Great Basin Institute

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Restoration Crew Member for Nevada Conservation Corps (Summer - Northern NV). The Great Basin Institute enhances the community engagement through our Interpretative Association at operation the Galena Creek Visitors Center (GCVC), a USDA Forest Service facility jointly managed by Washoe County.   At Galena, GBI offers community activities and events, field studies for schools, and day and residential outdoor education programs for youth. The goal of the GCVC is to encourage understanding, appreciation, and appropriate use of the natural, cultural, and historical resources of the Galena Canyon area and the Mount Rose Scenic Byway.

Position Description:

Spend a season or more working and camping outside at some of Nevada’s premier natural areas. Serve alongside AmeriCorps volunteers from across the country while making a lasting contribution to Nevada’s natural resources and heritage. Gain valuable field experience while working on habitat improvement, restoration, and recreation projects with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and many other federal and state agencies. Learn firsthand from federal employees and specialists about natural resource and conservation careers. Projects this fall will primarily focus on habitat restoration in areas such as riparian, post-wildfire, and desert tortoise habitat. Other projects may also include trail construction and maintenance and hazardous fuels reduction for wildfire mitigation. 

Make sure to check the Nevada Conservation Corps overview page here.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is an AmeriCorps position; candidates will receive a living allowance dependent on their length of service. The living allowance is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary.

Reno, NV - Summer/Fall
June 12, 2023 - August 18, 2023
July 10, 2023 - November 17, 2023
August 21, 2023 - November 17, 2023

Las Vegas, NV - Fall
TBD

 

• Living Allowance: $610.00/week before taxes.
• Per Diem: $15/day spent in the field. 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.
• Housing Stipend: In addition to your Living Allowance and on average is $100.00 biweekly. (Shared housing options now available)
• TOTAL COMPENSATION BIWEEKLY: $1,440 (pre-tax)

Segal Education Award:
After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. For this term of service the education award amount is $1,718.25. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Student 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).

Insurance:
Limited Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute.

Qualifications:

• Must maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service.
• Be able to communicate effectively with members, crew leaders, NCC staff, and project partners.
• Possess the willingness and ability to work and camp up to seven nights in a row, in a wilderness setting, in all weather conditions, without formal restroom facilities or running water.
• Be able to lift 25lbs continuously and 50lbs occasionally
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a US citizen
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED
• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards).
• All position offers are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check.

 

Essential Duties:

• Building and maintaining trails, restoring and improving wildlife habitat, and reducing hazardous fuels in our forests and public lands, which includes herbicide/pesticide, chainsaw, power tool and hand tool usage.  
• Camping up to seven nights in wilderness setting without formal restroom facilities or running water;
• Making a commitment of national service to our landscapes and communities;
• Maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service;
• Communicating effectively with crew members, crew leaders, NCC staff and agency project staff;
• Complying with both production and quality work standards established by NCC Administration, crew supervisors and project partners;
• Contributing to basic duties at the campsite including cooking, cleaning and organizing crew equipment;
• Showing respect when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project sponsors and community members;
• Participating in in-field education sessions;
• Percentage of time spent on: labor– 70%, traveling– 20%, hiking– 10%;
• Lifting 25lbs continuously and 50lbs occasionally.
   

AmeriCorps Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
• Must be at least 17 years of age
• Received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this before using the education award)
• Eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit to four in a lifetime or equivalent to 2 full-time awards)
• Pass state and federal background checks. 

Staff Crew Leader for Summer and/or Fall with Nevada Conservation Corps. The Great Basin Institute (GBI) is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field studies organization dedicated to promoting environmental research, education, and conservation throughout the West. The Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC), a program within the GBI, launched in 1999 with the goal of harnessing the energy and idealism of youth to meet the needs of our public lands and communities through habitat restoration, invasive species control, forestry, trail building, and community conservation events. With our AmeriCorps grant we have been able to provide that experience to thousands of members, NCC provides valuable training and workforce development opportunities for staff and corps members who seek careers in natural resource management.

The NCC is seeking Staff Crew Leaders to lead Conservation Crews on projects on public lands in some of Nevada and California’s  most beautiful locales. You will coordinate with GBI staff, agency partners, and collaborate with peers to see that project goals are accomplished safely and efficiently. Work will address critical conservation needs with project partners at the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, among many other local, county, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.

Essential functions and duties will include:

• Lead field crews and manage logistics during training and while working on conservation projects
• Accurately collect data and prepare for submission to agency partners
• Responsible for the safety of crew and general public
• Ensure projects are complete to the highest standards

Contract Timeline:

May 2023 - August 2023
or
May 2023 - Nov 2023

Location:

Reno, NV

Compensation and Benefits:

• $21-26 hourly
• Per Diem - $15 per field day
• Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
• Living allowance with temporary housing options available
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance paid 100% by GBI.
• Professional development and technical training opportunities

Optional Training & Education we will provide include:
• Defensive Driving Certification
• Off-Road Driving Class
• Native Plant Identification
• Invasive Plant Identification
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Job Qualifications:

• Maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service
• A willingness and desire to lead and facilitate team building
• Experience working within a Conservation or Youth Corps or equivalent experience
• Holds B Faller/FAL2 qualification or has the knowledge, skills and abilities to receive B Faller qualification upon hire
• Previous experience constructing recreational trails
• Strong critical thinking skills and creativity
• Possessing the confidence and ability to make decisions quickly and under pressure
• Receptive to feedback from superiors, peers, and subordinates
• Showing respect when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project sponsors and community members
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written formats
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with corps members, partner agency staff, and the general public
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive workplace culture and camp life experience
• Ability to meet physical demand of the position, including: hike up to 10 miles a day with heavy backpacks, carry 25 pounds continuously and 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to camp up to seven consecutive nights in primitive locations, in adverse weather conditions
• Ability to effectively operate machinery and tools while following production and quality standards set by the Nevada Conservation Corps
• Current Driver License with clean driving record (must qualify to drive GBI Vehicles)
• Follow strict safety protocol and maintain personal safety of self and others
• Must pass a Criminal History Background Check (includes National Sex Offender Public Registry name search and FBI fingerprint check)

Invasive plants have been identified as a major threat to the biological diversity and ecological integrity in and near the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (HTNF). Invasive plants displace native plants; reduce habitat and forage for wildlife and livestock; diminish populations of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; alter soil properties and productivity; change the intensity and frequency of wildfires; and impact recreation opportunities.

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting ten AmeriCorps Biological Science Technicians to participate in invasive non-native plant treatment, monitoring, and management projects for the forest's statewide noxious weed control program. The primary focus of this position will be the mechanical and chemical treatment of invasive and noxious weeds. Most of this work is conducted using backpack sprayers, UTV’s, and large 4WD spray vehicles traveling on remote 4WD roads. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be supplied by the Forest Service and utilized by Technicians at all times. A tablet with ArcCollector, Avenza Maps, and EDDMapS Pro, as well as a Garmin InReach device, will be used to record plant populations. 

Primary duties:
- Treat invasive plant infestations (Treatments primarily involve using herbicides, but may also be accomplished by hand-pulling and/or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods);
- Identify non-native plant species using various field guides and survey methods for target plants;
- Collect data on infestation location and status;
- Accurately and legibly record data related to invasive plant treatments according to specific protocols; and
- Perform basic mathematical calculations related to herbicide mixing and applications.

 

Additional Experience Opportunities:

- Participating in range and ecology vegetation surveying.

- Assistance with federal resume building and navigating USAjobs.

Although a small portion of time may be dedicated to data entry and other office tasks, this is primarily a field-based position which requires physical labor and daily hiking. Technicians will often navigate using global positioning systems, topographic maps, and/or compass to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions. 

A training session including plant identification, herbicide safety, use of tablets and associated software, UTV operation, trailer towing, and first aid will be provided at the beginning of the field season. 

Great Basin Institute, founded at the University of Nevada Reno in 1998, is a mission-driven non-profit organization headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. GBI has been a leader in the conservation stewardship field for over two decades, supporting thousands of individuals each pursuing a career in public land management or advancing their academic standing. Partnering with federal, state and local governments, as well as other NGOs and researchers, GBI supports projects in eleven western states ranging from Alaska to New Mexico, and southern California to northwestern Wyoming.

Technical requirements:

- Knowledge and interest in botany and plant identification - prior experience with invasive plant management preferred;

- Willingness to utilize chemical herbicide treatment methods, and ability to pass Nevada State Applicator exam (training and study time will be provided prior to the exam);

- Experience utilizing hand-held GPS units or tablets for navigation and/or data collections preferred, along with basic computer skills;

- Ability to carry backpack sprayer or up to 40 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise maintain good physical condition;

- Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off-road, including mountainous forest roads, preferred;

- Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles such as Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) desirable; and

- Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable.

 

Additional requirements:

- Ability to self-direct and self-motivate;

- Possess good organizational skills;

- Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain;

- Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices;

- Communicate effectively with a diverse public;

- Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; and

- The successful applicant(s) must complete the following background checks: (1) AmeriCorps Criminal History Check (state and federal), (2) National Sex Offender registry check, and (3) USDA Forest Service background investigation.

The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with The Peregrine Fund’s California Condor Reintroduction Program based in Vermilion Cliffs, AZ to support the greater California Condor Recovery Program. One (1) Monitoring Technician will be selected to serve as an AmeriCorps volunteer to assist in management of the free flying population of California Condors in northern Arizona and southern Utah. This is a 6-month commitment, with the potential of an additional 6 months if both parties should agree to continue the relationship, during which volunteer member will work in the Grand Canyon ecoregion.

This volunteer opportunity focuses on management of the free flying population of California Condors in northern Arizona and southern Utah. Selected applicant will track this population throughout its range using radio telemetry and by ground-truthing GPS transmitter data. The volunteer will observe condor behavior at feeding sites, roosts and nests. Field work requires the ability to work independently and as a team; work and sometimes camp in remote areas during inclement weather or harsh environmental conditions; travel via ATV, 4WD vehicle, or by foot, in steep mountainous terrain; carry 50 lb carcasses to feeding sites; keep detailed field notes; follow data collection protocols for the collection and entry of accurate and consistent data; and assist in routine office work. 

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences (e.g., biology, ecology, wildlife management, or related field) or coursework and related experience;
• Previous experience following protocols for field sampling and data collection and related experience in data entry, collection and management;
• Understanding of issues related to threatened and endangered species, and familiarity with the ecology of the study region preferred;
• Previous experience in using radio telemetry to locate free-ranging animals preferred;
• Experience in the use of GPS units for navigation and collecting spatial data;
• Possess strong organizational skills;
• Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven terrain while carrying a pack sometimes exceeding 50 lbs.;
• Willingness and ability to camp at primitive sites for several consecutive nights;
• Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices;
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; 
• Experience safely operating 4WD vehicles and ATVs; and
• 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 the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) Adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) Will not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Location: 

The Peregrine Fund’s field headquarters for the Condor Reintroduction Program is located in the small town of Vermilion Cliffs, AZ, located two hours north of Flagstaff, 30 miles south from the Utah border and a 45 minute drive from Page, AZ, where the nearest grocery store is located. Vermilion Cliffs is considered to be high desert at 4,000 ft elevation and boasts incredible scenery as well as variety of weather conditions spanning heat in excess of 100 degrees and winters with below freezing temperatures.

Compensation and Benefits: 

$5,200 Living Stipend
Education Award*: $3,172.50
The Peregrine Fund-provided housing
Limited 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

*AmeriCorps Education Award may be used for past, present or future education experiences, including payment of qualifying federal student loans. Loan forbearance and accrued interest payment on qualifying student loans is also available.

Timeline: 

One 6-month appointments beginning early March, or upon availability

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the Reno US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) office and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is recruiting four (4) Native Seed Technicians to conduct seed collecting and ecological restoration activities throughout the Great Basin on Department of Interior (DOI) and Forest Service (USFS) lands.

Primary Responsibilities: 
• Scouting and identifying populations of target native plant species suitable for collection;
• GPS mapping populations of plants, disturbance areas, and other features using tablets, handheld devices, ArcGIS Online, ArcPro/Map, and ESRI apps;
• Monitoring the phenology of plant populations to identify optimal seed collection times;
• In accordance with the Seeds of Success (SOS) Technical Protocol, collecting seed from plant populations for both operational and conservation collections;
• Completing paper and digital data forms;
• Processing and shipping seed following standard industry procedure; 
• Taking herbarium vouchers, and processing and shipping as necessary;
• Collecting tissue samples for genetic analysis and processing and shipping; 
• Recording data electronically and on paper data forms, entering and editing data related to restoration activities;
• Photographing collection sites and plants;
• Maintenance and regular inventory of field gear;
• Daily and monthly vehicle checks;
• Driving a truck up to 5 hours a day;
• Traveling in a truck up to ten hours a day;
• Assisting with the coordination of conservation crew work;
• Assisting with the coordination of volunteer seed collection and restoration events;
• Rare plant surveys and support;
• Providing support for arid land restoration projects;
• Monitoring and maintenance of reciprocal transplant study plots; 
• Reporting accomplishments and providing recommendations for program improvements, priorities, and future projects; and
• Participating in trainings provided by GBI, US Fish & Wildlife, and USFS staff and community partners.

Physical Demands:  
Field work involves driving GBI, FWS, or Forest Service trucks on both highways and 4WD roads, often for 100+ miles per day as well as hiking off designated trails or routes, across rugged terrain, up to 5 miles per day, but more typically 0-1 mile per day. Seed collection requires regular stooping, standing and maneuvering on uneven terrain for many hours a day. Weather conditions will vary from cold winds and precipitation in the early spring to temperatures over 100F in the summer. The use of global positioning systems (handheld GPS units), computers, tablets, digital cameras, and on- and off-road vehicles are an essential part of the job. Camping under primitive conditions at remote locations on data collection trips will regularly be required. Schedules are often determined by plant phenology.  


Incumbents must also be willing to spend days at a time working at a computer during periods of data entry and analysis.

• Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment
• Bend, lift, pull, and push
• Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time 
• Drive for many hours a day on highways and 4WD roads.
• Handle plant material for many hours a day. 
• Walk and stand for long periods of time on uneven surfaces carrying equipment
• Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending upon the season)
• Occasionally work 10+ hour days
• Travel and camp overnight & up to 8 days at a time for project work

Technical requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree with coursework and field experience related to biology, botany, ecology, plant science, or related field;
• Experience identifying plants using taxonomic keys or familiarity with plants of the Great Basin;
• Experience using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation;
• Ability to read and navigate using topographic maps and a compass;
• Familiarity driving 4WD vehicles on- and off-road; 
• Experience operating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) on difficult terrain, helpful; and
• Understanding and/or experience using ArcGIS Pro 2.0 software, and ESRI apps like Field Maps and Survey 123, helpful.

Additional requirements: 
• Willingness and ability to work in harsh, ever-changing desert conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team;
• Willingness to camp in remote, undeveloped sites for multiple days, up to 8 days; 
• Ability to bend and stoop for long periods of time while collecting seed, and to use hand tools, and occasionally lift buckets of water and other heavy loads;
• Ability to work a non-standard schedule, such as beginning at 5 am, to avoid heat-related issues, to follow plant phenology, or for coordination with team members.  
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Strong interpersonal skills and willingness to work as part of a tight knit team (Most often crews will be two people, which requires technicians to co-lead, take initiative, and behave in a manner that promotes team integrity.);
• Ability to work independently or in pairs with little supervision, strong initiative and high attention to detail;
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; and
• 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 the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Location: 

Multiple positions are available in Nevada. Please indicate your availability and preferred locations/positions when applying. We encourage applying early in order to gain the best chance at getting your top-choice locations.

USFS Location: Reno, NV (working primarily in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and adjacent BLM lands)

FWS Location: Reno, NV (working primarily in Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge and Winnemucca BLM district)

The Reno-Sparks metropolitan area is home to approximately 500,000 people and offers year-round recreation opportunities, a vibrant urban scene and numerous community events. Reno has over 300 days of sunshine and four distinct seasons. Located on the northwestern edge of Nevada, Reno is a great home base from which to travel to the Great Basin, Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada range, San Francisco and more!

The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's spectacular 6.3 million acres makes it the largest national forest in the lower 48 states. Located in Nevada and a small portion of eastern California, The Forest’s landscapes range from towering snow-capped peaks to wide-open sage steppe. Elevation varies from a low of 4,100 feet to a high of 12,374 feet, providing a great diversity of habitats. The vegetation changes from wide open desert with cactus and scrub to ponderosa pine forests, which in turn give way to spruce and aspen then lodgepole pine and alpine tundra.

The Reno U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office’s mission is to conserve the natural biological diversity of the Great Basin, eastern Sierra of Nevada, and adjacent portions of eastern California. The Reno Fish and Wildlife Office works closely with many partners to conserve and recover native species throughout these states.

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge protects more than half a million acres of high desert habitat for large wintering herds of pronghorn antelope, scattered bands of bighorn sheep, and a rich assortment of other wildlife, and is one of the few intact sagebrush steppe ecosystems in the Great Basin. The landscape is vast, rugged, and punctuated with waterfalls, narrow gorges, and lush springs among rolling hills and expansive tablelands of sagebrush and mountain mahogany.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administers 47.5 million acres of public land in Nevada alone. Crews will rove between multiple locations across the BLM districts of the Great Basin. The area is home to historic mining and ranching that conjure up images of the Wild West. The Great Basin's mountain ranges and wide open valleys are home to wildlife, livestock and wild horses and burros.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Total Living Allowance: $14,100 (Approximately $1,080 biweekly before taxes)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,172.50 (Upon successful completion, the award may be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition.)
• Camping Per Diem: $34/day (when applicable)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost

Contract Timeline: 

• 26-week appointment beginning April 2022
• Full time (40 hours/week)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with National Park Service (Zion National Park), is recruiting 2 Interpretive Media Technicians (Inventory and Mapping) to participate in park Interpretation, Education, and Visitor Services, Natural Resources, and Maintenance staff with multiple projects. During this six-month appointment, the Interpretive Media Technicians will support Zion National Park by mapping and inventory of interpretive media, all wayside and bulletin boards (NPS and partners) located throughout the park and within the gateway communities. This data collection is necessary for the Facility Management Software System (FMSS) in order to maintain these resources.  In collaboration with the park maintenance staff and visual information specialist provide maintenance for waysides and bulletin boards. The technicians will support the National Park Service in providing data to properly update FMMS and inventory and map all of the interpretive media at Zion National Park.

The FMSS serves as a tracking tool that provides accountability for the Asset management Program (AMP). The technicians will additionally understand the mission of the National Park Service, and the role facilities roads and trails, GIS, and visual information plan in maintaining the visitor experience. This project will provide the technicians with hands-on experience supporting facilities and interpretive media (IM) projects at Zion National Park.

The Great Basin Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. GBI’s Research Associate Program provides multidisciplinary capacity for professional support of diverse partnerships across western states while presenting emerging professionals with career-enhancing opportunities in natural/cultural/recreation resource management, ecological conservation, environmental stewardship, and related fields. The Technicians will gain exposure to policies and approaches for managing interpretive media on public lands.

Timeline:

• 26-week appointment beginning March 1st, 2022, to August 31, 2022 (or upon availability)
• Full time (minimum 40 hours/week)
• Weekend hours may be required

Location:

Zion National Park is a unique geological, natural, and cultural treasure in southwestern Utah. Opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and camping abound. Humans have occupied this area for approximately 10,000 years and archaeological sites occur throughout the park. Work will be based out of park offices in Springdale, UT.

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Total Living Allowance: up to $15,075.00 (Approximately $1,159.62 biweekly before taxes)
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: $3,172.50 (Upon successful completion, the award may be used for past, present or future educational expenses, including payment of qualifying federal student loans and Title IV accredited college tuition.)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available at no cost
• Paid leave and holidays

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in geography, outdoor recreation, geology, education or other related coursework and commensurate field experience, desired but not required;
• At least 6 months experience using GPS equipment in the field without assistance;
• At least 6 months experience processing GPS data using GIS software;
• Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented and capable of working with little direct supervision to execute a work plan that involves backcountry travel;
• Demonstrated competence identifying problems and proposing solutions to solve them;
• Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities;
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public. Self-motivated with ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment;
• Ability to work a variable schedule (including weekends) that may change with little notice;
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift and move heavy materials on a routine basis;
• Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments; this includes high heat, elevation changes, and ability to travel safely in the backcountry/remote worksites.
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license;
• Ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road if required;
• 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 the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

The successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning this position.

As part of Great Basin Institute’s Covid-19 Vaccination Policy, all employees are required to receive and provide proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccine prior to the first day of employment, unless a medical or religious exemption is submitted and approved. All employees covered by this policy are required to be fully vaccinated as a term and condition of employment at Great Basin Institute. Employees are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing primary vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine, with, if applicable, at least the minimum recommended interval between doses.

To review a copy of GBI’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, please visit our Field Updates page for more details. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to contact one of our staff members.

How to Apply:

Please visit our employment web page to apply directly through our online portal:

https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/careers.aspx?rf=CW&req=2022-ACI-012

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.

The goal of this project is to collect sufficient data to effectively document and represent the conditions of designated and user-created trails in the Upper Kyle Canyon trail complex in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. 

This information is to be used by the United States Forest Service in the development of a management plan for these areas. Data to be collected will include, but is not limited to: line track data of established trails (both designated and user-created); trail tread width; percent grade of slope; existing trail structures. Data will also be collected relating to trail feature damages - including, but not limited to: evidence of unauthorized brushing/pruning, damage to trail features (drainage, stairs, retaining walls, causeways, cut switchbacks, etc.) Future NCC crews will assist in the future repair and maintenance of documented damage within Upper Kyle.

Crews may also assist in installation of data collection instruments, such as trail counters, and signage, and may assist Forest Service staff in specialty survey work for cross training purposes, such as botany, wildlife, archeology, etc. This additional work is secondary to the primary survey of the Upper Kyle Complex. 

Crews will have a designated base camp at Cathedral Rock Picnic Area that is available to them on off-hitch (days off), with access to showers, restrooms, and a lockable job-box if leaving base camp for the weekend. A portion of this work will take place in remote settings, and may require up to 3 nights camped in a backcountry environment.

Contract Timeline:

Summer 2023 - Fall 2023 (Start date TBD dependent on snow melt) (675 hour term of service)
May 29, 2023 - October 13, 2023 (675 hour term of service)

Location:

Lassen/Dixie
Las Vegas, NV

Compensation and Benefits:

This is an AmeriCorps position; candidates will receive a living allowance dependent on their length of service. The living allowance is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary. The allowance is paid to members in biweekly 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.

• Living Allowance: approximately $1,220 biweekly (pre-tax)
• Per Diem: $15.00/day spent in the field
• Professional development and technical training opportunities

Segal Education Award:
After successfully completing an AmeriCorps term of service members are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. For this term of service the education award amount will be $2,474.27 but will depend on the finalized service term length. You can use the award to repay qualified student loans and to pay current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Student 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).

Insurance:
Limited Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute.


Job Qualifications:

Essential Duties:

• Maintaining equipment, reviewing existing and new digital data, gps, photographs and documentation
•  Inventorying conditions of burned over trail tread and corridor.
• Inventorying and assessing hazard trees.
• Coordinate with GBI staff and USFS
• Assist with camp duties, including dishes, trash cleanup, meal preparation and planning, and maintaining camp to a high standard of cleanliness and order

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in recreation/wilderness management, natural resources, or equivalent coursework and field experience preferred.
• Experience following established implementation procedures, and protocols for field projects.
• Knowledge of and experience in best practices for maintaining field safety in remote settings
• Ability to safely work in harsh and rapidly changing environments and traverse uneven, steep terrain.
• Ability to use handheld GPS units and experience with GIS.
• Strong communication skills, oral and written, with an ability to communicate effectively with agency staff, field and office colleagues, and the general public
• Possess self-starting motivation, detail orientation, strong organizational skills, and the ability to effectively work independently and as a team member.
• Possess a clean, valid, state- issued driver's license, and an ability to safely operate 4WD vehicle on unimproved roads.