TELEMETRY TECHNICIAN: DESERT TORTOISE MONITORING PROGRAM

Job Description:

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.

Seven (7) 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.

Contract Timeline:

• March 6, 2024 – May 10, 2024
• Full-time, minimum 40 hours per week
• Weekend hours may be required during field season

Location:

Clark County, NV (Las Vegas)

Special Benefits

• $7,315.00 Living Allowance
• $1,459.26 Education Award
• Field Per Diem ($25.00 per day while camping)
• Health Insurance
• Student loan forbearance/interest accrual

Requirements

• 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.