Biologist I (Plants and Biological Soil Crusts)

The Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) works to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental, and recreational interests throughout the Walker Basin.

The Conservancy is passionate about reversing the collapse of Walker Lake, acquiring water rights from willing sellers along the Walker River and protecting this water in-stream for the benefit of Walker Lake. To date, the Conservancy has acquired 57% of the water needed to save Walker Lake.

Position Overview

WBC is recruiting a Biologist I (Plants and Biological Soil Crusts) to join our team:

This position will work in collaboration with the US Geological Survey (USGS) – Western Ecological Research Center. The Biologist I position will work with a growing team focused on vegetation and biocrusts within a larger program dedicated to the topic of sagebrush ecosystems. The focus of this position is assisting in the synthesis of information as well as project design and planning. Some analyses and writing may also be expected, with a focus on management and restoration of vascular plants and biological soil crusts. Some field work will be associated with the position. Field work can involve 8-day hitches, camping in remote locations, and participating in safety check in threads. Projects are funded primarily by state and federal partners (e.g., Nevada Dept. of Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service).

Study System: Field locations are across the Great Basin and Eastern California. During field work, 8-day hitches in remote locations will typically be required. The Sagebrush ecosystems of the Great Basin and Eastern California are unique and support a diversity of flora and fauna. With this opportunity, you will get the chance to work closely with
endemic species, explore large expanses of public land and participate in recreational activities including camping, hiking, climbing, hot springs, mountain biking, and many more!

• POSITION TITLE: Biologist I (Plants and Biological Soil Crusts)
• STATUS: Full time or part time (negotiable), non-exempt, seasonal position (3-month term)
• REPORTS TO: Deputy Director
• POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: none
• LOCATION: Reno, Nevada
• EXPECTED PAY RANGE: $25 / hour

Expectations and Core Accountabilities

• Synthesizing plant and biocrust community data.
• Assisting with project design and planning.
• Assisting with writing papers and reports.
• Conducting field work when needed.

Desired expertise/skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• All applicants must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license
• Experience with GIS experience as well as R
• Previous experience collecting biological data in remote, difficult working environments
• Driving four-wheel drive vehicles on dirt roads
• Working under challenging weather conditions as are common in the Great Basin, specifically hot-dry conditions, and cold-windy conditions
• Attention to detail, critical thinking on the fly, and ability to make deadlines
• A graduate degree related to natural resources and environmental science

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD degree with on focus on biological soil crusts, in environmental science, Botany, Ecology, or similar field of study
• Experience with vegetation in the Great Basin region, especially plant and biocrust identification.

Benefits

If full time:

• Employer paid health, dental, and vision plans.
• Employer paid Employee Assistance Program for mental health and personal counseling.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Pro-deals for outdoor industry.
• Employer paid professional development

If part time (between 20-30hr/week):

• Employer paid Employee Assistance Program for mental health and personal counseling.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Pro-deals for outdoor industry.
• Employer paid professional development

Working Conditions

Work will take place in office, lab, outdoor lab, and field settings. Field work can involve exposure to extreme temperature and weather conditions, including long hours standing, bending, walking, and performing tasks that require physical exertion. Incumbents may be required to lift containers weighing up to 35 pounds in the performance of the assignment. Incumbents will be expected to work 40 hours/week.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email resume and cover letter to Dr. Jessica Abbott, with Biologist I in the subject line.