Do you want to make a difference in your community? Are you ready to make an impact? Become an AmeriCorps member in Reno today at Washoe County!
Summary:
The Open Space Management Technician will primarily assist with implementation of the Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space Integrated Vegetation Management Plan through field duties, volunteer events, data collection and analysis.
Mission:
The Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space Program (Parks Program) is part of the Washoe County Community Services Department. The Parks Program mission is to provide exceptional parks, open space and recreational opportunities while preserving our natural, historical, and cultural resources. The Parks Program is responsible for managing over 13,000 acres of parks, trails, and open space, including some of the most popular parks in the area. These resources take advantage of the countys natural wonders and provide the region with an economic benefit that attracts new visitors while providing quality of life benefits that are treasured by the community, making this area a unique place to work and live.
Position Description:
The AmeriCorps Open Space Management Technician will assist Parks staff in implementing the Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space Integrated Vegetation Management Plan, assist with researching and cataloguing trail and public access easements, and assist with archiving park files. Implementation of the Integrated Vegetation Management Plan may include the following duties: data collection (site conditions, invasive plant identification and mapping), invasive plant removal, native plant establishment through seeding/planting, temporary irrigation installation and maintenance, site monitoring, spatial data entry and map creation using ArcGIS, public education and outreach, and working with volunteer groups. This position will play a key role in establishing an Integrated Vegetation Management Program for Parks and supporting future recreation planning efforts.
Service Location: Reno, NV
Timeline for Service: February 2022 - August 2022
Primary Responsibilities:
Facilitate implementation of the Integrated Vegetation Management Plan;
Collect and analyze data on site conditions and invasive plant distribution;
Enter spatial data and create maps utilizing ArcGIS;
Coordinate project logistics;
Prepare sites for revegetation projects;
Establish native vegetation including seeding and planting of container stock;
Remove invasive plant species and other debris;
Install and maintain temporary irrigation for planting projects;
Conduct public education and outreach;
Complete site monitoring activities;
Work with volunteer groups;
Assist with development of site restoration plans;
Secondary Responsibilities:
Research, organize and digitize historical park files;
Research and catalogue existing trail and public access easements;
Create trail easement maps utilizing ArcGIS.
Qualifications:
Preferred: Bachelors degree in Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field OR previous experience as a field technician;
High degree of initiative and spirit of service;
Exceptional communication skills;
Strong writing skills;
Exceptional organizational skills;
Preferred: Knowledge of Great Basin and wetland plant species;
Preferred: Noxious weed identification skills;
Preferred: Experience with ArcGIS software;
Preferred: Experience in data collection.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements:
Be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of service; or be an out-of-school youth 16 years of age at the commencement of service participating in a program described in 2522.110(b)(3) or (g);
Have a high school diploma or its equivalent; OR not have dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant and must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award; OR obtain a waiver from the Corporation of the requirements in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this section based on an independent evaluation secured by the program demonstrating that the individual is not capable of obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent; or be enrolled in an institution of higher education on an ability to benefit basis and be considered eligible for funds under section 484 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091);
Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
Successfully pass the National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) and National Sex Offender Program Registry check;
Physical Demands:
Lift up to 50-70 pounds of material or equipment
Bend, lift, pull, and push
Crouch, stoop, kneel, stand, or bend for long periods of time
Walk for long periods of time on uneven surfaces
Be outside in extreme heat or cold (depending on season)
Compensation:
In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance of $8,470.59 and will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,172.50.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter and resume to Natural Resource Planner Joanne Lowden at .
Visit the Washoe County Parks website Apply with Get.It or email Joanne at for more information.
Employment Type: Full-Time
