The Great Basin Institute (GBI) and the Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC) are seeking 3 Field Survey Technicians for a pivotal role in documenting trail conditions in the Lassen National Forest-Dixie Fire Footprint Area. The technician will gather data essential for a US Forest Service management plan, including tracking established trails, measuring trail widths, and assessing slope grades. Additionally, the role involves recording damages to trail features and unauthorized modifications. Secondary tasks include installing trail counters, assisting in diverse specialty surveys, and potentially aiding in future trail repairs. Work will occasionally be in remote areas, requiring up to three nights of backcountry camping. Candidates should be passionate about conservation, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently and as part of a team. This position is ideal for those committed to outdoor fieldwork and forest conservation. Comprehensive training in identifying, assessing, cataloging, and inventorying trail features will be provided by NCC.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for the Field Survey Technician position will be proficient in maintaining and operating survey equipment, including GPS devices, and adept at managing both existing and new digital data such as GPS coordinates, photographs, and trail documentation. They should have experience in inventorying conditions of trails affected by burns, assessing the integrity and safety of the trail tread and corridor, and be capable of inventorying and assessing hazard trees to identify potential risks. Strong coordination skills are essential, as the role requires effective collaboration with Great Basin Institute (GBI) staff and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Excellent communication and organizational skills are also crucial for successful teamwork and project documentation. Candidates should have a background in environmental science, forestry, conservation, or a related field, and be prepared to work in various outdoor settings, sometimes under challenging conditions. Training provided by the Forest Service will equip the field survey technician to recognize, assess, categorize, and inventory hazard trees.

Requirements:

• 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.

Preferred:

• First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certified
• Knowledge and understanding of Leave No Trace principles
• Knowledge and ability to utilize GPS equipment in the field
• Knowledge and ability to utilize GIS programs such as Avenza Maps
• Previous employment on a Field Crew for a Conservation Corps, Federal Agency, or other trail building organization 

Provided Training & Education from NCC and or Forest Service includes:

• Recognize, assess, categorize, and inventory hazard trees  
• Identifying, assessing, cataloging, and inventorying trail features
• Defensive Driving Certification
• Off-Road Driving Class
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

CONTRACT TIMELINE AND LOCATION

Start: May/June 2024

End: October 2024

Location: Reno, NV Field Station

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.

• Living Allowance: $1,353.84 biweekly (pre-tax)
• Per Diem: $30.00/per field day
• Shared Housing is provided
• 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. Award varies based on term of service. 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 an 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:

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be available at no cost to members starting the first of the month following the first day of service.

TO APPLY:

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references to the unique application link (HERE). Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact lwilson@gbinstitute.org.

As an employee of GBI’s Nevada Conservation Corps Program (NCC) program, the Employee is expected to satisfactorily complete the following tasks:

• Adherence to the rules and regulations specified in the GBI Personnel Handbook;
• Adhere to daily/weekly work schedules that are subject to change in response to project needs;
• Participation in GBI meetings and workshops and other GBI or agency training opportunities;
• Other duties as assigned by GBI and agency staff
• Other Relevant Job information (if applicable)

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.

Nevada Conservation Corps, a Program of The Great Basin Institute: 

Established in 1999 as a federally-funded AmeriCorps program, NCC is a vital component of the Great Basin Institute's efforts in conservation. This 21st-century service corps harnesses the enthusiasm and dedication of youth and volunteers for resource management, focusing on land restoration and conservation internships. NCC offers extensive professional development opportunities for those seeking careers in conservation and land management. Celebrating diversity, the NCC assembles members and staff from varied backgrounds to effectively address the needs of Nevada's public lands and communities. It provides a platform for students and emerging professionals to make impactful contributions to the preservation of Nevada’s natural heritage, while also gaining invaluable experience in the field of natural resource management.

The Great Basin Institute: 

Founded in 1998 at the University of Nevada, the Great Basin Institute is a leading interdisciplinary field studies organization, fostering environmental research, education, and service throughout the West. GBI specializes in applied research to support science-based management of public lands and is fervently committed to the promotion of scientific understanding through its field studies, conservation efforts, and public outreach. GBI is home to numerous influential programs, including the Nevada Conservation Corps, International Conservation Volunteer Exchange, Research Associate Program, Cultural Resource Program, Basin & Range Forestry, NEPA Services, Ecological Monitoring Program, and oversees visitor centers at Taylor Creek, Galena Creek, and the Tallac Historic Site, thereby expanding its reach and impact in safeguarding the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Disclaimer: Although the Company has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, the Company reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the Company, at any time, with or without advance notice.