In cooperation with the NPS Lake Mead NRA (LAKE), Great Basin Institute is recruiting one (1) Restoration Specialist to assist the Vegetation Branch by providing support to the Song Dog Native Plant Nursery. Work will include assisting in native plant propagation, documenting propagation protocols, seed collection, seed processing, and out-planting for restoration projects. The Restoration Specialist will also assist in maintaining nursery facilities and fixing and installing irrigation. Other work within the vegetation branch may include restoring off road vehicle tracks, removing graffiti, and maintaining and installing barriers and fences to prevent off road vehicle use, invasive plant removal or rare plant monitoring. 

Position duties and responsibilities include:

• Plant propagation;
• Transplanting plants;
• Plant maintenance;
• Data management and entry;
• Stays up to date on protocols to describe plant care, transplanting, and growth observations;
• Attention to detail to track plant lots and seed sources;
• Schedule and implement IPM actions as needed;
• Assisting the nursery manager with facility maintenance;
• Work as part of team led by the nursery manager;
• Work with 5-10-member youth service groups and volunteers on nursery propagation projects;
• Must be able to operate a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and pass a federal background check; and
• Additional duties may include checking weather stations, trash removal, invasive plant control, rare plant monitoring, and other tasks associated with Mojave Desert restoration

Contract Timeline:

• 32-week appointment starting April/May 2024, pending successful completion of DOI Background Investigation*
• 40 hours per week, possibly including weekends.

Location:

One position is located in Boulder City, Nevada. Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE) Headquarters is in Boulder City, Nevada, a 30-minute drive from Las Vegas. LAKE encompasses nearly 1.5 million acres in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, including mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast lakes. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $18.51/hour
• Paid health insurance premium (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid holidays and personal leave

Job Qualifications:

• Must have a valid driver’s license;
• Experience directly related to duties and responsibilities of the position;
• Experience with plant propagation and restoration;
• Ability to learn about plant and seed care;
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants of the desert Southwest;
• Ability to drive 4x4 vehicle, and navigate in the backcountry using maps and GPS units;
• Ability to use a GPS unit such as Field Maps App on iPhone;
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Programs;
• Ability to do physical labor in the backcountry;
• Motivated to learn about the park’s resources;
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of the NPS and this position.