Description:
In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting two (2) Wilderness Inventory & Monitoring Technicians. The Technicians will play a key role in collecting data that will be utilized by the Forest in their efforts to accomplish inventory and monitoring work for one Wilderness Stewardship Performance element, Agency Management Actions. Technicians will work in two distinct Wilderness areas, including the Jarbidge and East Humboldts wildernesses. The monitoring and inventory efforts are intended to raise the wilderness stewardship performance scores for the Agency Management Action element from zero to four. For more on the US Forest Service Wilderness Stewardship Performance Program and the Agency Management Action element, please visit the following website: https://www.wilderness.net/NWPS/documents/FS/WSP-Guidebook_v2017.2.pdf
Wilderness Technicians often make public contacts to educate visitors about forest rules and regulations as well as to provide information and answer questions. Work will be accomplished in remote settings both on and off-trail, so a focus on personal as well co-worker safety is essential. Overnight stays involve camping in a tent in a remote backcountry setting are required. Field hitches may last anywhere from 3 to 8 days at a time. The ideal candidate for this position will possess a demonstrated true love for wilderness, backcountry and a desire to spend time there.
Timeline:
This is a 9 week AmeriCorps national service appointment from June 11, 2018 to August 9, 2018.
Technical requirements:
o A combination of educational and/or field experiences related to public land or wilderness management, recreation or other natural resource filed;
o Experience recreating or working in the wilderness or backcountry, including knowledge and proficiency in backcountry travel;
o Experience implementing field data collection protocols accurately and completely;
o Prior experience with wilderness inventory and monitoring protocols, desirable but not required;
o Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection;
o Knowledge of GIS software, highly desirable but not required; and
o Experience summarizing data and field experiences in written format.
Additional requirements:
o Possess a valid, state-issued drivers license and clean driving record;
o Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off paved roads setting, including narrow, mountain forest roads;
o Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
o Effectively communicate orally or in writing with a diverse public;
o Possess good organizational skills;
o Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, be very physically fit and able to carry upwards of 50-70 pounds in a backpack;
o Comfortable in very remote settings with experience in backcountry situations for several days and a willingness to camp in remote, improved and unimproved wilderness areas; and
o Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks.
Location:
The crew will be based in Wells, NV, which is located in northeastern Nevada east of Elko, NV along the I-80 corridor. This area of eastern Nevada is rich in outdoor activities with the Jarbidge Wilderness and Lamoille Canyon recreation area within close proximity. Wells is approximately 30 minutes east of Elko, NV, 2.5 hours (181 miles) west of Salt Lake City, UT, and 2 hours (115 miles) south of Twin Falls, ID.
Compensation:
This is an AmeriCorps position; candidates will receive a living stipend dependent on their length of service. The living stipend is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary. The stipend is paid to members in bi-weekly installments throughout their term of service. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service members shall receive an additional education award also dependent on the length of service that can be used for paying off student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college.
• 9 week (300 hour) AmeriCorps service term: $2,700 living stipend (approximately $630 every two weeks before taxes)
Education Award:
Upon successful completion of your term you will be given access to your Segal Education award which can be used for Title IV university/college tuition or to pay for federal student loans. The education award is only considered taxable income on the day you use the award.
Education Award amounts are dependent on the length of your term:
• 3 month (450 hour) AmeriCorps service term: $1,230.69
Per Diem:
For every day you work in the field with us you will receive $15.00. This is in addition to your Living Allowance and on average is $120.00 biweekly. Crews typically combine per diem funds and shop/prepare meals as a team.
Skills & Education:
You will be certified in First Aid and CPR.
Optional Training & Education we will provide include:
• Defensive Driving Certification
• Off-Road Driving Class
• GPS Unit Training
Other Benefits:
Insurance:
Affordable Care Act Compliant Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute and available starting your first day of service.
Loan Forbearance:
If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.
Interest Accrual Repayment:
As AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:
AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Nevada Conservation Corps will provide you documentation in proving that you qualify for SNAP.
Educational Affiliation Agreements (College Credit):
The Nevada Conservation Corps will take part in Affiliation Agreements with your university in order to allow you to receive college credit hours for your term of service.