Great Basin Institute Hiring for Peer Leadership Team Member! at Las Vegas, Nevada Full Time

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career in conservation? The Nevada Conservation Corps Peer Leadership Team 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 a PLT 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 four months (October – January), PLT 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. Functioning as a peer-led team this crew will work to complete projects and training as a team rotating leadership responsibilities. At NCC we believe skills are best acquired within the context of daily work challenges. 

Upon successful completion of the Peer Leadership Team, in Spring of 2022, you may be offered a promotion as a crew leader or assistant crew lead dependent upon performance. Spring projects will be primarily in Las Vegas but maybe opportunity to move to Reno, NV. If promoted, you will take on the responsibility of leading a crew while coordinating 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 from any other professional experience, 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 role models 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 the natural world will last a lifetime.

Las Vegas, Nevada
You will be based out of our Las Vegas Field Office 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.
Working in the spring (April-May) out of our Northern Nevada office may be an option depending on the availability of projects.

Technical Trainings and Certifications include:
Trail Maintenance and Construction
USFS Equivalency S-212 Chainsaw Course
Chainsaw Maintenance
Habitat Restoration Methods
First Aid/CPR and Wilderness First Aid Certification
Pesticide Applicators License (NV or CA) – dependent on passing an examination
Off-Highway Vehicle Training
Avenza maps mobile data collection methods

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation: Bi-weekly living stipend ~$680 every two weeks before taxes, with potential for an increased living stipend if promoted to lead or assistant lead
• Education Award: $$4,441.50
• 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: max $900; 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.
• Student Loan Forbearance and Interest Accrual Repayment
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility
• Educational Affiliation Agreements (College Credit)

• Must maintain a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service.
• Be able to communicate effectively with members, crew leaders, NCC staff, and project partners.
• Possess the willingness and ability to work and camp up to seven nights in a row, in a wilderness setting, in all weather conditions, without formal restroom facilities or running water.
• Be able to lift 25lbs continuously and 50lbs occasionally
• Be at least 17 years of age
• Be a US citizen or legal permanent resident
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED
• Must be eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards).
• All position offers are conditional upon completion of an acceptable check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry, State of Residence and State of Service check, and federal criminal background check.