Invasive Plant Management Crew Lead (Ely, NV)

The Eastern Nevada Landscape Coalition (ENLC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of environmental conservation through projects, research, education, and partnerships throughout the arid and semi-arid West.

ENLC is hiring one (1) Invasive Plant Management Crew Lead to work in the Ely District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This project is funded through a cooperative agreement between the Ely District BLM and ENLC. ENLC’s Ely Noxious and Invasive Weed Management Program plays a pivotal role in supporting critical BLM initiatives, including inventorying locations of noxious weeds and other invasive species, using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan approach to determine the most effective method of invasive species control, stabilization and rehabilitation of disturbed areas, and adaptive management for controlling new invasive species. Through these efforts, this program makes a meaningful impact on the environment, maintaining the health of our native landscapes on public lands.

The Crew Lead will be responsible for overseeing two technicians in conducting noxious weed inventorying, monitoring, and mechanical and chemical treatment activities. The crew will be based out of Ely, NV and will work throughout the district. Much of the work will take place in remote locations in variable weather conditions. Some camping may be required, but would be the exception. Successful candidates must pass the Nevada Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator’s certification.

The Invasive Plant Management Crew Lead will encounter a variety of opportunities for professional development, including exposure to leading and supporting a team with varied experience in invasive plant inventory and treatment methods, overcoming day-to-day challenges of working in remote settings, and the ability to effectively support the success of a mission-driven non-profit organization. This exciting role contributes to ENLC’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation.

INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT CREW LEAD DUTIES:

• Effectively lead and oversee 2 technicians in performing inventorying, monitoring, and control of noxious weeds.
• Daily communication, planning, and logistics coordination with the ENLC field coordinator and technicians.
• Inventorying includes identifying invasive plants to the species level, surveying and mapping infestations with GPS receivers, capturing digital photo points, and managing data.
• Monitoring noxious weed populations using standardized protocols to ensure treatment effectiveness.
• Control infestations both mechanically and with herbicide applied via backpack sprayers and UTVs with boom sprayers while abiding by federal and state guidelines and regulations.
• Identify Nevada plant species, especially Nevada state listed noxious weeds.
• Driving large 4x4 trucks with UTV trailer on highways and on remote two-track roads.
• Obtain Nevada Department of Agriculture applicator’s certificate.
• Ability to carry up to 40 lbs. while hiking over uneven terrain.
• Safe and effective use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which will be provided.
• Operation of UTVs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Qualified applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, range conservation or a related field and have experience in overseeing field crews working with invasive plant management, biological sciences, natural resources, botany, GIS, or rangeland management, and the ability to follow directions and safety protocols. Successful applicants will have plant identification experience. Applicants must be experienced with 4WD vehicles and should have a clean driving record for the past three (3) years. Preference is given to applicants with experience using GPS units and ArcMap. Plant identification experience with Great Basin species is a plus.

WAGE AND BENEFITS: $25/hour plus $40 per diem when camping. Benefits include a $200 monthly health insurance allowance and a weekly $75 housing allowance, and eligibility to Pro Deals, such as Outdoor ProLink. The successful candidate is responsible for their own housing while working on this project.

SCHEDULE: This full-time seasonal position runs from April through October 2024, with 40-hour work weeks.

ABOUT THE ELY, NV AREA: Nestled in the heart of eastern Nevada’s Great Basin, ENLC is headquartered in Ely, NV. While the area is remote and sparsely populated, eastern Nevada has incredible outdoor recreation opportunities for the adventurous, including over 700,000 acres of designated wilderness. Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, disc golfing, fishing and hunting are a small sampling of the area’s outdoor activities. Over 90% of White Pine County is publicly owned. This includes lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and the National Park Service. Great Basin National Park is an hour from Ely, providing spectacular hikes, vistas, and camping retreats from 6,200 to 13,159 ft, the summit of Mt. Wheeler (the tallest peak in the area). No matter your preferred outdoor activity, eastern Nevada has something for everyone.