Spring 2022 Restoration Team Member

• 1200-hour (9-month) term from February 14, 2022 to October 13, 2022
• 900-hour (6-month) term from February 14, 2022 to August 18, 2022
• 450-hour (3-month) term from February 14, 2022 to May 12, 2022

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. 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.

WBC currently manages thousands of acres of land and assets on multiple properties in the Walker Basin, including the Walker River State Recreation Area.  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 ecological restoration through invasive species removal and native plant re-vegetation within the Walker River Basin. Members may also work on native seed collection, native plant propagation, recreational trail construction, fence construction, and wildlife monitoring. Members will work in conjunction with other WBC field staff, providing on the ground support to larger project operations. 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)
• Walker Lake (45 minutes away)
• Lake Tahoe (1.5 hours away)
• Yosemite National Park (via Tioga pass, 2.5 hours away)

Essential Functions

• Under the guidance of a WBC Technician:
  • Utilizing hand and power tools to conduct native plant re-vegetation and restoration.
  • Utilizing hand tools and backpack sprayers to conduct invasive plant removal and control.
  • 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.
• Uploading field data into databases and compiling reports to inform future management plans.

Qualifications

• 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.
  • 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 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; and
• 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 $365/week for a total of $12,775, $9,855, or $4,745 for the 9-, 6-, or 3-month term;
• Education award of $4,441.50, $3,172.50, or $1,678.57 for the 9-, 6-, or 3-month term;
• 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; and
• 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.