(DHA CA) Weed Inventory and Rare Plant Technician (BLM, Ukiah FO)

The Great Basin Institute, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, is hiring 1 Natural Resource - Weed Inventory and Rare Plant Survey position under the BLM’s Direct Hire Authority Program (DHA)* with the Ukiah Field Office, in Ukiah, CA. Successful completion of 11-week term will result in the applicant being eligible for the DHA-RAI Certificate of Completion, program participants that meet Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for a BLM mission-critical/hard-to-fill occupation may be directly appointed without competition to a full time, permanent position vacancy.

South Cow Mountain is a congressionally designated OHV management area management by the Ukiah Field Office.  The area has had wildfire on its landscape over the last several years and altered the vegetation community. The recent fires coupled with extensive recreational use of the South Cow Mountain OHV Recreation area presents a need for updated weeds inventory and inventory of BLM sensitive plants. This project aims to fill the data gap and help inform the proposed South Cow Implementation Plan. 

Duties Include:
• Survey main roads, popular OHV trails and restoration areas to collect vegetation data.
• Update VMAP and other plant management databases for the Ukiah Field Office.
• Package and finalize all data and report documents.

*The DHA program is intended for those currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, at an accredited college or university. Undergraduate is defined as an associate or bachelor's degree program.

Contract Timeline:

• 11 week appointment beginning in June 2024, pending successful completion and passage of DOI Background Investigation
• June - August
• Full-time, 40-hrs wk

Location:

Ukiah Field Office, Ukiah, CA. Ukiah is the County seat of Mendocino County and is a full-service community 2 ½ hours north of San Francisco. Ukiah is a scenic location with a myriad of outdoor spaces and activities with easy access to the Pacific Coast, Redwoods and other Northern California destinations.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $20/hr
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
• Housing is not provided but housing allowance may be available to non-local candidates (approval required)
• Relocation support may be provided to those who will need to relocate (approval required)

Job Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled or a recent graduate (<1 year from graduation) to be eligible for the DHA program; 
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, GIS, natural resources, range management, soil science, environmental science or related discipline, or a combination of relevant education and field experience;
• Have knowledge of common weeds species in the West and a good understanding of plant taxonomy to identify weeds and rare plants;
• Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of botany and invasive species monitoring;
• Experience with Calflora Observer Pro and ArcGIS applications such as Field Maps;
• Ability to safely navigate to field sites using maps/compass and handheld GPS devices; 
• High level of proficiency leading field work in dynamic field settings; 
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Experience with data entry and QA/QC procedures;
• Reliable, team-player with strong leadership and communication skills;
• Willingness to work in steep terrain in unfavorable weather conditions as well as a knowledge of 4x4 vehicle travel;
• Possession of a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license; and
• Successfully complete and pass a federal background check prior to starting position.