Employment Opportunity: Conservation Maintenance Coordinator in Northern Nevada

POSITION TITLE: Conservation Maintenance Coordinator

STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Restoration and Conservation Field Manager

POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None

LOCATION: Yerington, NV 

BACKGROUND:The Walker Basin Conservancy (Conservancy) is leading the effort to restore and maintain Walker Lake while protecting agricultural, environmental and recreational interests in the Walker Basin (www.walkerbasin.org). The dynamic nature of the Conservancy and its diverse resource management portfolio provide unique opportunities to develop innovative, interdisciplinary conservation solutions while working closely with a dedicated and passionate staff. The Conservancy team is comprised of approximately 25 full-time employees and increases up to 70 during our field season. The Conservancy manages a complex real-property acquisition program, acquiring land, water and related interests from willing sellers in the Walker Basin, for the benefit of Walker River and Lake. In addition, the Conservancy manages intensive restoration and stewardship activities on thousands of acres in the Walker Basin.

 JOB PURPOSE: The primary purpose of Conservation Maintenance Coordinator is to support field operations to ensure the successful transition of retired farmlands to self-sustaining vegetation communities that are able to thrive in the absence of supplemental irrigation. The Maintenance Coordinator will work with the Field Manager and other staff to operate, repair, and maintain stewardship tools, and is expected to spend a significant amount of time in the field and shop environment. A deep knowledge of agricultural systems, irrigation equipment, vehicle and large equipment operation, repair and maintenance is essential. The Maintenance Coordinator should also have the ability to, operate, maintain and repair a variety of welding machines, pneumatic tools, hand tools, hydraulic systems, and irrigation systems.  The Maintenance Coordinator position requires, mentorship, patience, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of comfort in the outdoors.

 Essential Functions

 •             In cooperation with the Field Manager, maintain, repair, and overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, implements, trucks, pumps and irrigation systems;

•             Operates, maintains and repairs ATV’s and other small motorized equipment;

•             Assist with all aspects of successful stewardship implementation. Duties may include ground preparation, seeding, planting, irrigation, weed control, or other tasks as necessary;

•             Examine equipment, create inspection reports, and confer with colleagues to locate and diagnose equipment malfunctions;

•             Repair or replace defective parts, using hand tools, milling and woodworking machines, lathes, welding equipment, grinders, or saws;

•             Lead installation of drip, handline, trench, and wheel line irrigation systems; 

•             Creates and maintains current and accurate records for all Conservancy assets and rolling stock;

•             Ability to identify the native and non-native flora of Nevada;

•             Develop a deep working knowledge off all equipment, irrigation infrastructure, project partners, and vegetation management techniques used by the Program;

•             Operates and maintains a variety of small to heavy equipment (hand tools, power tools, tractors, mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, backhoe, water truck, and large tractors);

•             Assist Field Manager in training employees on safe equipment operations, basic maintenance tasks, etc.; and

•             Other duties as assigned mutually agreeable between Walker Basin Conservancy and the employee. 

Qualifications

•             5+ years of experience in a natural resource or agricultural setting;

•             General experience with and knowledge of irrigation equipment and operations;

•             Ability to safely operate, repair and maintain large machinery and vehicles including tractors, ATVs, trucks, and trailers;

•             Ability to safely operate, repair and maintain chainsaws, brush cutters, backpack sprayers, and other related equipment;

•             Ability to keep detailed records, communicate with other staff and supervisors, and to work unsupervised to accomplish program tasks;

•             Clean driving record and a NV State driver’s license, or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire; and

 •             Ability to lift 50+ pounds and to work long hours in an outdoor setting. 

Physical and Mental Requirements

Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use tools and equipment for prolonged periods.  Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time.  Strength and dexterity to operate small, medium, and heavy equipment.  Strength and stamina to endure standing and working for long periods of time and in extreme weather conditions.  Dexterity and vision to observe oncoming traffic hazards and react quickly to emergency situations.  Some heavy lifting (over 75 pounds) is occasionally required. In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.  Applicants and incumbents are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. 

Working Conditions

Technicians work in an outdoor setting with varying weather conditions, including, but not limited to: extreme heat, dry conditions, rain, snow or hail, and extreme cold.  Work sites will generally be in areas with at least primitive road access for crew vehicles. Work sites will generally not have access to potable water, restroom facilities, or cellphone signals, and Technicians will be expected to follow Leave No Trace principals on work sites without facilities. Work will frequently require hiking over rough terrain while carrying tools and equipment. Position may occasionally be required to operate heavy machinery in hazardous environments. Environment is generally dirty, with prolonged exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, noise, or odors. Frequent interruptions to planned work activities occur. 

Salary & Benefits

Starting salary $18/hour depending on experience. 

Excellent employee benefits package which includes:

•             A four-day work week;

•             Employer paid health, dental, vision and life insurance plans for employee Retirement 403(b) plan includes a 6% automatic company contribution;

•             120 hours of annual paid vacation, increasing to 160 hours after first year of employment;

•             16 hours of annual personal leave;

•             Company paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s;

•             60 hours of annual sick leave;

•             11 paid holidays;

•             Health and wellness subsidy; and

•             Employer paid professional development. 

Position will remain open until filled. Only top candidates will be contacted. 

Please send cover letter and resume to:

Amy Gladding

amy.gladding@walkerbasin.org

Subject Line: Conservation Maintenance Coordinator

 Please call (775) 463-9887 ext. 116 with questions. 

Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer.

Equal Opportunity Statement – Walker Basin Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. WBC does not discriminate against any employee, applicant, director, officer, contractor, or any other person with whom it deals because of race, creed, color, disability, age, sex, veteran status, religion or political affiliation. WBC complies with all federal and local statutes prohibiting discrimination in employment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with a disability. 

Disclaimer – The statements contained herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the employees in these positions. The statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in each position. Other responsibilities, duties, and skills may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the responsibilities, duties, and skills at any time.