Rangeland Monitoring Technician
Location: Reno, NV
About DJ&A
DJ&A is a multidisciplinary consulting firm that delivers a wide variety of professional services to clients across the nation. Specializing in Environmental Compliance, Transportation Design, Survey & Mapping, Sustainability, Site Development and Utilities, Construction Inspection/Management, Geospatial Solutions, Terrestrial LiDAR, 3D Scanning, Structural Design, Project Management, Community Involvement, and Right of Way, we perform work in some of the most beautiful locations; National Forests, National Parks and Monuments, campgrounds and other recreational facilities, and other federal lands throughout the United States. DJ&A’s unique and interesting projects create well-rounded employees, promote career development, and provide opportunities to visit these beautiful locales!
Founded in 1973 by two former U.S. Forest Service employees who saw a need for a company that uniquely understood Forest Service projects, DJ&A has continued to grow and expand over the last 50 years by embracing the values of our founders. Today, we have a team of 120+ skilled professionals spanning across offices in Missoula, MT (headquarters); Bozeman, MT; Vancouver, WA; Denver, CO; Sioux Falls, SD; and Reno, NV.
Job Summary
DJ&A is seeking one full-time Rangeland Monitoring Technician with a minimum of one year of relevant experience to work April through September 2024, with possibility of extension through November. Ideally, candidates have a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, rangeland management, ecology or biology and have at least one year of experience with range or vegetation monitoring in the Great Basin. Qualifications may be met through education, experience, or a combination. Technicians will be paired with one field lead and as a team of two, they will conduct rangeland monitoring on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered land throughout Nevada. This position requires working, hiking, and camping in remote areas during the summer. Technicians must be detail oriented, enjoy being outside for long periods of time, work well with others, and have interest in learning about rangeland science.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- General duties include conducting a variety of rangeland field monitoring for an average of 5 days but up to 10 days max. Sampling will typically occur during the work week, though there may be occasional field stints that extend into the weekends to maximize efficiency. A typical schedule will be one week in the field followed by a week in the office.
- Crews will camp near the sampling locations unless field conditions are not suitable in which case lodging in the nearest town will be arranged.
- Sampling locations are located in remote, rugged areas of Nevada and will be accessed using a 4×4 truck, UTV, and by foot. Road conditions can be highly variable and challenging, though safety is the number one priority during field work. Technicians will be expected to share driving responsibilities with leads. UTV and trailer training will be provided.
- All crew members will participate in protocol trainings with crew leads, DJ&A employees, and clients to ensure understanding of relevant monitoring methods, data entry procedures, and QAQC processes.
Field Data Collection
- Monitoring methods include Key Species Utilization, Height-Weight Utilization, Production, Riparian Multiple Indicator Monitoring, Photo Plots, Line Point Intercept, and others along with documenting general site observations.
- Identify Great Basin plant species.
- Data is collected on field tablets and computers, though occasionally paper datasheets will be used, when necessary, in which case data entry will be required after return to the office.
Office Work
- When not in the field, crew members will be expected to be in the office, located in north Reno.
- Assist field leads with QAQC of all data and reports, planning and debriefing of field stints.
- Equipment and vehicle maintenance duties will be shared among crew members.
- Coordinate with other team members to ensure schedules, quality, and client requirements are achieved.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols, including rangeland monitoring protocols, photo plots, and site observations.
- Demonstrated experience or familiarity with Great Basin vegetation.
- Experience using GPS, maps, and compass for navigation in remote areas.
- Proficient in MS Office.
- Experience with data entry and management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Technicians will be expected to communicate regularly with supervisors, even while in the field, regarding timesheets, schedule changes and other matters.
- Prioritizes safety and well-being of the team. First aid certification preferred; training will be provided otherwise.
- Excellent planning, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and with geographically dispersed teams.
Education and Experience
- B.S. in Rangeland Management or Natural Resource Management, Ecology, or Biology.
- Between 1 and 3 years of experience related to rangeland monitoring or other botanical surveying.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods working in the field in various conditions and over varied and difficult terrain.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
- Must be able to travel to various (and sometimes remote) project sites.
- Must be able to access and navigate job sites.
- Must be able to safely operate a vehicle or ATV/UTV on 4-wheel drive roads and in remote conditions.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. Hourly wage.
- Medical, dental and vision benefits (monthly medical premiums fully paid for High Deductible Health Plan).
- Long-term disability and life insurance.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with company contribution.
- Roth and 401(k) retirement accounts.
- Profit sharing based on eligibility and work hours
- 9/80 work schedule.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Professional development training.
- Friendly, supportive, knowledgeable staff and culture!
Expected start date: April 1, 2024 (flexible)
Instructions to apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to careers@djanda.com
Office Location: Reno, NV
DJ&A is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here and Supplemental EEO notice here.
DJ&A is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at careers@djanda.com.