Seasonal Invasive Plant Technician (Elko, Nevada)

Emerging Professionals In accordance with Nevada’s noxious weed regulations emerging professionals will effectively coordinate with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) federal employees to drive efforts toward proactive prevention, control, and management of noxious and invasive weed species in Nevada to benefit all land uses in the state. Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition is dedicated to providing college graduates and emerging professionals with the hands-on survey, inventory, treatment, and management of diverse landscapes. Elko, Nevada Elko is in the remote, northeastern corner of Nevada. The area has a unique blend of Northern Basin and Range and sagebrush steppe attributes including beautiful expanses of sagebrush flats and many mountain ranges available for exploring and recreational activities. The rugged Ruby Mountains lie 20 miles to the southeast of Elko and offer unique hiking, backpacking, climbing, fishing, and camping experiences. The city of Elko has a lively downtown area and hosts cultural events throughout the summer including the International Basque festival, rodeos, and the Ruby Mountain Relay.

Job Overview

Invasive Plant Technician Description

Field crews will work with experienced BLM crew leads while assisting in the inventory and management of invasive plants on public lands. Inventory duties include correctly identifying invasive plant species and infestations, surveying, recording, and managing data. Invasive plant control will predominantly consist of herbicide application utilizing backpack sprayers and motorized equipment and manual control consisting of hand pulling and hand tools.

Fieldwork will include:

• Responsible for driving large federally owned trucks
• Towing trailers
• Responsible driving on rough two-track roads
• Operating Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs)

• Extensive hiking to treatment and inventory sites
• Use of a 40 lb. backpack sprayer over rough and steep terrain
• Occasional truck camping in the backcountry for up to 4 days at a time

Location Timeline and Schedule:

• Based out of Elko, Nevada
• Duration early or mid-May through the end of September
• 10-hour day/four-day workweek
• Crews will generally return to Elko in the evenings
• Camping near a project site for 4 days at a time will be required for up to two pay periods

Compensation:

• $15 per hour, depending on experience (Hiring 6 crew techs)
• $34/night per diem when camping

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience:

Must complete the federal BLM background check and clearance. Qualified applicants should have experience, entry-level accepted training on the job, and /or education in invasive plant management, biological sciences, natural resources, plant identification or general plant taxonomy, and the ability to follow directions and safety protocols. Applicants must be experienced with 4WD vehicles and should have a clean driving record for the past 3 years. Experience utilizing GPS units, UTVs, and trailer towing is recommended.

How to Apply:

Email a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three references to:

Cindy De Leon

[email protected]

Please apply by Monday, March 24, 2022. Please indicate your availability when applying. Application review will begin in December and continue until mid-April until all positions are filled.  We encourage applying early.  Only qualified candidates will be contacted.