Program Description: The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the California Tahoe Conservancy is recruiting a Watershed Restoration and Monitoring Specialist with a physical sciences focus. The California Tahoe Conservancy is an independent State agency within the Natural Resources Agency of the State of California. It was established in its present form by State law in 1984. The Conservancy is not a regulatory agency. It was established to develop and implement programs through acquisitions and site improvements to improve water quality in Lake Tahoe, preserve the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of the region, provide public access, preserve wildlife habitat areas, and manage and restore lands to protect the natural environment.
Compensation: This is an AmeriCorps position, and candidates will receive a living stipend of $16,250 for the year. This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid to members bi-monthly throughout the entire year. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service, members shall receive an additional education award in the amount of $5,550 that can be used for paying off student loans, or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college. Timeline: February 20, 2012 February 15, 2013 Location: South Lake Tahoe, California Duties: The Watershed Restoration and Monitoring Specialist will be responsible for some technical aspects of watershed assessment, restoration, and monitoring. The position is also responsible for assisting with Conservancy programs, and providing support for the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Team, including organization activities and water trail related events. The Watershed Restoration and Monitoring Specialist will be given discretion to lead monitoring and assessment projects and other program support under general direction of technical experts. Therefore the incumbent must be able to work independently, take initiative, and solve problems. The position will have an emphasis on physical sciences (Hydrology, Geomorphology, Geology, etc.), but will offer a variety experiences associated with the monitoring, planning, and implementation of recreation, wildlife habitat enhancement and watershed restoration projects. Tasks will include: surveying stream cross-sections and longitudinal profiles, mapping user created trails and other features on state lands using GPS and GIS software, collecting and organizing data from ground water monitoring wells, performing benthic macro-invertebrate monitoring, vegetation monitoring, assisting with the review of restoration plans and/or CEQA documents, performing invasive weeds surveys and mapping, collecting and managing photo monitoring data, working with Conservancy field crews to implement small-scale restoration projects, and a variety of other duties necessary to achieve Conservancy goals. The job activities will also include helping to lead participants in a watershed monitoring and restoration project development activities as part of the Tahoe-Baikal Institute (TBI) summer Environmental Exchange program. Qualifications: Education in environmental science, hydrology, engineering, or a related field; Ability to take initiative, and solve problems; Familiarity with monitoring equipment such as GPS, GIS, survey equipment, multiprobe, etc.; Attention to detail and ability to organize data; and Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) must be at least 17 years of age and a US citizen that has received a high school diploma or GED (or be willing to achieve this before using education award), (3) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime, or equivalent of two full-time terms of service), and (4) pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks. Desirable Qualifications: Experience with monitoring, planning, or implementation of stream restoration projects; Specialized experience in engineering, geomorphology, or hydrology; Familiarity with CEQA and/or NEPA; Knowledge of Sierra Nevada ecosystems and environmental issues in the Lake Tahoe Basin; and Ability to engage in outreach activities including verbal, written, and graphic presentations. How to Apply: Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to Bridget Walden, at [email protected]. Please include where you found the position posted. These AmeriCorps positions are made possible by a generous grant from Nevada Volunteers. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex. Person with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
