitches, camping in remote locations, and participating in safety check in threads. Projects are funded primarily by state and federal partners (e.g., Nevada Dept.

of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service).

Field locations are across the Great Basin and Eastern California. During field work, 8-day hitches in remote locations will typically be required.

The Sagebrush ecosystems of the Great Basin and Eastern California are unique and support a diversity of flora and fauna. With this opportunity, you will get the chance to work closely with endemic species, explore large expanses of public land and participate in recreational activities including camping, hiking, climbing, hot springs, mountain biking, and many more!

• Synthesizing plant and biocrust community data.
• Assisting with project design and planning.
• Assisting with writing papers and reports.
• Conducting field work when needed.

• All applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Experience with GIS and R
• Previous experience collecting biological data in remote, difficult working environments
• Driving four-wheel drive vehicles on dirt roads
• Working under challenging weather conditions as are common in the Great Basin, specifically hot-dry and cold-windy conditions
• Attention to detail, critical thinking on the fly, and ability to meet deadlines
• A graduate degree related to natural resources and environmental science

• Master’s or PhD degree with a focus on biological soil crusts, environmental science, Botany, Ecology, or a similar field of study
• Experience with vegetation in the Great Basin region, especially plant and biocrust identification.

• Employer‑paid health, dental, and vision plans.
• Employer‑paid Employee Assistance Program for mental health and personal counseling.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Pro‑deals for outdoor industry.
• Employer‑paid professional development

• Employer‑paid Employee Assistance Program for mental health and personal counseling.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Pro‑deals for outdoor industry.
• Employer‑paid professional development

Work will take place in office, lab, outdoor lab, and field settings. Field work can involve exposure to extreme temperature and weather conditions, including long hours standing, bending, walking, and performing tasks that require physical exertion. Incumbents may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds in the performance of the assignment. Incumbents will be expected to work 40 hours/week.

Contact Information:
To apply please send a resume and cover letter to Dr. Jessica Abbott ott, with "Biologist I" in the subject line.

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

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