Regional Job Board

SageSTEP Field Technician – University of Nevada Reno

Reno, Nevada

Description: Field technician position for fuel treatment experiment in sagebrush ecosystems

We are hiring ONE field technician to work on the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP) investigating the long-term ecological impacts of fuel reduction treatments in the intermountain West sagebrush steppe and western juniper woodlands (https://sagestep.org/). This project has been running for 15 years with multiple research and management partners. Technicians will be part of a four-person team working and camping in the field in remote areas. Crews will collect ecological data using established protocols. This is a great opportunity to learn about natural resource issues and land management in collaboration with universities, state, and federal agencies. Review of applications will begin ASAP and continue until the position is filled.

Job Duties:

• Identifying grasses, forbs, and shrubs to species (up to 250 different species).
• Monitoring native grasses, forbs, and shrub volume and density.
• Performing vegetation cover and fuel load sampling protocols.
• Operating 4-wheel drive vehicles on difficult roads.
• Recording and entering data on tablets in the field.
• Processing samples and entering data in the laboratory.
• Interacting with scientists and land managers from state and federal agencies and universities.

 Work Environment:

• Field work at remote sites within Nevada, Idaho, and Utah.
• Lab/computer work in Reno, NV.  
• Hiking in possibly extreme weather, including rain, snow, wind, and high temperatures.
• Fieldwork typically involves 5-9 consecutive days with workdays up to 12 hours/day.  
• Extensive travel and camping at remote sites with no facilities.
• Carrying loads up to 30 lbs.
• Adherence to safety protocols.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications:

• Education: Obtained or pursuing a BS degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field.
• Experience: Data collection in a field setting.
• Good organization and communication skills. 
• Ability to work well with others in group settings.
• Ability to perform physical labor and work outside.
• Experience with dichotomous keys and plant identification is highly desired.

 Employment: 

• $17-19 depending on experience.
• Employment duration: Approximately May-August 2024.
• Please send a resume, unofficial transcript, a letter detailing your skills, experience, and/or interest, as well as contact information for three references to Claire Williams at clairelwilliams@unr.edu .
• The position is based out of the USDA Agricultural Research Service office on the University of Nevada Reno campus.
•   Review of applications will begin ASAP and continue until the position is filled.

Click here for more information and to apply.