Positions Available: 300-hour (2-month) term between September 8 and November 5, 2020, 900-hour (6-month) term between September 8, 2020 to March 11, 2021, 1200-hour (9-month) term between September 8, 2020 to May 6, 2021.
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 (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walkerbasin.org%2F&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C947eedb3b62e4ca27a8708d823e88e5b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637298829177526119&sdata=22R1myqMpKhVGzbvYc0SQ1TPv3jrMb5Lbs0WJIEw7Z8%3D&reserved=0). The growing and dynamic nature of the WBC and its diverse 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, including the Walker River State Recreation Area (parks.nv.gov/parks/walker-river). Land planning activities are underway and focus on assessing public use opportunities, conservation values, long term land ownership and stewardship, and revegetation and restoration activities.
JOB PURPOSE: The Restoration Team Members will serve alongside other AmeriCorps 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.
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 and paddling Fishing, hunting, 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) Yosemite (via Tioga pass, 2.5 hours away) Essential Functions
Under the guidance of a WBC Technician:
Utilizing hand tools and backpack sprayers to conduct invasive plant removal and control.
Utilizing hand and power tools to conduct native plant re-vegetation and restoration.
Utilizing hand and power tools to conduct road decommissioning, recreation trail construction, and sign/fence installation.
Installing, maintaining, and operating a variety of irrigation systems for re-vegetation purposes.
Identify and harvest native plant seeds for use in native plant propagation and re-vegetation.
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.
Assisting with the inventory, maintenance, and repair of WBC tools and equipment.
Qualifications
Seasonal positions are open to entry level candidates, no previous conservation experience is required.
Willingness and ability to:
Work outside in unpredictable weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team.
Work irregular hours, such as starting early or working more days with shorter hours, in accordance with project specific requirements and conditions.
Bend and crouch for long periods of time and occasionally lift heavy loads or equipment.
The ability to hike to remote locations over uneven ground, tall shrubs, and wetlands.
Use hand and power tools, operate motor vehicles, and work long days on labor intensive projects.
Use chemical herbicides in the treatment and control of invasive weeds while following strict application protocols.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
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 (3400 hours).
Member Training: Members will receive a variety of technical and professional training related to their service activities as well as personal and professional development. Available trainings may include:
First aid and CPR;
Leave no Trace principals;
Native plant identification and revegetation; Invasive species identification and treatment; Irrigation system installation and maintenance; Recreational trail construction; Resume building, USA Jobs, and government application workshop; and Guest speakers on environmental, natural resource, and professional development topics.
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. Strength and stamina to walk to remote locations over uneven ground. 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
Members 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. Members may sometimes be required to camp in the field for the duration of the tour. Camping and worksites will generally be in areas with at least primitive road access for crew vehicles, but the spike camping sites will usually be at 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.
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.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Walker Basin Conservancy has been fortunate to maintain some level of operations through the pandemic. We have multiple levels of strict policies and procedures for safe field operations based on Federal and State guidance which can change on short notice. We make every effort to keep applicants informed about our policies and the current hiring situation, but please be aware that the situation is fluid and any offers are contingent on conditions remaining stable or improving. Should COVID-19 infections worsen or government reinstate restrictions, we may be forced to rescind offers in response. Once members have joined the organization, we have contingency and response plans to handle increases in restriction to ensure you are able to complete service safely.
Compensation & Benefits:
300-hour: Living allowance of $3,060 and Education award of $1,311.11; 900-hour: Living allowance of $9,180 and Education award of $3,097.50; 1200-hour: Living allowance of $11,900 and Education award of $4,336.50; Federal student loan forbearance is available for eligible members; Uniform reimbursement; Per diem when on spike (while camping); Paid personal and sick leave; Paid holidays; Opportunities for extension upon good service; and Opportunities for advancement within the organization.
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. During the COVID Pandemic, WBC housing may be more limited than usual. Depending on current conditions in Nevada and Governor mandates we may have to limit or restrict access to group housing for the safety of employees. We have alternate policies and procedures in place for members who are living in their own housing to allow for continued participation even I f we are not able to offer housing. We will discuss options and the current situation during the interview process, but please know that WBC housing may not be readily available.
HOW TO APPLY
Positions will remain open until filled. Only top candidates will be contacted.
Local applicants are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.
To Apply, please send cover letter and resume to:
Amy Gladding
amy.gladding@walkerbasin.org
Subject Line: 2-Month, 6-Month or 9-Month Restoration Team Member
All applicants must also submit an Employment Application Acknowledgement form that can be found on our website at: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walkerbasin.org%2Fjoin-our-team&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7C947eedb3b62e4ca27a8708d823e88e5b%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637298829177526119&sdata=MNpdNe0IPSswcBMn4jArtUoXER4VUsjiwtxe47s0oi4%3D&reserved=0
Please call or email Miguel Gonzales, AmeriCorps Program Manager, at (775) 463-9887 ext. 110 or Miguel.Gonzales@WalkerBasin.org 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.
Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability.
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.