Nevada Conservation Corps harnesses the energy and idealism of youth to meet the needs of Nevada public lands and communities. The NCC promotes ecological literacy through field research and direct conservation service. The NCC provides students and young professionals opportunities to make meaningful contributions toward protecting and conserving Nevada’s natural heritage, while also gaining valuable work experience in the natural resource management field.
The Wilderness Trail Technician will play a key role in collecting data that will be utilized by the U.S. Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe Forest in their efforts to accomplish maintenance and resource monitoring in wilderness areas. Technician will work primarily in the Ruby Mountains Wilderness Area. The Technician will also be responsible for educating members of the public visiting wilderness areas regarding wilderness ethics, practices, and management.
Primary (Essential) Responsibilities
– Patrol wilderness areas for up to 8 days at a time, carrying a pack of 50 pounds or more, including tools associated with wilderness ranger duties.
– Work alongside a fellow wilderness ranger, wilderness volunteers, and other special groups to complete wilderness trail rehab projects; including tread work, removal of downed vegetation, and construction of drainage and stabilization features. Using hand tools and crosscut saws,
– Inform and educate wilderness visitors about minimum impact practices and lead by example.
– Inventory, monitor, and naturalize campsites in wilderness. Collect and manage data in digital format to document trends and inform management decisions.
– Perform trail clearing and maintenance using standard tools and install signs in accordance with management plans.
– Inspect Outfitter/Guide camps for compliance with operating permits.
– Note and Collect evidence and provide documentation for cases of misuse of wilderness areas.
– Work alongside stock animals such as horses and mules in a back country setting
– Show respect when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project sponsors and community members;
– Participating in in-field education sessions.
Secondary and Related Responsibilities
– Assist with the maintenance, repair, and organization of tools and equipment;
– Complete reporting of accomplishments;
Contract Timeline:Members will begin service in May 2021 and fulfill a half-time (900-hour) terms of service.
Location:Elko, NV
Compensation and Benefits:This is an AmeriCorps position; candidates will receive a living stipend dependent on their length of service. The living stipend is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary. The stipend is paid to members in bi-weekly 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 will be $13,750, with a $500 reimbursement stipend for boots and equipment, and an Education Award of $3,097.50 upon successful completion of service.
•Insurance:
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.
•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). The Nevada Conservation Corps will provide you documentation in proving that you qualify for SNAP.
•Educational Affiliation Agreements (College Credit):
The Nevada Conservation Corps will take part in Affiliation Agreements with your university in order to allow you to receive college credit hours for your term of service.
Job Qualifications:– Ability to adapt to changing project and schedule expectations
– Experience recreating or working in the wilderness or backcountry, including knowledge and proficiency in backcountry travel;
– Experience implementing field data collection protocols accurately and completely;
– Experience working with hand-held GPS equipment for navigation and data collection;
– Knowledge of GIS software, highly desirable but not required; and
– Experience summarizing data and field experiences in written format.
– Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off paved roads setting, including narrow, mountain forest roads;
– Experience with horse and mule packing desirable but not required;
– Experience with equipment maintenance such as cross cut saws and other tools desirable but not required;
– First aid, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or Leave No Trace training/certification, desirable but not required;
– Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals;
– Effectively communicate orally or in writing with a diverse public;
– Possess good organizational skills;
– Ability to work in harsh and rapidly changing environments, work in all types of weather conditions, traverse uneven terrain, be very physically fit and able to carry upwards of 50-70 pounds in a backpack;
– Comfortable in very remote settings with experience in backcountry situations for several days and a willingness to camp in remote, improved and unimproved wilderness areas;
– Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record;
– Experience operating 4WD trucks on and off paved roads setting, including narrow, mountain forest roads;
– Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship, or U.S. national or legal resident alien status, (2) at least 18 years of age (3) High School Diploma or GED certificate (4) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (5) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks.