FIELD CREW SUPERVISOR: DESERT TORTOISE MONITORING PROGRAM

Job Overview

The Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is federally listed as a threatened species north and west of the Colorado River under the Endangered Species Act. Desert tortoise monitoring will assist researchers in estimating population density using line distance sampling and mark-recapture methods. Monitoring occurs during April and May to coincide with the peak activity season of desert tortoises.

Field Crew Supervisors will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, field safety and emergency response protocols, proficient use of GPS and electronic data collection technologies, as well as navigation using topographic maps and compasses. In addition, Field Crew Supervisors will be field tested on their ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Thirteen (13) Field Crew Supervisors will be hired to provide on-the-ground technical assistance and support to field technicians, as well as conducting field inspections of data for quality, accuracy, completeness, and adherence to monitoring protocols. Each Field Crew Supervisor will independently supervise up to five monitoring technicians and will themselves participate in data collection. Field Crew Supervisors will work for 5 consecutive days with 2 days off during training and 4 days with 3 days off during the field season, with the understanding that the schedule is subject to change with little or no notice.  Field camping is required.  This position will require long hours including early mornings and may include weekends.

Special Benefits

• $1,760 bi-weekly salary
• Field per diem ($25)
• Health insurance

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field required, MS preferred;
• Experience collecting field data and following established field data collection protocols required;
• Ability to walk a minimum of 15 km/day in challenging terrain and harsh and rapidly changing desert conditions, and otherwise be in good physical condition required;
• Experience supervising one or more individuals preferred;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection preferred;
• Experience conducting line distance sampling or working with desert tortoises desirable;
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment required;
• Ability to work a variable schedule (including weekends) that may change with little or no notice required;
• Willingness and ability to camp in the backcountry for consecutive days required;
• Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles preferred;
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license required; and
• Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road, required.
• Able to pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and FBI criminal background checks.