The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Tahoe National Forest, is recruiting a Watershed Assessment (NEPA) Specialist. In support of the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger Districts, the watershed Specialist will focus on providing hydrology and/or soils input to Forest Service projects as part of the District’s project planning process. Providing hydrology and/or soils input includes producing a report assessing the current condition of project areas, assessing the potential effects of the proposed actions within the project area, and assessing the cumulative effects of the proposed actions at the watershed scale. This position will provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain insight and knowledge about the NEPA process and prepare them for a future position with a land management agency.
*Compensation and Timeline:* - Rate of Pay: $17.00/hour o Timeline: 13-week appointment (June 01, 2015 – September 04, 2015) o Full-time, up to 40 hours per week o USFS barracks or other hosing options may be available on either Truckee or Sierraville Districts *Location:* The TNF is located in the northern Sierra Nevada (east of Sacramento) and extends from the foothills across the Sierra crest to the California state line. It includes over 850,000 acres of public land. Rivers, snow-capped peaks and dense forests offer outstanding recreation year round. A complex set of ecosystems are found as the terrain ascends from 1,500 feet along the western boundary to over 9,000 feet along the crest. The Truckee Ranger District (located in Truckee, CA) is approximately 30 miles west of Reno, NV and 15 miles from Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Sierraville Ranger District is in Sierraville, 25 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89 *Qualifications:* - Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of experience and coursework in the natural sciences – a focus on hydrology, geology, geography, geomorphology, soil science, or other related field, desired; - Knowledge and experience working with topographic maps and compass, interpreting aerial photos, and using hand-held GPS units – experience with ArcGIS, desired but not required; - Knowledge of watershed cumulative effects analysis, desirable; - Ability to write reports summarizing potential effects to the resource based on current condition and proposed actions; - Ability to effectively communicate to a diverse audience including co-workers, members of the pubic, and agency personnel; - Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, with ability to manually enter, manage, manipulate and graphically display data; - Self-motivated with ability to maintain a positive attitude while working in a diverse team environment; - Ability to walk a minimum of 12km/day in challenging terrain and harsh conditions, including stream channels, and otherwise be in good physical condition; and - Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to operate a 4WD vehicle on- or off-road if required. *How to Apply:* Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, résumé, and list of three professional references to Amy Gladding, GBI HR Coordinator, at [email protected]. Please include where you found the position posted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone inquiries, please. We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.
