Working collaboratively with the BLM in Redding, CA, the Great Basin Institute is recruiting one (1) AmeriCorps member to assist the BLM Ecologist with a wide variety of field and office tasks that will prepare them for success with future academic endeavors and a career in rangeland or natural resources management. The member will aid the BLM ecology program staff with vegetation surveys and monitoring, vegetation treatments, rangeland/grazing management projects, and post-fire stabilization treatments. The member will also have opportunities to support National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, with particular focus on preparing sections of technical documents and working within the BLM’s geographical information system (GIS).

More specifically, the member will assist the BLM ecologist with document preparation and review, data entry, analysis and database management, research, outreach and education. The member will also be responsible for activities associated with rangeland monitoring, botanical surveys, and conducting vegetation treatments associated with rangeland management, post-fire stabilization and botany program objectives. Performing vegetation treatments, such as native species planting, restoration and invasive species control within the Redding Field Office resource area, will also be a component of this position.

Outcomes of these activities will inform the development of maps and reports related to NEPA compliance, vegetation treatments, and other BLM actions. This position will require moderate to strenuous physical exertion, including operating common hand tools (e.g., power drill or backpack sprayer), and hiking over uneven terrain. This is a 6-month position, so the member must be prepared to serve in a variety of weather conditions and recognize that they will be confronted by environmental hazards, such as lightning, poison oak, insects, cattle and other livestock, and other potential hazards commensurate with land management activities.

This work is authorized by the Public Land Corps Act, which supports opportunities for young people (aged 16-30) to work on conservation projects on public lands. Those who successfully complete the PLC requirements are then eligible to use, for two years, a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive federal service positions.

Contract Timeline:
6-month term of service commencing in mid-February to mid-March 2019, or upon availability and completion of AmeriCorps and BLM/Department of Interior background checks.

Location:
The BLM Redding Field Office is located in the BLM Northern CA District and is home to an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, mountain biking, hiking/backpacking, and skiing/snowboarding. Redding is located between Shasta-Trinity and Lassen National Forests and on the I-5 corridor, making points in Oregon and central/southern California easily accessible. Redding is a town of approximately 90,000 people and is the major service center for the surrounding areas. The town has restaurants and stores to meet most needs.

Compensation and Benefits:
This is an AmeriCorps position, and the successful candidate receives a living stipend of $13,265 for the 6-month season. This is not an hourly wage or a salary and is paid to members every other week throughout the service term. Upon successful completion of the AmeriCorps term of service, members receive an education award in the amount of $2,960 that can be used for paying down qualified student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college. The intern is also provided with no-cost Affordable Care Act compliant health benefits (medical, dental, vision).

Job Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Rangeland Management, Natural Resources Management or related field, or combination of related education and field experience;
Dedication to the position with a displayed interest in and knowledge of rangeland and resource management, plant conservation, and National Service;
Intermediate skills with GIS and GPS technologies;
Possess strong written and oral communication skills and high degree of comfort interacting with various stakeholders, including agency representatives, GBI and BLM colleagues, and the general public;
A high level of proficiency and comfort working independently outdoors in remote field settings;
Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented;
A high level of proficiency and comfort traveling in rough terrain by foot or four wheel drive vehicle;
Ability to use Microsoft Office Programs;
Possess clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license; and
Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

To apply please visit the job posting on our website:
http://crcareers.thegreatbasininstitute.org/careers/careers.aspx?rf=&req=2018-ACI-060