The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting one Research Associate to serve as Invasives Field Crew Mentor for Great Basin Institute Field Technicians (AmeriCorps members) performing botanical surveys for invasive and noxious weeds in support of the Forest-wide Invasives Program. The primary duties for this position include organizing the schedule; assisting USFS resource staff with the logistics of monitoring and treatments, as well as general truck and UTV maintenance needs; and inputting monitoring and treatment data into the Forest Service FACTS database on a bi-weekly basis. The Invasives Field Crew Mentor will also serve as a mentor to the Field Technicians and is responsible for ensuring that safety and field protocols are adhered to, and administrative duties (e.g., completing service logs and evaluations) are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Additional duties include treating noxious weed populations by hand or through chemical application of herbicides; inventorying wilderness and non-wilderness forest lands for noxious weed populations; and mapping treatment areas and plant populations using applications such as Fieldmaps, EDDMapS, and Avenza Maps on a tablet. The majority of this work is conducted using UTV and large 4WD spray rigs (trucks) traveling on remote 4WD roads. A multi-week training session including invasive plant and noxious weed identification, herbicide safety (including applicator certification), technical training with the tablets and associated software, UTV and 4WD operation, and first aid will be provided at the beginning of the field season.

Technical requirements:
• Prior leadership experience including leading/guiding field technicians and/or volunteer groups to complete field tasks;
• The successful candidates will possess knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification – prior experience with invasive plant management, desirable;
• Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods, and ability to pass Nevada State Applicator exam;
• Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units and/or tablets and/or cell phones for navigation and data collection, along with basic computer skills;
• Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;
• Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountain forest roads;
• Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), 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 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain;
• Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices;
• Previous USFS LincPass access, preferred;
• Communicate effectively with a diverse public; and
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record. 
• The successful applicant(s) must complete the following background checks: (1) AmeriCorps Criminal History Check (state and federal), (2) National Sex Offender registry check, and (3) USDA Forest Service background investigation.