Invasive Plants Survey Technician (USFS Humboldt-Toiyabe) with Great Basin Institute in Austin, Carson City, Wells, Ely, Paradise Valley (Nevada)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting (15) AmeriCorps Invasive Plants Survey Technicians to participate in non-native, invasive plant species survey, treatment, and monitoring for the forest’s noxious weed control program. The primary focus of this position will be the manual and chemical treatment of invasive and noxious weeds. Most of this work is conducted using backpack sprayers, UTV’s, and large 4WD spray vehicles traveling on remote 4WD roads. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be supplied by the Forest Service and always utilized by Technicians. A tablet with FieldMaps, Avenza Maps, and EDDMapS West will be used to record plant populations. A Garmin InReach device will be provided for added safety measures. 

Primary duties:
• Treat invasive plant infestations (Treatments primarily involve using herbicides, but may also be accomplished by hand-pulling and/or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods);
• Identify non-native plant species using various field guides and survey methods for target plants;
• Collect data on infestation location and status;
• Accurately record data related to invasive plant treatments according to specific protocols; and
• Perform basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications.

Technical requirements:
• Knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification; 
• Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods, and ability to pass Nevada State Applicator exam (training and study time will be provided prior to the exam);
• Ability to utilize hand-held GPS units or tablets for navigation and/or data collection preferred, along with basic computer skills;
• Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 30 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountainous forest roads, preferred;
• Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles such as Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) desirable; and
• Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable.

Additional requirements: 
• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate;
• Possess good organizational skills;
• Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2+ miles daily on uneven terrain;
• Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices;
• Communicate effectively with a diverse public;
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; and
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: 
(1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Additional Experience Opportunities:
• Learning new monitoring methods and participating in range and ecology vegetation surveying.
• Post fire restoration efforts.
• Improving GIS skills through database management.
• Assistance with federal resume building and navigating USAJobs.

Although a small portion of time may be dedicated to data entry and other office tasks, this is primarily a field-based position which requires physical labor and daily hiking. Technicians will often navigate using GPS, topographic maps, and/or compass to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions.