Overview
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is recruiting for a Research Associate (RA) to serve as a Biological Science Technician at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility (AMFCF), Amargosa Valley, NV.
Primary Responsibilities
* Performs routine animal care including feeding, health monitoring, water testing, water changes, filter and aquarium cleaning;
* Conducts inventory and monitoring of the refuge tank ecosystem, including protocols to monitor biotic and abiotic parameters (water chemistry, nutrients, substrates and algae, aquatic invertebrates, and fish);
* Acts as technician for the management of predaceous diving beetles in the refuge tank ecosystem;
* Assists with the design, construction, and commissioning of new laboratory and propagation facilities and systems;
* Records and analyzes data in both paper and computerized data storage systems;
* Performs computations and assessments of standard biological data to prepare data for interpretative use or inclusion in biological reports;
* Prepares charts, graphs, and/or reports on data collected;
* Assists in culture of aquatic invertebrates and algae in aquaria;
* Accurately records and archives data and maintains written records of laboratory and field activities, including water qualities, aquatic flora and fauna propagation and culture activities, environmental surveys, and other work for regulatory agencies;
* Follows SOPs and sterile technique to ensure cleanliness and sterilization of laboratory and hatchery facilities, equipment, and sampling gear;
* Assists in planning and execution of the program by making recommendations and ensuring communication between facility staff and partners;
* Works cooperatively with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners to address ecological, hatchery, and fish and invertebrate culture questions;
* Works indoors and outdoors, often in extreme conditions and sometimes alone;
* Performs physical exertion and may require weekend and odd-hour work;
* Ability to work at a semi-remote desert location.
Timeline
* October 2025 – September 2026, 1 Year Appointment (may be extended, contingent on funding and facility needs);
* Full time (40 hours/week).
Location
Ash Meadows NWR, in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada near Death Valley. On-site housing may be available in a shared bunkhouse. The Research Associate must provide their own reliable transportation for non-work-related trips; nearest amenities are ~30 miles away in Pahrump, NV. Las Vegas is ~90 miles southeast of the Refuge.
Compensation And Benefits
Compensation: $19.30 hourly.
Benefits
* Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade), 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.
Qualifications
Required:
* Bachelor's degree in biology or environmental sciences (e.g. ecology, fisheries, entomology, conservation biology, wildlife management, or related field) OR at least four years of full-time work experience in a closely related field;
* Valid, clean, state-issued driver's license and familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on unimproved roads;
* Willingness to submit to a background check, and pass computer security and ethics training;
* Willingness and ability to work in harsh desert conditions, independently or as part of a team;
* Ability to lift a minimum 50 lbs. for short periods of time.
Experience In Some Or All Of The Following
* Education or experience in aquaculture, aquarium, hatchery operations, or animal husbandry;
* Education or experience in community and/or ecosystem ecology;
* Ability to conduct a wide variety of complex investigations including the design, collection, and analysis of biological data;
* Education or experience in data compilation, relational database structure, and statistical data analysis;
* Education or experience in monitoring fish species to observe and distinguish normal appearance and behavior from those requiring intervention;
* Problem-solving skills to recognize critical trends and draw sound conclusions for actions;
* Experience in a laboratory setting with running water quality analyses and laboratory equipment (spectrophotometry, balances, microscopes);
* Experience or training in invertebrate identification;
* Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience, in writing and orally;
* Willingness and experience working in a scientific laboratory with hazardous chemicals per OSHA regulations.
Physical Demands
The physical demands are representative of those required to perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made. Duties may involve sitting, standing, bending, lifting, and exposure to environmental conditions; occasional travel and weekend work may be required.
How To Apply
Please apply online through the application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications, and contact information for three professional/academic references. Complete any preliminary questions and sign the application.
Notes
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful pre-employment background check.
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