Vegetation Technician (NPS, Mojave Desert Network Inventory & Monitoring)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with National Park Service Mojave Desert Network (MOJN), is recruiting one (1) experienced Vegetation Technician to work cooperatively with National Park Service staff to lead a vegetation monitoring crew. MOJN I&M has developed and standardized monitoring protocols to collect scientifically rigorous data on a prioritized set of vital signs that will aid parks manage their natural resources. Data on vegetation and target invasive species will be collected for the following protocols: Integrated Uplands, Spring Vegetation, and White Pine. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead field crews to implement vegetation monitoring protocols designed to address MOJN I&M’s vital signs (training will be provided);
• Walking long distances over uneven terrain;
• Hiking with backpacks that weigh 30+ pounds;
• Establishing permanent monitoring sites;
• Collecting vegetation data using established procedures;
• Taking GPS points and photos at work sites;
• Conducting quality analysis/quality control for all data collected, either in the field or in the office; and
• Collaborating with MOJN staff in project planning, oversight of field safety and logistics, field protocol and data QA/QC, equipment organization and maintenance.

The field work is dynamic and may be carried out across the MOJN parks (Castle Mountains National Monument, Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Great Basin National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Manzanar National Historic Site, and Mojave National Preserve). This position will require regular travel and camping during the field season in order to ensure that all plots are successfully completed during the field season and may require long hours early mornings and weekends. Additionally, opportunities might be provided to participate in other projects and activities.

Timeline:

• March 2nd, 2026, or pending availability and completion of DOI Background Investigation, 26 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Work schedules vary by protocol and may include five consecutive 8-hour days during training weeks (Monday to Friday) or eight consecutive 10-hour days while traveling for field work. The most common schedule is eight consecutive 10-hour days running Thursday to Thursday, followed by six days off.

Location:

The Mojave Desert Network’s (MOJN) main office is located in Boulder City, Nevada, near Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Boulder City is a 20 minute drive from the city of Henderson, which lies on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada. Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses nearly 1.5 million acres in southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, including mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast lakes. From the mouth of the Grand Canyon, the park follows the Arizona-Nevada border along what was formerly 140 miles of the Colorado River. Opportunities for recreation abound.

MOJN consists of eight National Park Service units: Castle Mountains National Monument, Death Valley National Park, Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Great Basin National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Manzanar National Historic Site, and Mojave National Preserve. These park units are spread across three states: Arizona, California, and Nevada. The MOJN parks fall within three contiguous semi-arid desert ecosystems, from the Great Basin Desert in the north, to the Mojave Desert, and then to the Sonoran Desert in the south.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $22 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 is not provided, although there might be park housing available at a reasonable rate.

Per diem: Camping per diem rate of $60 provided per each day involving overnight travel.

Uniform Stipend: $150 boot reimbursement.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or in one of the major natural sciences. Applicants with a background in vegetation monitoring preferred;
• experience utilizing dichotomous keys for plant identification;
• Experience identifying upland desert, riparian and wetland plants to species;
• Experience performing field work and applying methodological protocols for collecting field data;
• Ability to work in all types of weather and terrain in the harsh Mojave Desert environment;
• Ability to live and work in rural and remote field and office environments;
• Willingness and ability to work safely and productively, hike long distances in harsh, variable desert conditions, including in extreme heat while carrying 30+ of gear;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Motivated, detail-oriented, self-starter that has the flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities and possesses strong organizational skills;
• Willingness to work a variable schedule, including some weekends;
• Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads;
• Applicant must meet PLC age requirements; and
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to National Park Service 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:

• Knowledge and/or field experience with the vegetation of the Mojave Desert and Great Basin region.
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass.
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation.
• Experience using ArcGIS software.
• Experience in data management and quality control, including specialized software such as Survey123 and MS Access.
• Familiarity with backcountry, low-impact principles.

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.

This position requires a high level of physical endurance, mobility, and comfort working in challenging outdoor environments. Fieldwork is carried out across multiple Mojave Desert Network (MOJN) parks and often involves long days, early mornings, and extended periods in remote locations. Crew leads must be able to walk long distances over uneven and sometimes rugged terrain while carrying backpacks weighing 30 pounds or more. Establishing permanent monitoring sites and collecting vegetation data requires frequent bending, kneeling, lifting, and navigating through varied desert landscapes.

Overall, this role demands strong physical stamina, adaptability, and the ability to safely and efficiently perform fieldwork in remote, desert environments while leading and supporting a field crew.