Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $22/hr + travel per diem
Deadline: Jul 31, 2023

Our Organization and Mission
The Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Division of Natural Heritage (NDNH) is the state’s comprehensive source of scientific data for Nevada’s at-risk plants, animals, and ecological communities. Our mission is to maintain these data to support land management decisions and ensure the continued existence of Nevada’s unique biodiversity.

Position Description
NDNH, in cooperation with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), is recruiting two part-time, temporary Monarch Butterfly Habitat Survey Crew Technicians. The two-person crew will survey, document, and map monarch butterflies and their habitat (i.e., milkweed host plants and adult nectar sources) within NDOT rights-of-way throughout the state.

This is principally a field-based position. The work schedule is anticipated to be 3-5 days per week for approximately 3 months. Hotel stays or camping at remote sites may be required to minimize travel time and maximize the number of sites visited.

Responsibilities in the field include understanding and enforcing safety practices, evaluating site logistics, ensuring fidelity to methods and data quality, and communicating regularly with NDNH and/or NDOT staff. Technicians will additionally be responsible for completing office tasks before and after field tours, including planning field trips, organizing equipment and supplies, managing data, and other tasks as assigned. A field vehicle will be provided.

This work will be based out of the NDNH office in Carson City, Nevada. Training will be provided on data collection and management. The employee will be required to apply and register with a third-party staffing agency and take the State of Nevada Risk Management Defensive Driving course or show proof of a recently completed similar course prior to driving a state-owned vehicle.

Compensation
Wage: $22.00/hour

Camping allowance: $40 per night

Per Diem: lodging, meals, and incidental expenses at applicable GSA Rates

Timeframe
July – October (approximately 3 months)

3-5 days/week, 8-10 hrs/day (no more than 40 hrs/wk)

Qualifications:

  • Minimum undergraduate student enrolled in an accredited college studying biology or a closely related field.
  • Clean, valid, state-issued driver license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads.
  • Able to navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units, tablets, or other mobile device.
  • Proficient at navigating using a compass, topographic map, GPS, or Avenza Maps.
  • Knowledge of GIS and use of ESRI ArcMap preferred but not required.
  • Comfortable working in rural and remote field settings.
  • Experience camping at remote, primitive sites for consecutive days.
  • Physically capable of working outdoors and withstanding the rigors of a high desert environment during the summer season.
  • Willing to work early mornings and late evenings as needed.
  • Able to communicate effectively with a diverse audience.
  • Familiar with best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles.
  • Capable of working as a team player to meet project goals set by NDNH and NDOT.
  • Preference will be given to individuals with experience
    • identifying Great Basin flora
    • identifying monarch butterflies and pollinators
    • working outdoors in rural areas

HOW TO APPLY
Submit a single PDF document with the file name “YourLastName_YourFirstName_MonarchSurveyTech_Application” that includes:

  • Cover letter that outlines your interest in this position and generally describes your qualifications and experience.
  • Your resume.
  • The names and contact information for at least two professional or academic references.

Send PDF to Kristin Szabo at kszabo@heritage.nv.gov with the subject line “Monarch Survey Tech Application.” We are looking to fill these positions as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis beginning July 3, 2023, and will continue until the positions are filled.