Biological and Invasive Species Technician (USFWS, Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge)

The Great Basin Institute; Nevada; On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

401(k) with match

Pro Deals

Housing not provided

Job summary

The Great Basin Institute (GBI) is recruiting an Invasive Species Technician for Moapa Valley NWR, southern Nevada, to implement the refuge’s IPM plan and support wildlife management. You will work independently and with teams, identifying, mapping and treating invasive species, and leading volunteers in field tasks.

Requirements include a biology-related bachelor’s degree and data handling experience, valid license, and ability to perform strenuous fieldwork in hot or cold conditions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology or management, or related field.
• Experience collecting data accurately and entering data into a computer system.
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads.
• Ability to work in teams and communicate clearly with diverse groups.
• Ability to perform strenuous fieldwork in various weather conditions.
• Willingness to work pre-dawn or post-dusk tasks.

Responsibilities

• Identify, map, and treat target invasive species.
• Assist with implementation of IPM for invasive species on the refuge.
• Capture and remove non-native aquatic organisms from the stream system.
• Act as crew leader to guide volunteers and public groups during invasive species work.
• Assist with restoration after eradication of invasive species.
• Support reporting and data documentation to GBI and USFWS.

Skills

Data collection

Driver's license

GIS mapping

Fieldwork

Communication

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Bird banding interest

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology or management, or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS units

FieldMaps

4WD vehicle operation

Job description

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Moapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge, is recruiting one (1) Invasive Species Technician to participate in implementing the refuge’s integrated pest management plan and assisting with other refuge management goals.The selected will work independently and with others to accomplish refuge work plans to manage native habitats and wildlife to achieve the purpose of the refuge which is to conserve, protect, and provide habitat for the endangered Moapa Dace.Essential Job Functions may include the following:Identify, map, and treat target invasive species.Assist with implementation of the refuge’s Integrated Pest Management System (IPM) to treat invasive species occurring on the refuge, with special focus in riparian habitats using chemical and mechanical methods.Track project work progress and assist with documentation of invasive species treatments with use of GIS applications.Capture and remove non-native aquatic organisms from the stream system.Act as a crew leader to lead invasive species monitoring and treatments with volunteers and public groups conducting service projects on the refuge.Assist with restoration efforts after invasive species eradication.Aid in the installation/construction of signs and barriers where necessary, to prevent the degradation of sensitive habitat.Complete necessary reporting of activities to GBI, Southern Nevada Restoration Team, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for databases or data calls, as needed.Assist with wildlife management activities, Assist maintenance staff with repair of fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, or buildings, when needed.Assist with refuge management activities at Pahranagat NWR when applicable, including duck banding and migratory songbird banding.LocationMoapa Valley National Wildlife Refuge is a protected wildlife refuge in southern Nevada. It is 50 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada, in Clark County.In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the Refuge, there are several recreation and natural setting opportunities to explore close by. Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and more are within a few hours driving distance and afford a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.TimelineBeginning November/December 2026 or pending availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation, 52 week appointment.Full time (40 hours/week).Schedule: 5 days a week, 8 hours daily.Compensation & BenefitsCompensation: $16.00 - $20.45 hourly, depending on experience.Benefits:Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.$25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost.Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays (Mirrors Project Partner holiday schedule).Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match.Access to Pro Deals.Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.To perform this job successfully, employees must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Required:Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife ecology or management, or related field.Experience in collecting data accurately and completely and entering data correctly into a computer system.Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads.Ability to self-direct and self-motivate.Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals.Possess strong organizational skills.Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with the public, coworkers, and Technical Advisors both orally and in writing, and respond in a professional manner to inquiries from the public regarding work activities.Ability to safely conduct strenuous fieldwork requiring regular physical exertion including hiking on uneven terrain.Ability to work outdoors for long periods of time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions such as hot, cold and/or humid conditions.Ability to modify work schedule to accommodate tasks that must take place before dawn or after dusk.Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record.Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to USFWS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application. Selective Service registration is required for individuals who are legally required to register.Preferred:Experience banding birds or strong interest in bird banding/ornithology.At least one year of experience in a field-based position.Ability to lift and carry heavy items, such as equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, on a regular basis.Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles.Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology.Familiarity and experience with Great Basin or Mojave Desert plants.Ability to use GPS units or FieldMaps to record and locate points and to record field data.Familiarity with and interest in the ecology of desert wetland and riparian habitat and associated resource management issues.Familiarity with use of ArcGIS to create, import, and export maps and data.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.To ApplyPlease submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references to the unique application link. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.For questions regarding this position, please contact [e-mail]: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.