Leadership Development Program Member - Nevada Conservation Corps
Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career in conservation? The Nevada Conservation Corps Leadership Development Program (LDP) is an opportunity for aspiring leaders to further leadership and technical skills through hands-on training and service. Spend a season with NCC as an AmeriCorps member living and working in the wild and scenic landscapes of Nevada. As an LDP participant you will camp for up to seven nights at a time, explore aspen covered mesas, sagebrush valleys, prehistoric oceans turned salt flats, the darkest, star filled skies in America, ancient volcanoes, massive sand dunes, and snow-capped granite peaks. Nevada’s abundant and diverse public lands provide incredible backdrops for both recreation and career development opportunities.
For the first three months, LDP members focus on individual and team growth with mentorship that prioritizes the development of skills meant to prepare you for the challenges of leading a crew. Some of the leadership training topics include problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, collaboration, team development, and effective decision-making. Conservation technical training includes hazardous fuels reduction, trails construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, and data collection. At NCC we believe skills are best acquired within the context of daily work challenges.
Upon successful completion of the leadership development training program you will be assigned summer projects (based out of Reno, NV; Las Vegas, NV; or Great Basin National Park) and will take on the responsibility of leading a crew. You will coordinate with federal, state, and non-profit partners to meet the conservation and resource management needs of our public lands. You will be expected to collaborate with peers to see that project goals are accomplished safely and efficiently. Based on your specific projects you will be camped in the field with your crew on either 4-day and/or 8-day “tours” in primitive and remote locations. With mentorship and training, crew leaders are expected to manage crews effectively and facilitate an inclusive, cohesive community.
Different than any other professional experiences, being a crew leader with the NCC is a full-time, intensive commitment. Preparing for projects and leading a crew requires unwavering dedication and a willingness to put the needs of others first. Successful applicants will demonstrate dependability, excellent judgment, and high standards. We are looking for individuals who will lead by example and be a role model for the members who join our program. Though this position is challenging, the rewards are abundant and the bonds forged with your crew, peers, and with the natural world will last a lifetime.
Technical Trainings and Certifications include:
• Trail Maintenance and Construction
• Dry Stone Masonry
• USFS Felling and/or Bucking Certification
• Chainsaw Maintenance
• Fencing Construction and Maintenance
• Habitat Restoration Methods
• First Aid/CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certification
• Leave No Trace Trainer Certification
• Pesticide Applicators License (NV or CA)
• Off Highway Vehicle Training
Hiring Process:
Review of applications will take place as they are received. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in a phone interview starting early November. Priority will be given to applications received by December 31, 2019.
Contract Timeline: 10 month (1200 hour) Americorps Term of Service
February 10, 2020 - November 24, 2020
Location :Las Vegas, Nevada and Reno, Nevada
You will be based out of our Las Vegas Field Office (for the initial three months) and Reno Field Office (for the summer and fall) on 4- or 8-day "tour" schedules. Camping locations are provided during the workweek. We will not provide housing nor sign leases, but we can assist with identifying housing options.
Due to season and weather, the summer season is based in Reno from May-August. Opportunities to be based at Great National Park for the summer may be an option depending on availability of projects.
For the fall (August-November), options to be based out of Las Vegas or Reno will be available depending on availability of projects.
Compensation: 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 Allowanc
1200 hour AmeriCorps service term: $14,000 living stipend (approximately $680 every two weeks before taxes)
Education Award:
1200 hour AmeriCorps service term: $4,266.50
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:
$800; this is in addition to your Living Allowance and on average is $50.00 biweekly.
Benefits:
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.
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 Repayments:
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.
Optional Training & Education we will provide include:
• Resume Building Workshop
• Interview Skills Workshop
• Native Plant Identification
• GPS Unit Training
• Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
General Qualifications:
• Maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service
• Showing respect when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project sponsors and community members
• Participating in in-field education sessions, presentations and crew meetings
• Participate in Service Day events outside of regular work schedule
Leadership Qualifications:
• Clean driving record (must qualify to drive GBI Vehicles)
• Current driver’s license
• A willingness and desire to lead
• Experience working within a Conservation or Youth Corps
• Previous experience camping/backpacking in remote locations
• Previous experience constructing recreational trails
• Previous experience felling trees using chainsaw and/or crosscut
• Strong critical thinking skills and creativity
• Possessing the confidence and ability to make decisions quickly and under pressure
• Receptive to feedback from superiors, peers, and subordinates.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive workplace culture and camp life experience.
Physical Qualifications:
• Ability to work for 10.5 hours a day and to contribute to post-work day tasks and chores
• Ability to hike up to 10 miles a day with heavy backpacks
• Ability to carry 25 pounds continuously and 50 pounds occasionally
• Ability to camp up to seven consecutive nights in primitive locations without access to running water and restrooms, all while in an all possible weather conditions. Assisting in food preparation, planning, and clean up
• Ability to effectively operate machinery and tools while following production and quality standards set by the Nevada Conservation Corps
Follow strict safety protocol and maintain personal safety of self and others
AmeriCorps Qualifications:
• Ability to commit to an entire term of service with AmeriCorps
• Be at least 17 years of age
• Be a U.S Citizen or Legal Resident Alien
• All position offers are conditional upon successful completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry and federal criminal background check. Any criminal convictions must be disclosed during the interview process
• Be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (Limit of four unique terms in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards)
• Possess High school diploma or GED (or provide proof of intent to complete before using education award)