Conservation Technician

WBC Core Values

Make A Difference-

We value people who:

• Are motivated to make lasting changes.
• Elevate their teams.
• Relentlessly improve processes and our organization.
• Are eager to take on new challenges.

Ensure Excellence-

We value people who:

• Set the example for what’s possible in conservation.
• Go above and beyond.
• Hold themselves to a higher standard.
• Drive high quality outcomes.

Own It-

We value people who:

• Find solutions, not excuses.
• Solve challenges others won’t.
• Achieve comprehensive solutions.
• Want responsibility and demand accountability.
• Demonstrate ethics when no one is looking.

We invite you to join us in our ambitious mission to restore Walker Lake. The Conservancy has an inclusive, positive culture that values work-life balance and growth opportunities. Our generous benefits package further separates us from other non-profits and local employers.

BACKGROUND: The Walker Basin Conservancy acquires water rights and ranches to increase freshwater flows to Walker Lake. We re-establish native plant communities on former agricultural fields, increase public access and recreation opportunities, and develop practical solutions to save Walker Lake and protect environmental interests throughout the Walker Basin.

From creating Nevada’s newest State Park (the Walker River State Recreation Area) to adding thousands of acres to Wildlife Management Areas, our work impacts thousands of community members, ranchers and recreationists every year. The Conservancy operates a nursery that produced more than 25,000 native plants in 2021 and produces native seed for conservation purposes on its properties. Our team comprises approximately 30 full-time employees and between 15 and 40 AmeriCorps Members given the season.

JOB PURPOSE: The primary purpose of the Conservation Technician is to support field operations of the Walker Basin Conservancy to ensure successful land stewardship. The Conservation Technician will work with the Field Operations Director and Field Operations Managers and other Program staff to implement stewardship projects and is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the field.

A working knowledge of, or a desire to learn more about desert plant ecology and ecological restoration, nursery and agricultural practices, and irrigation, agricultural and land management equipment operation is essential. The Conservation Technicians should also have a sincere interest in expanding their knowledge of Great Basin ecology and flora and fauna of Nevada.

This is an excellent opportunity to work with a young and growing yet thriving organization that is developing programs and operations from the ground up. The Conservancy has a small, talented and dedicated staff who are passionate about our mission, restoration and conservation.  We are looking for new people to come aboard and grow with us!  We provide excellent on the job training and encourage those with agricultural, landscape or irrigation experience and training to apply!

Essential Functions

• In cooperation with the Field Managers, implement the day-to-day operations of conservation lands managed by WBC and track progress of assigned field projects.
• Assist with all aspects of successful stewardship implementation. Duties may include ground preparation, seeding, planting, irrigation, weed control, or other tasks as necessary.
• Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project work with the assigned crew.
• Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics.
• Install and manage drip, handline, trench, and wheel line irrigation systems.
• Oversee and manage AmeriCorps members who are planting shrubs, grasses and forbs from containerized stock and seed 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 appropriate parties.
• Ensure that crew members complete administrative tasks such as timesheets efficiently and accurately.
• Develop a deep working knowledge of all equipment, irrigation infrastructure, project partners, and vegetation management techniques used by the Program.
• Responsible for crew operational safety, maintaining and transporting a variety of small to heavy equipment (hand tools, power tools, tractors, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, backhoe, water truck, and road grader).
• Administrative responsibilities include weekly reports, member timesheet submission, and AmeriCorps performance measure reporting.
• Occasionally work overtime or on a holiday to fit business needs.
• Some overnight travel required.
• Demonstrate core values.
• Other duties as assigned by Walker Basin Conservancy.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a natural resource, agricultural, or landscaping setting with demonstrated leadership experience;
• General experience with and knowledge of irrigation equipment and operations;
• 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;
• Strong oral and written communication, conflict resolution, and project management skills; and
• Ability to complete Leadership Training within 3 months of hire.

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.  Strength and dexterity to operate small, medium and heavy equipment.  Strength and stamina to endure standing and working for long periods 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

This position functions in both outdoor and indoor environments. Indoor work will occur in a clean environment, typically performed at a desk. Outdoor settings will be exposed to varying weather conditions, including, but not limited to extreme heat, dry conditions, rain, snow or hail, and extreme cold.  Work sites will generally be in areas with at least primitive road access for vehicles.  Work sites will generally not have access to potable water, restroom facilities or cellphone signals, and staff will be expected to follow Leave No Trace principals on work sites without facilities.  Work will frequently require hiking over rough terrain while carrying tools and equipment. The work environment is generally dirty, with prolonged exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise and odors.  Frequent interruptions to planned work activities occur.

Salary & Benefits

Starting salary, DOE, with opportunities for promotion within first 6 months to one year.

The Conservancy has a generous compensation package for this position commensurate with experience. Additionally, the Conservancy provides an excellent  employee benefits package which includes:

• Employer paid health, dental and vision plans for employee (worth over $5,200 annually);
• Retirement 403(b) plan including a Conservancy contribution equal to 6% of your salary ($1,996 to$2,745 annually);
• Employer paid life insurance plan for employee (pays up to 1x employee’s yearly salary to beneficiary);
• 120 hours of annual paid vacation, increasing to 160 hours after first year, 16 hours of annual personal leave, and 60 hours of annual sick leave;
• Paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s in addition to 12 paid holidays during the year;
• Health and wellness subsidy of up to $300 annually;
• Access to outdoor industry pro-deals; and
• Monthly professional development opportunities plus additional employer paid opportunities available.