Wildlife Biologist (USFWS, Desert National Wildlife Refuge)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), is recruiting one (1) Wildlife Biologist. This position focuses on assisting FWS staff in the implementation of desert bighorn sheep management actions across the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR), with an emphasis on wildlife water development projects. Daily and weekly work schedules will vary to accommodate project needs. The RA will assist with all aspects of guzzler builds, rebuilds, and repairs. They will conduct guzzler inspections in remote areas of the Refuge and perform routine maintenance. The RA will collect and record field data, manage and organize associated databases, and support the planning and implementation of new guzzler installations and modifications. The guzzler program receives significant support from volunteers and partnering agencies. This position will take the lead on scheduling and tracking volunteer efforts and coordinating partner contributions Additionally, the RA will assist other staff and partners in various projects across the Refuge, including invasive plant management, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, stewardship programs, and environmental interpretation. The RA will be using basic hand and power tools, field tools including picks and shovels, and landscaping tools such as a lawnmower and weed eater.

Weekend work will occasionally be required. The applicant must be comfortable working outside in extreme weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wind. The selected candidate must be willing and physically able to hike up to 15 miles per day, with elevation gains exceeding 2,500 feet, and occasionally car camp and backpack. Nearly all hikes occur off-trail and require proficient land navigation skills, including the use of GPS equipment and mobile mapping software.

Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop site-specific plans for new guzzler construction and guzzler rebuild/replacement projects;
• Assess functionality of existing projects and use collected information to inform new or rebuild projects;
• Oversee all components of project development and execution, including initial planning, environmental compliance, budgeting, expense tracking, implementation, and reporting;
• Assist with recruitment and day-to-day oversight of contractors, work crews, and volunteers working on guzzler, restoration and stewardship projects;
• Plan and implement habitat restoration and invasive species management at new or rebuilt guzzler sites;
• Monitor springs and guzzlers on the Refuge to identify maintenance needs, make necessary repairs, and ensure they effectively support wildlife needs;
• Collect field data and habitat conditions, wildlife use, and ecological factors. Analyze the results to guide future management actions;
• Develop and maintain a structured database on water development inspection data, ensuring accurate records of site conditions and maintenance needs;
• Use GIS to create maps, charts, and graphs that document biological resources and support habitat and species management;
• Collect accurate and reliable field data using standardized protocols, mobile mapping software, GPS units, and hard-copy data sheets;
• Collect and organize data from past research, fieldwork, and refuge records to create clear, useful summaries;
• Manage an extensive trail-camera monitoring program, including the collection, organization, and analysis of trail-camera data;
• Contribute to the development and execution of Bighorn Sheep management strategies by providing data, recommendations, and field-based insights;
• Stay current with the latest research and best management practices to inform wildlife management actions on DNWR;
• Develop and maintain working relationships with community organizations, nonprofits, Tribal, State, County, and Federal agency partners;
• Schedule and facilitate meetings with stakeholders;
• Other duties as assigned to assist refuge staff with biological, visitor services, and maintenance as skills and abilities allow; and
• Work in close cooperation with Refuge staff in all aspects of work duties.

Timeline:

• September 1, 2025 - March 7, 2026, 27 weeks, may be extended dependent on funding and project needs;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: flexible with weekend work required.

Location:

The duty station is at the Corn Creek office building for DNWR, just outside of Las Vegas. DNWR is the largest National Wildlife Refuge outside of Alaska and was designated in 1936 to provide habitat and protection for desert bighorn sheep. The Refuge encompasses six major mountain ranges and boasts over 500 plant species as it transitions from the Mojave to the Great Basin Desert. Corn Creek is a spring-fed riparian area amid the arid desert that is important to migratory and resident birds as well as countless other wildlife. It is also the location of the refuge visitor center and offices. The DNWR is part of the Desert National Refuge Complex (DNWRC), which also includes Ash Meadows, Pahranagat, and Moapa NWRs and the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility. The DNWRC showcases the abundance and variety of nature found in Southern Nevada. In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the Refuge, there are several other recreation opportunities to explore close by. Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree 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 including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, boating, and skiing/snowboarding.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $24 – 29.91 hourly;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Housing may be available for rent in a shared bunkhouse.

Per diem: Camping per diem provided per night in the field, not to exceed $1,500.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or environmental sciences, with corresponding field experience;
• Experience working in desert ecosystems and knowledge of their natural resources;
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement multi-faceted projects;
• Skilled in developing project plans and schedules, keeping multiple project components on track, and maintaining accurate and detailed records;
• Detail-oriented and capable of working with little direct supervision;
• Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities;
• Computer skills including proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint/Illustrator, Excel, and other software for communication, presentations, data organization, and project management;
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments;
• Willing and physically able to hike up to 15 miles per day, with elevation gains exceeding 2,500 feet;
• Willing and physically able to camp and backpack alone in remote backcountry;
• Proficient land navigation skills, including the use of GPS equipment and mobile mapping software;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with a diverse audience;
• Ability to work productively and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals; and
• Comfortable with flexible daily and weekly schedules to accommodate refuge and project needs, including occasional weekend work.

Preferred:

• Possess 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, ethics and other mandatory government employee training.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be implementing field work in remote backcountry locations. This physically demanding work may involve hiking 10 miles per day on rugged terrain while carrying field equipment, personal gear, and water. Terrain may be steep, loose, or bouldery depending on the park. While not all field work will be strenuous or backcountry, the employee should be prepared and in good physical shape.

In addition, field work may be performed during inclement weather conditions, such as cold, snow, rain, wind, and heat. Work schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Field work will often involve car camping for multiple days at a time in primitive conditions, with no access to running water.

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.