Leadership Development Program Member

An entry-level position in the conservation field. Work outside and earn scholarships. Location: Based at GBI offices in Reno, NV. The “Biggest Little City in the World”, Reno has an estimated population of just over 230,000; the greater Reno-Sparks metropolitan area has a population of just over 435,000. The city sits in a high desert at 4,500 feet in elevation, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains along the Truckee River, as it flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Weather is mild, with distinct four seasons. Reno offers easy access to world-class outdoor recreation, with a 3- to 5-hour drive to Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks, the Pacific Ocean, and California redwood forests. Closer to home, Nevada boasts more natural hot springs than any other state in the country, over 150 named mountain ranges, and 30 mountain peaks over 11,000 feet. In Reno, recreation and entertainment includes eight major ski resorts within 2 hours of the Reno-Tahoe airport; fishing and boating on Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, and Pyramid Lake; minor league baseball with the Reno Aces (the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks); cultural festivals throughout the summer along the banks of the Truckee River; and a collection of amazing craft microbreweries and micro-distilleries.

Job Overview

The Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC), a program of the Great Basin Institute, provides direct conservation services to public land management agencies throughout Nevada. Founded in 1999, the Corps deploys technically proficient restoration teams to enhance species habitat, mitigate fire threats, reduce the spread of invasive species, and restore and re-designate recreational trails. In doing so, NCC provides valuable training and workforce development opportunities for Corps members who seek careers in natural resource management. The NCC is funded by AmeriCorps, a national service program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The role of the Forestry Coordinator is to oversee forestry and restoration projects, administer chainsaw training and certification program, and collaborate with project partners in developing new projects, defining a scope of work, and establishing projected performance targets. The Coordinator works with NCC Director of Operations to identify and communicate project specifications that will support field crews. The Coordinator works closely to provide in field support to crew supervisors, leaders, and members to improve crew safety, ensure crews produce high quality and consistent work, and provide opportunities for staff and member professional development. The Forestry Coordinator will also work to maintain forestry equipment inventory and maintenance protocols.

Reports To: NCC Director of Operations

Essential functions and duties will include:
• Projected 75% of time in the field, 25% of time in office.
• Participate in NCC meetings to support projects, operations and logistics.
• Participate in NCC field rigging and derigging operations on a weekly basis.
• Share previous project successes and the context and impacts of future projects with field crews.
• Conduct regular site evaluations to assess progress and solve issues, ensure project objectives and partner expectations are met, and standardize and improve quality of work across all projects, sites, and crews.
• Provide in field support to crew supervisors, leaders, and members to improve crew safety, ensure crews produce high quality and consistent work, and provide opportunities for staff and member professional development.
• Prepare and present the forestry components of the Crew Member orientations and Leadership Development Program.  Provide continued training opportunities for field staff and members throughout the field season.
• Provide training and technical support to staff and field crews for chainsaw operations and USFS certification.
• Assist project partners in developing new projects, defining a scope of work, and establishing projected performance targets.
• Assist NCC Director of Operations in developing and monitoring quarterly performance measure targets for the AmeriCorps grant.
• Track project performance target completion and address inconsistencies with partners to ensure timely project completion.
• Complete end of season reports on forestry project completions including maps and photos.
• Coordinate with other staff to develop and disseminate standards for evaluations, and conduct in-field supervisor and crew lead evaluations in advance member evaluations.
• Maintain forestry equipment inventory and maintenance protocols, assign tool and equipment complements to forestry crews, and ensure standards of equipment maintenance are followed on a daily and weekly basis.
• Manage budget for forestry equipment.
• Repair tools, chainsaws, and equipment when needed and feasible.
• Follow and enforce fleet and equipment related policies detailed in GBI Personnel Handbook.
• Assist other GBI programs with special projects.

Special Benefits

Compensation: Bi-weekly living stipend ~$680 every two weeks before taxes, with potential for an increased living stipend if promoted to lead or assistant lead
• Education Award: $4,441.50
• Per Diem: $7.25/day spent in the field. This is in addition to your Living Allowance and on average is $58.00 biweekly. Crews typically combine per diem funds and shop/prepare meals as a team.
• Housing Stipend: 50$/ bi-weekly

Benefits:
• Insurance - Limited Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute.
• Student Loan Forbearance and Interest Accrual Repayment
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility
• Educational Affiliation Agreements (College Credit)

Minimum Requirements