The Walker Basin Conservancy (Conservancy) leads the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin (www.walkerbasin.org). The Conservancy acquires water rights and ranches to increase freshwater flows to Walker Lake. We re-establish native plant communities on former agricultural fields, increase public access and recreation opportunities, and develop practical solutions to save Walker Lake.

From creating Nevada’s newest State Park (Walker River State Recreation Area) to adding thousands of acres to Wildlife Management Areas, our work impacts thousands of community members, ranchers and recreationists every year. The Conservancy operates a nursery that produced more than 25,000 native plants in 2021 and produces native seed for conservation purposes on its properties. Our team comprises approximately 30 full-time employees and between 15 and 40 AmeriCorps Members given the season.

We invite you to join us in our ambitious mission to restore Walker Lake. The Conservancy has an inclusive, positive culture that values work-life balance and growth opportunities. Our generous benefits package further separates us from other non-profits and local employers.

JOB PURPOSE

 The AmeriCorps Native Seed Assistant Crew Leader will help to identify and monitor wildland sources of native seed around western Nevada, harvest and store seed, document collection information, and occasionally propagate plants in the native plant nursery for use in native plant re-vegetation. This position is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the field. The Assistant Crew Leader will assist the Stewardship Lead Technician, the Nursery Lead Technician, and the Nursery Manager with the day-to day leadership of three AmeriCorps members on the seed collection and nursery team, including sharing responsibility for training, safety, project performance, recordkeeping, and leading a small team in seed collection operations. The Assistant Crew Leader is occasionally expected to camp out in remote locations for up to 4 days at a time with a Lead Technician and/or other members of the seed collection team.

A working knowledge of plant identification is essential. The AmeriCorps Native Seed Assistant Crew Leader should also have a sincere interest in expanding their knowledge of Great Basin ecology, restoration practices, the flora and fauna of Nevada, and nursery methods and equipment. The position requires patience, mentorship, careful attention to details, and a high level of comfort in the outdoors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In cooperation with the Stewardship Lead Technician, the Nursery Lead Technician, and the Nursery Manager, assist with day-to-day crew operations and tracking progress of assigned projects:
  • Wildland native seed collection, including identifying, scouting, mapping, monitoring, harvesting, storing, and accessioning native seeds from locations across western Nevada.
  • Camping and traveling in remote locations for up to four days at a time.
  • Propagating native plants, including stratification and sowing of seed, container plant care.
• Assist with the implementation of skills training and the facilitation of intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to crew members’ personal growth and group dynamics.
• Collect and compile field data through paper data forms, GPS, ArcGIS applications, cameras, and other equipment. Ensure that accurate records of seed scouting and collection are kept and delivered to the appropriate parties.
• Assist the Nursery Lead Technician with some administrative responsibilities, including member timesheet submission and database entries.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with other members, WBC staff, agency partners, and the public.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Operating & maintaining nursery equipment including irrigation systems, ventilation systems, soil mixer & flat filler, etc. in order to grow nursery crop of native plants.
• Assisting with the inventory, maintenance, and repair of WBC tools and equipment.
• Assisting with the inventory and maintenance of nursery supplies and seeds.
• Assisting with other land conservation projects as time permits.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ months of experience working with plants and/or education in botany is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to:
  • Work outside in unpredictable weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, independently or as part of a team.

• Keep detailed records, communicate with other staff and supervisors, and to work unsupervised to accomplish program tasks.

• Operate motor vehicles for hours on rugged backcountry roads to reach seed collection areas.
• Use topo maps, GPS, and aerial photos to drive and/or hike to remote seed collections areas.
• Identify the native and non-native flora of Nevada.
• 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 lift 50+ lbs.
• Operate hand and power tools, irrigation systems, and nursery equipment.

• 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).

LOCATION

The Conservancy Field Office is located Yerington, Nevada, a rural farming community located approximately 95 miles south of Reno, NV and situated centrally in the Walker Basin at the foothills of the eastern Sierra Nevada 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)
• Walker Lake (45 minutes away)
• Lake Tahoe (1.5 hours away)
• Yosemite National Park (via Tioga pass, 2.5 hours away)

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 include:

• First aid and CPR.
• Native plant identification and revegetation.
• Invasive species identification and treatment.
• Irrigation system installation and maintenance.
• Resume building, USA Jobs, and government application workshop.
• Guest speakers on environmental, natural resource, and professional development topics.
• Shadowing and advanced technical training opportunities such as heavy equipment operation, wildlife monitoring, and restoration planning.

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

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 generally work (4) 10-hours days, Monday-Thursday 6am-4:30pm, with a 30-minute lunch and a 15-minute break in the morning and afternoon. 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

All staff and members must be fully vaccinated by the position start date or have a documented medical or religious exemption. Those with a documented medical or religious exemption will be required to continue following all relevant COVID policies including mask wearing and social distancing.

WBC continues to follow CDC and state/local guidelines and may reinstate previous COVID policies should the CDC or state/local guidelines become more stringent. WBC will keep applicants updated should COVID policies change.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Living allowance of $500/week for a total of $17,500 for the 9-month term;
• Education award of $4,546.50 for the 9-month term
• Employer paid Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• Employer paid Member Assistance Program for mental health and personal counseling services.
• Childcare assistance and federal student loan forbearance is available for eligible members.
• Uniform reimbursement.
• Holiday, personal, and sick leave.
• Opportunities for extension or promotion upon good service.
• Opportunities for advancement within the organization.

HOUSING

WBC has some optional housing accommodations that it makes available to members depending on seasonal availability and capacity. Housing is generally dorm or bunkhouse style, usually with shared bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and common spaces. Members living in housing are required to sign a lease and pay monthly rent of $150 for a shared room or $250 for a single room (dependent on availability). Use of WBC housing is entirely optional, members may choose to find their own accommodations in the local area. Applicants interested in living in WBC housing must be fully vaccinated.