Physical Science Technician (NPS, Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring)

*Note: This position is contingent upon final funding approval*

The Research Associate Program at Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service Mojave Desert Network, is recruiting one Physical Science Technician (Springs Monitoring).

The Mojave Desert Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (MOJN) is one of 32 regional networks across the country that collect data on specific natural resources—the plants, animals, water, and ecosystems that can indicate the overall ecological health of our national parks. These data are collected for planning, research, and education, and to help guide decisions related to park resource management. For more information, visit our website: https://www.nps.gov/im/mojn/index.htm.

MOJN is seeking a field lead technician who will participate in monitoring the hydrology, ecology, and water quality of desert springs across the network. Compared to the surrounding desert, spring and wetland environments in the Mojave and Great Basin regions support a greater abundance and diversity of plant and animal life. Reliable water sources are scarce, so springs are often vital to the distribution and connectivity of wildlife habitat across the landscape. We monitor water availability, water quality, and site condition at springs to identify threats and detect changes in their condition over time.

This position is primarily focused on field work, although office work will also be required. Because this is a field lead position, it will also involve logistics and planning for travel. Springs monitoring will be carried out in five national park units: Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Mojave National Preserve, and Parashant National Monument. Field work can be strenuous and involve long hikes on rugged terrain. Regular overnight travel and car camping will occur, often in backcountry locations with no amenities. Long drives on highways and unimproved dirt roads are often necessary to access remote sites. Effective communication skills are essential for working on small teams.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Collect and download hydrological and ecological data at desert springs using established procedures (training provided);
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control of data, both in the field and office;
• Locate and navigate to field sites using GPS and topo maps;
• Hike long distances over rough terrain;
• Car camp in primitive conditions;
• Drive 4WD vehicles on highways and unimproved dirt roads;
• Maintain and disinfect field vehicles, sampling equipment, and camping gear; and
• Collaborate with MOJN staff on project planning, logistics, and safety.

Timeline:

• October 2026-April 2027, 26 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Variable depending on field work, typically M-Th or M-F, 8-10 hours daily.

Location:
The duty station for this position is based at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, NV. Boulder City is about 10 miles southeast of Las Vegas, NV. While famous for its neon lights and nightlife, Las Vegas is surrounded by public land on all sides, with Lake Mead National Recreation Area to the west, Sloan Canyon National jobshiringnearme.org Area to the south, Red Rock National jobshiringnearme.org Area and Spring Mountain National Forest to the west, and Desert National Wildlife Refuge to the north. Additional parks, monuments, and refuges can be reached within a few hours of driving in any direction. Outdoor recreational opportunities nearby include hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, kayaking, mountain biking, and birding, along with skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Las Vegas also offers the amenities of a large city, including dining, entertainment, and retail.

Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation: $24 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;
• Access to Pro Deals;

Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own, although MOJN staff will attempt to assist in finding housing.
Per diem: Camping per diem provided per night in the field.
Boot Stipend: $150.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering;
• 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 DOI 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;
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles per day for multiple days on steep or rugged terrain in variable weather conditions;
• Ability to car camp for multiple days in remote locations with no amenities;
• Ability to operate 4WD vehicles on unimproved and potentially rough dirt roads;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team to accomplish program goals;
• Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and colleagues;
• Attention to detail and data quality;
• Excellent organizational skills, and
• Must meet PLC eligibility requirements.

Preferred:

• Hiking or working in desert environments;
• Operating water quality instruments;
• Identifying plants of the Mojave or Great Basin regions; and
• Using Survey123, AGOL, or other GIS software.

Physical Demands:
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, and sometimes exceed 8000 ft elevation. 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.