Telemetry Technician (Americorps; Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Desert Tortoise Monitoring Program, is recruiting 2 Telemetry Technicians to participate in critical fieldwork focused on tracking and monitoring desert tortoise populations.

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.  Multiple desert tortoise telemetry technicians will assist researchers in estimating population density, understanding tortoise ecology, and assessing conservation strategies.   Monitoring occurs during April and May to coincide with the peak activity season of desert tortoises.

AmeriCorps telemetry technicians will be required to demonstrate proficiency in telemetry and tracking as well as backcountry wilderness field skills, including but not limited to 4WD vehicle operation, and use of GPS, topographic maps, and electronic data collection technology.  In addition, telemetry monitors will be field tested on their knowledge of and ability to follow monitoring protocols thoroughly and precisely. Telemetry technicians will have the sole responsibility of gathering daily location data on focal desert tortoises that serve as controls for the project.  The telemetry technicians 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. Spike camping in the field will be required.  This position will require long hours including early mornings and may include weekends.

Service duties include, but are not limited to the following:
• Actively participating in and completing a rigorous 4-week training program during which Technicians will be required to demonstrate proficiency in backcountry wilderness field skills including, but not limited to, 4WD vehicle operation, the use of GPS, topographic maps, and digital field technology (e.g. tablets);  
• Supporting desert tortoise line distance sampling (LDS) monitoring by completing 12km transects during the peak in the desert tortoise activity season (April & May); 
• Accurately collecting data that allow researchers to estimate population density of these animals in the eastern portion of their range; and 
• Gathering daily location data using radio telemetry on focal desert tortoises that serve as controls for the project. 
• Preseason preparation including but not limited to collect GPS points for transect start points, scout and identify road and transect access and concerns; and 
• Assist with animal care including feeding, watering and pen maintenance;

Timeline:

• March 11, 2025 – May 9, 2025
• Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week
• Weekend hours may be required during field season

Location:

Clark County, NV (Las Vegas)

Compensation and Benefits:

• Living Allowance: $7,200 for a full term (approximately $800 weekly before taxes)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (300 hrs): $1,565.08 upon its successful completion, the award may be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition.
• 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.
• Loan Forbearance: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for federal loan forbearance. Additional enrollment steps are required.
• Qualifying Child Care Coverage: AmeriCorps members may also be eligible for qualifying child care coverage. Additional enrollment steps are required.
•  Camping per diem provided; $25.00 per day while camping
• Access to Pro Deals
• Eligible for SNAP benefits 

• Willing to undergo and pass required background checks.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology (wildlife or conservation), ecology or related field, required;
• Experience with telemetry equipment and tracking required;
• Experience collecting field data or following established field data collection protocols required;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and/or data collection preferred;
• Self-motivated with ability to maintain a positive attitude while working independently required;
• Ability to work a variable schedule (including weekends) that may change with little or no notice required;
• Ability to walk a minimum of 10 km/day in challenging terrain and harsh and rapidly changing desert conditions, and otherwise be in good physical condition required;
• Willingness to camp in the desert backcountry for consecutive days required;
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license required;
• Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road required;
• Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) Adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) Will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

This AmeriCorps position is open to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents age 17 or older.

How to Apply:

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

EEO Statement:

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.