Native Seed Collector

POSITION TITLE: AmeriCorps Native Seed Collector

STATUS (multiple):

• AmeriCorps 9-month (1200-hour) term from April 15 to December 12, 2024
• AmeriCorps 6-month (900-hour) term from May 20 to November 21, 2024.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS AVAILABLE: 2

REPORTS TO: Native Seed Technician (II) and AmeriCorps Program Director

LOCATION: Smith, NV

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The AmeriCorps Native Seed Collector will help implement Conservancy native seed and nursery operations. The position will identify and monitor wildland sources of native seed around the Great Basin, harvest, process and store seed, document collection information, and propagate plants in the native plant nursery for use in native plant re-vegetation. The position requires a significant amount of time in the field, including occasionally camping in remote locations.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL

• Have a sincere interest in expanding their knowledge of Great Basin ecology, restoration practices, the flora and fauna of Nevada, and nursery methods and equipment.
• Be proactive and find solutions.
• Demonstrate patience, careful attention to details, and a high level of comfort outdoors.

EXPECTATIONS AND CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Conduct wildland native seed collection, including identifying, scouting, mapping, monitoring, harvesting, processing, storing, and accessioning native seeds.
• Safely travel and camp in remote locations for up to four days at a time.
• Collect and compile field data and ensure that accurate records are kept and delivered.
• Assist Nursery and Native Seed Technicians with seed testing, database entries, and maintenance of nursery supplies and seeds.
• Operate & maintain nursery equipment to grow nursery crop of native plants.

REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of or ability to learn and identify flora of the Great Basin and Eastern Sierra to species or sub-species level using technical keys;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Physically fit to work outdoors in unpredictable weather conditions; AND hike up to 5 miles per day; AND bend and crouch for long periods of time; AND lift 50+ lbs.
• Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, such as starting early or working more days with shorter hours, in accordance with project specific requirements and conditions;
• Meet AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
  • Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service;
  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent;
  • Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States;
  • Pass a National Sex Offender Public Website check and National Service Criminal History Check; and
  • Be eligible to receive and AmeriCorps Education award, with a limit of four total terms in a lifetime and the equivalent of two full-time terms (3400 hours).

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Living allowance of $550/week for a total of $19,250 or $14,850 for the 9- or 6-month term.
• Education award of $4,826.50 or $3,447.50 for the 9- or 6-month term.
• Employer paid Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• Employer paid Member Assistance Program for mental health and personal counseling services.
• Childcare assistance and federal student loan forbearance is available for eligible members.
• Uniforms provided, plus $100 reimbursement for work pants and boots.
• Holiday, personal, and sick leave.
• Optional WBC housing accommodations are available for rent.
• WBC provided transportation for work and basic necessities for members living in WBC housing.
• WBC provided shuttle service to Yerington and housing for members arriving to Reno, NV via public transportation.
• Relocation assistance may be available for members facing financial hardship.
• Members receive a variety of technical and professional training related to their service activities as well as personal and professional development.
• Opportunities for extension or promotion upon good service and
• Opportunities for advancement within the organization.

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Walker Basin Conservancy (Conservancy) leads the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental, and recreational interests in the Walker Basin (www.walkerbasin.org). 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 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. Our native plant nursery produces more than 25,000 native plants and hundreds of pounds of native seed for conservation purposes each year.

CONSERVANCY 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:

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