Overview

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), is recruiting a Small Mammal Survey Crew Lead to conduct small mammal trapping surveys throughout the Elko BLM District. Surveys will focus on two separate species/guilds, each with their own survey protocol/methodologies: 1) the dark kangaroo mouse (Microdipodops megacephalus) and 2) shrews (Sorex species). The Small Mammal Survey Crew will be collecting tissue from captured target species for genetic analysis, and in certain circumstances, may need to euthanize and prepare specimens for curation. The Small Mammal Survey Crew will also take data regarding habitat, site characteristics, and weather, and may occasionally be asked to assist on other data collection, such as pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) surveys, if time permits. The Small Mammal Survey Crew Lead will coordinate with agency staff and GBI personnel to sample designated sites according to specified protocols, provide guidance for two crew members, and will assist with project wrap-up and reporting writing at the end of the season.

 

The three-person Small Mammal Survey Crew, comprising one GBI crew lead (this position) and two GBI crew members, will perform this work in coordination with the NDOW and BLM. This is principally a field-based position. The work schedule will generally be five consecutive days on (Monday-Friday), followed by two consecutive days off (Saturday-Sunday). However, there may be occasional ten-day hitches or longer field days, which will be discussed at the beginning of the season. Camping in remote sites during field tours will be required through most of the field season to minimize travel time. Office-work before and after field tours will include maintenance of equipment and supplies, data management, planning, and communication.

 

Leadership responsibilities of this position include communication with NDOW, BLM, and GBI staff, maintaining safety awareness and practices in the field, scheduling, logistics, and overseeing fidelity to methods and quality of outcomes.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field;
• Ability to navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units or tablets;
• Proficiency using a compass and topographic map to navigate;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office settings;
• Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of field equipment and personal gear, and withstand the rigors of a high desert environment in all seasons;
• Willingness and ability to work early mornings and late evenings as needed during the field season;
• Willingness and ability to camp in remote, primitive sites for multiple consecutive days;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Familiarity with best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles; and
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of NDOW and BLM.

Preference for:

• Experience in small mammal trapping and small mammal identification skills;
• Experience leading field crews in the backcountry, including oversight of safety; communication, fidelity to methods, and quality of accomplishments;
• Experience collecting samples for genetic analysis; and
• Experience using ArcGIS or GoogleEarth to create maps.
• All Great Basin Institute employees and AmeriCorps volunteers are required to (1) receive a full course of COVID-19 vaccination by December 8, 2021, unless a medical or religious exemption is submitted and approved (medical exemptions also require a physician’s signature), and (2) provide proof of current COVID-19 vaccination in order to be employed or volunteer with our organization.