Wildlife Protection Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, is recruiting one (1) Biological and Invasive Species Technician to participate in implementing the refuge's integrated pest management plan and assisting with other refuge management goals.
The selected will work independently and with others to accomplish refuge work plans to manage native habitats and wildlife to achieve the purpose of the refuge which is to provide critical wetland habitat for migratory birds, with special emphasis on waterfowl. Work tasks may also include working to achieve the refuge goals of Moapa Valley NWR, including enhancing habitat for the endangered Moapa dace.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify, map, and treat target invasive species, especially Lepidium latifolium (whitetop).
• Assist with implementation of the refuge's Integrated Pest Management System (IPM) to treat invasive species occurring on the refuge, with special focus in wetland habitats using chemical and mechanical methods.
• Track project work progress and assist with documentation of invasive species treatments with use of GIS applications.
• Act as a crew leader to lead invasive species monitoring and treatments with volunteers and public groups conducting service projects on the refuge.
• Assist with restoration efforts after invasive species eradication.
• Aid in the installation/construction of signs and barriers where necessary, to prevent the degradation of sensitive habitat.
• Complete necessary reporting of activities to GBI, Southern Nevada Restoration Team, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for databases or data calls, as needed.
• Assist with wildlife management activities, including duck banding and migratory songbird banding.
• Assist maintenance staff with repair of fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, or buildings, when needed.

Timeline:

• Beginning September/October 2026 or pending availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation, 52 week appointment.
• Full time (40 hours/week).
• Schedule: 5 days a week, 8 hours daily.

Location:
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a protected wildlife refuge at the southern end of the Pahranagat Valley in southern Nevada. It is 90 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada, in Lincoln County. The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge is a refuge for many species of wildlife and plants, as it serves as a water source for birds migrating South in the fall/North in the spring.
In addition to the scenic desert beauty at the Refuge, there are several recreation and natural setting 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 ranging from hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing to fishing, boating and skiing/snowboarding.
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation: $16.00-$20.45 hourly, depending on experience.
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.
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Housing is available onsite at Pahranagat NWR (approx. $175/month) in a shared bunkhouse. Individuals have their own bedroom, but bathrooms are shared with other residents. Maximum occupancy = 4 residents.
Required:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, wildlife ecology or management, or related field.
• Experience in collecting data accurately and completely and entering data correctly into a computer system.
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to safely drive a 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads.
• Ability to self-direct and self-motivate.
• Ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals.
• Possess strong organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with the public, coworkers, and Technical Advisors both orally and in writing, and respond in a professional manner to inquiries from the public regarding work activities.
• Ability to safely conduct strenuous fieldwork requiring regular physical exertion including hiking on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work outdoors for long periods of time, sometimes in adverse weather conditions such as hot, cold and/or humid conditions.
• Ability to modify work schedule to accommodate tasks that must take place before dawn or after dusk.
• Must provide a valid driver's license and possess a clean driving record.
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to USFWS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

Preferred:

• Experience banding birds or strong interest in bird banding/ornithology.
• At least one year of experience in a field-based position.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items, such as equipment packs weighing up to 50 pounds, on a regular basis.

• Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles.
• Plant identification skills and previous experience in invasive plant management and/or restoration ecology.
• Familiarity and experience with Great Basin or Mojave Desert plants.
• Ability to use GPS units or FieldMaps to record and locate points and to record field data.
• Familiarity with and interest in the ecology of desert wetland and riparian habitat and associated resource management issues.
• Familiarity with use of ArcGIS to create, import, and export maps and data.

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 is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, crouch, support themselves on their knees, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low, but is occasionally high and protective equipment is provided. There is frequent exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, and temperature changes.
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.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.
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.