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Description
~ The Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) was established in 2014 and became operational in 2015. A growing 501(c)(3) non-profit, WBC serves to implement and manage long-term land stewardship activities and other actions associated with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's (NFWF) Walker Basin Restoration Program (Program). ~
The Program was established by Congress in October 2009 for the purpose of restoring and maintaining Walker Lake, a natural desert lake located at the eastern terminus of the Walker River in Nevada, with this system's headwaters located in California's Sierra Nevada.
Ongoing loss of fresh water flows to Walker Lake has caused its elevation to drop nearly 150 feet and lose roughly 80% of its volume during the past century. As a result of declining water levels, salinity in the lake has increased dramatically to the point that the lake can no longer support its native fish and wildlife populations.
Through an agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, NFWF has been managing the Program since January 2010 prior to the establishment of WBC. As currently arranged, NFWF continues to remain involved with the Program, responsible for water acquisitions and change approvals, while WBC is responsible for the on-the-ground operations associated with the Program including: land management, overseeing re-vegetation activities, farm leases, and daily operations and oversight of physical assets located in the Walker Basin. WBC is funded by a grant from NFWF.
Position Overview
WBC seeks applications for two full time, permanent Conservation Technician positions to support field operations of the WBC's Land Stewardship Program. The Conservation Technicians will work with the East Walker Stewardship Coordinator and other staff to implement and monitor stewardship projects focused on the successful transition of retired farmlands to self-sustaining arid land and riparian vegetation communities.
Position Titles:
- Rafter 7 Ranch Conservation Technician (Conservation Technician II)
- Pitchfork Ranch Conservation Technician (Conservation Technician II)
The primary purpose of the Conservation Technician is to support field operations of the WBC's Land Stewardship Program to ensure the successful transition of retired farmlands to selfsustaining vegetation communities that are able to thrive in the absence of supplemental irrigation. The Conservation Technician will work with the East Walker Stewardship Coordinator and other staff to implement and monitor stewardship projects, and is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the field.
The Conservation Technician is expected to provide leadership for Seasonal Technicians, and to interact with project partners and contractors in a way that ensures stewardship projects are effectively and efficiently implemented. A knowledge of and interest in desert ecology, restoration, ecological monitoring, and the flora of Nevada is essential.
Ideal applicants will also have an interest in agricultural systems and have experience operating, or be willing to invest significant time in learning to operate large equipment.
Responsibilities
- In cooperation with the East Walker Coordinator, coordinate and assist with the day to day operations of conservation lands managed by WBC.
- Duties may include irrigation; control of vegetation and noxious weeds by fire, hand or mechanical removal; herbicide application; ground preparation; planting shrubs, grasses, and forbs from containerized stock and seed; light construction; conducting biological monitoring; mapping plant populations; and other tasks as necessary as part of the WBC's re-vegetation program on retired farmlands.
- Ability to identify the native and non-native flora of Nevada.
- Collect and compile field data with program data forms, GPS, cameras and other equipment. Ensure that accurate records of planting and seeding activity, herbicide applications, and irrigation activity are kept and delivered to the Land Stewardship Program Manager.
- Develop a deep working knowledge off all equipment, irrigation infrastructure, project partners, and vegetation management techniques used by the Land Stewardship Program.
- Ensure that field work including the use of heavy equipment and tools by seasonal staff, and herbicide applications are conducted in a safe, efficient, and legal manner. Responsible for safely operating, maintaining and transporting a variety of small to heavy equipment (hand tools, power tools, tractors, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, backhoe, water truck, and road grader).
- Per directions provided by WBC staff, employee may occasionally be asked to perform any or all of the above duties at other WBC managed properties within the Walker Basin.
Qualifications
- Successful completion of a 4-year undergraduate degree in ecology, agriculture, range management, horticulture, biology or a similar field from an accredited institution.
- 2+ years of experience in a natural resources or agricultural setting; a sincere interest in native plants is expected; and horticultural experience and an interest in plant propagation is desired.
- General experience with and knowledge of irrigation equipment and operations; experience with drip irrigation desired.
- Ability to safely operate large machinery and vehicles including tractors, ATVs, trucks, and trailers.
- Ability to safely operate chainsaws, brush cutters, backpack sprayers, and other equipment.
- Ability to keep detailed records, communicate with other staff and supervisors, and to work unsupervised to accomplish program tasks.
- Clean driving record and a NV State driver's license, or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire.
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds and to work long hours in an outdoor setting.
Compensation: Starting salary $33,000 plus housing at the Pitchfork or Rafter 7 Ranch. Benefits include a health, dental and vision care plan and generous paid leave and retirement plans.
To Apply
Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email cover letter and resume to Sarah Rowe. Be sure to indicate "Pitchfork/Rafter 7 Ranch Conservation Technician".
- Please call (775) 463-9887 with questions.
- Position will remain open until filled. Only top candidates will be contacted.
~ Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. WBC does not discriminate against any employee, applicant, director, officer, contractor, or any other person with whom it deals because of race, creed, color, disability, age, sex, veteran status, religion or political affiliation. WBC complies with all federal and local statutes prohibiting discrimination in employment. ~