Ecological Restoration Specialist (USFWS, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge)

The Research Associate (RA) Program at GBI, in cooperation with USFWS at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is recruiting one (1) Ecological Restoration Specialist.  The RA will assist with habitat restoration, invasive species control, and ecological monitoring at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in southern Nevada.  The refuge is home to 12 threatened and endangered species and at least 26 plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world, making it a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. The refuge is designated a wetland of international importance and is routinely recognized as one of the most important conservation areas on the North American continent.  

The Refuge is currently implementing several projects to restore previously developed or impacted springs and their outflows to natural conditions that support endemic fish, wildlife, and plants. This RA will help implement these projects by leading revegetation of spring channels post-construction, by assisting with invasive plant, fish, and aquatic invertebrate control, and by assisting with ecological monitoring. As a member of a small team, the RA will have many opportunities to assist with other refuge projects, gaining diverse experience.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead revegetation of restoration sites

• Collect native seed and coordinate the growth of container stock at regional nurseries;
• Coordinate and supervise salvage and transplanting of existing vegetation during construction and planting of container stock post-construction;
• Water plants on a regular schedule, typically weekly; and
• Design, implement and maintain small-scale dripline irrigation systems.

Lead invasive plant control efforts for the refuge

• Control weeds at recent restoration sites to prevent establishment;
• Complete or supervise inventories to detect new invasions outside restoration sites;
• Complete or supervise mechanical or chemical control of target species such as tamarisk and fan palm;
• Complete follow-up effectiveness monitoring of prior treatment areas;
• Manage the Ash Meadows weeds database using ArcGIS FieldMaps; and
• Prepare summary reports to document control efforts and relay recommendations for future management.

Assist with control of aquatic invasive species

• Lead or assist with non-native fish and invertebrate control projects using minnow traps, spearfishing, hoop nets, gill nets, electrofishing, angling, and other methods as needed;
• Assist with surveillance monitoring for aquatic invasive species using minnow traps, snorkel surveys, or eDNA sampling;
• Conduct routine fish barrier surveys to monitor integrity; and
• Assist with control of emergent aquatic plants such as cattails to maintain barrier effectiveness.

Participate in routine annual surveys for aquatic invertebrates, native fish, rare plants, and birds

• Supervise and direct volunteers, Invasive Plant Management Teams, and Nevada Conservation Corps crews working at the Refuge;
• Author or co-author funding proposals related to primary areas of responsibility;
• Complete quarterly GBI activity reports, annual pesticide use report, project-specific reports, and contribute to refuge annual performance plan (RAPP) reporting;
• Maintain field equipment and tools such as: Electric drill, screwdriver, drill, hammer, jack, lug wrench, tire inflator, scythe, machete, shovel, spade, trowel, tool sharpener, grinder, garden fork, post hole digger, post hole pounder, pruning shears (secateurs), loppers, hedge trimmers, pruning saw, fruit saw, rake, hoe, stand-up weed puller, hand rake, leaf blower, garden knife (hori hori), string trimmers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, pressure washers; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Timeline:

• September 2025 – September 2026, 52 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 5/8s or 4/10s (if requested); weekends as needed for special events or emergencies.

Location:

Ash Meadows NWR is located in a quiet rural setting roughly 20 miles west of Pahrump, Nevada, a community of approximately 35,000 residents with all major services. Additional services are available in Amargosa Valley, Nevada near the western refuge entrance, and in Las Vegas, Nevada, approximately 90 miles east. The RA must provide his/her own reliable transportation for non-work-related trips.

In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the Refuge, there are several other recreational and natural areas to explore close by. Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion 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.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $29.91 hourly;

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;
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays;
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: A room in the bunkhouse will be provided to the selected participant at an additional cost. This includes a private room with shared living spaces.

Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, wildlife management, or a related field and/or commensurate field experience);
• Experience using MS software products, including MS Access databases and MS Excel spreadsheets;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Ability to obtain a Nevada pesticide applicator’s license and willingness to work with herbicides and other chemicals;
• Knowledge and experience operating 4WD trucks, trailers, and Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs); or, at a minimum, must be able to obtain UTV certification after training;
• Comfortable with flexible weekly schedules as it may change in response to weather conditions and project needs;
• Ability to self-direct and self-motivated;
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records;
• Ability to perform physical labor in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions year-round, independently or as part of a team;
• Willingness and ability to carry a backpack sprayer (up to 35 pounds), lift up to 50 pounds, and to perform physical labor, including but not limited to, manual removal of non-native vegetation, and planting of native vegetation;
• Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license;
• U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status; and
• Willingness to submit to a background check, and pass computer security and ethics training.

Preferred:

• Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology desirable;
• Experience using mobile GIS or GPS mapping equipment and applications for data collection and/or navigation desirable; and
• Experience using ArcGIS software is desirable.

Physical Demands:
This position requires significant physical stamina and the ability to work in a remote desert environment under extreme conditions. The majority of duties take place outdoors, often in isolation, and involve hiking long distances across rocky, uneven, and steep terrain while carrying a backpack sprayer weighing approximately 35 pounds. Applicants must be capable of performing strenuous activities for extended periods in hot, dry, and dusty conditions, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 110°F. While schedules are often shifted to the early morning hours to reduce heat exposure, workers must still be able to tolerate intense sun and heat throughout the day.

Tasks may also include snorkeling or swimming in natural water bodies to survey native fish populations and assist with the removal of invasive aquatic species. Fieldwork frequently involves bending, crouching, and lifting heavy equipment, as well as handling herbicides and other potentially hazardous materials.

The role may also include physical involvement in collaborative projects such as captive propagation of Devils Hole pupfish, rare plant surveys, bird monitoring, and native fish research, all of which demand endurance, adaptability, and comfort working in rugged and unpredictable natural environments.

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.

Notes:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

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.