POSITION TITLE: AmeriCorps Restoration Team Member
STATUS: Half Time, 900-hour term from May 27, 2019 to November 27, 2019 OR 450-hour term between May 27, 2019 to August 22, 2019 OR 300-hour term between June 17, 2019 to August 15, 2019
NUMBER OF POSITINS AVAILABLE: 34 Total of various lengths
REPORTS TO: AmeriCorps Program Manager
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None
LOCATION: Yerington, NV
BACKGROUND: Established in 2014, the Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) is leading the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin (www.walkerbasin.org). The nascent and dynamic nature of the WBC and its diverse management obligations provide unique opportunities to develop operations from the ground level up, working closely with staff who are passionate about their mission.
The WBC currently manages thousands of acres of land and assets on multiple properties in the Walker Basin. Land planning activities are underway and focus on assessing public use opportunities, conservation values, long term land ownership and stewardship, active and passive revegetation and restoration activities.
JOB PURPOSE: The Restoration Team Members will serve alongside other members and WBC Conservation Technicians conducting primarily invasive species removal and native plant re-vegetation within the Walker River Basin. Members may also work on recreational trail construction, sign installation, and fence construction. Members will work in conjunction with other WBC field staff, providing on the ground support to larger project operations.
A working knowledge of, or a desire to learn more about, desert plant ecology and ecological restoration, nursery or horticultural practices, or agricultural systems and irrigation equipment is essential. The Restoration Team Members should also have a sincere interest in expanding their knowledge of Great Basin Desert ecology, restoration practices, the flora and fauna of Nevada, and agricultural methods and equipment.
Members will serve in an outdoor setting and will sometimes be required to camp in the field for the duration of the tour. Camping will generally be in areas with at least primitive road access for crew vehicles, but the camping sites will usually be undeveloped backcountry sites. Both camp and project sites will generally not have access to potable water, restroom facilities, or cellphone signals, and members will be expected to follow Leave No Trace principals in camp and on project. Project work will frequently require hiking over rough terrain while carrying tools and equipment.
LOCATION: Yerington, Nevada is a beautiful rural farming community located approximately 95 miles south of Reno, NV in the foothills of the eastern Sierra mountains. Yerington is small but growing with about 3,100 residents. Established in 1907, the city has heritage and deep roots in agriculture, mining, railroads, and gaming. Some of the nearby attractions, activities and recreational opportunities include:
- Camping, biking, hiking, backpacking
- Fishing, hunting and boating and OHV trails
- Flat and white-water boating (1 hour away)
- Rock Hounding and climbing
- Ghost Town Exploration
- Ski Resorts (1.5-2 hours away)
- Lake Tahoe (1.5 hours away)
- Lahontan Reservoir (30 minutes away)
- Walker Lake (45 minutes away)
- Topaz Reservoir (45 minutes away)
Essential Functions:
· Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand tools, backpack sprayers, and ATV mounted sprayers to conduct invasive plant removal and control.
· Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand and power tools to conduct native plant re-vegetation and restoration.
· Under the guidance of a WBC Technician, utilizing hand and power tools to conduct road decommissioning, recreation trail construction, and sign/fence installation.
· Communicating effectively and professionally with other members, WBC staff, agency partners, and the public.
Secondary Functions:
· Assisting with the management and supervision of community volunteers on WBC conservation projects.
· Uploading field data into databases and compiling reports to inform future management plans.
· Assisting with the inventory, maintenance, and repair of WBC tools and equipment.
Qualifications
- Willingness and ability to work outside in unpredictable weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team.
- Willingness and ability to camp in undeveloped, primitive conditions for multiple days.
- Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, such as starting early or working more days with shorter hours, in accordance with project specific requirements and conditions.
- Ability to bend and crouch for long periods of time and occasionally lift heavy loads or equipment.
- Ability to uses hand and power tools, operate motor vehicles, and work long days on labor intensive projects.
- Willingness to use chemical herbicides in the treatment and control of invasive weeds while following strict application protocols.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Meet AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements, including:
- Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service;
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
- Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
- Pass a National Sex Offender Public Website check and National Service Criminal History Check; and
- Be eligible to receive and AmeriCorps Education award, with a limit of four total terms in a lifetime and the equivalent of two full-time terms (3600 hours).
Physical and Mental Requirements
Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use tools and equipment for prolonged periods. Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time. Strength and dexterity to operate small, medium, and heavy equipment. Strength and stamina to endure standing and working for long periods of time and in extreme weather conditions. Dexterity and vision to observe oncoming traffic hazards and react quickly to emergency situations. Some heavy lifting (over 75 pounds) is occasionally required.
In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations. Applicants and incumbents are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Working Conditions
Technicians work in an outdoor setting with varying weather conditions, including, but not limited to, extreme heat, dry conditions, rain, snow or hail, and extreme cold. Work sites will generally be in areas with at least primitive road access for crew vehicles. Work sites will generally not have access to potable water, restroom facilities, or cellphone signals, and Technicians will be expected to follow Leave No Trace principals on work sites without facilities. Work will frequently require hiking over rough terrain while carrying tools and equipment.
Position may occasionally be required to work around heavy machinery in hazardous environments. Environment is generally dirty, with prolonged exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise, or odors. Frequent interruptions to planned work activities occur.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Living allowance of $9,180;
- Education award of $2,960;
- Medical, dental and vision insurance, child care, and federal student loan forbearance are available for eligible members at no additional cost;
- Uniform reimbursement;
- Per diem when on spike (while camping);
- Paid personal and sick leave; and
- Paid holidays.
Members will receive a variety of technical and professional training related to their service activities as well as personal and professional development. Available trainings include:
- First aid and CPR;
- Leave no Trace principals; and
- Plant identification, invasive species identification and treatment, and trails training.
Housing in Yerington can be difficult to find. WBC has limited and optional housing available for a low monthly rate. Housing accommodations are dorm or bunk style housing with shared bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and common spaces.
Positions will remain open until filled. Only top candidates will be contacted.
Local applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.
Please send cover letter and resume to:
Amy Gladding
Subject Line: 6-month Restoration Team Member
Please call Miguel Gonzales, AmeriCorps Program Manager, at (775) 463-9887 ext. 110 with questions.
Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The above functions may be completed with or without reasonable accommodations. This program prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or disability.
Equal Opportunity Statement – Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. WBC does not discriminate against any employee, applicant, director, officer, contractor, or any other person with whom it deals because of race, creed, color, disability, age, sex, veteran status, religion or political affiliation. WBC complies with all federal and local statutes prohibiting discrimination in employment.
Disclaimer – The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the employees in these positions. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in each position. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the responsibilities, duties, and skills at any time.