Open Space Management Technician

The AmeriCorps Open Space Management Technician will assist Parks staff in implementing the Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space Integrated Vegetation Management Plan 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 implementing the Integrated Vegetation Management Program for Parks and supporting future vegetation management planning efforts. 

Service Location: Reno, NV

Timeline for Service: February 2023 - August 2023

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; 
• Present updates on IVM related projects to the Park Commission.
• Create maps utilizing ArcGIS. 

Qualifications:

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science 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)

How to apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to Natural Resource Planner Joanne Lowden at jlowden@washoecounty.gov. 

Visit the Washoe County Parks website, www.washoecounty.us/parks/  or email Joanne at  jlowden@washoecounty.gov for more information.