Off-Highway Vehicle Program Technician

Great Basin Institute (GBI), in partnership with Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Off-Highway Vehicles Program (DCNR-OHV) and Nevada State Parks Recreational Trails Program (NSPRTP), is seeking an individual to join our program team focused on providing Nevada’s communities and public land managers off-highway vehicle (OHV) education, mapping and outreach support. Project goals will include collecting, editing and publishing statewide-authorized OHV trail system map data, using field GPS and ESRI ArcGIS software, to create an online, comprehensive OHV trail map for the state of NV. Position is also responsible for supporting the logistics and operations for Nevada OHV events, including annual Nevada OHV Summit. 

The Program Technician will work closely with the State Program Coordinator and Field Crew Supervisor to implement assigned projects and maintain strong lines of communication to ensure project progress is monitored and reported routinely throughout project implementation. It is anticipated that 25% of work time will be spent capturing GPS data in the field, with 75% of total time performing GIS mapping and analysis duties.

• Implement monthly OHV field assignments under the direction and supervision of the OHV Program State Coordinator and Program Supervisor;

• Assist Program Supervisor with collecting and verifying OHV authorized trail map data through the collection of GPS data;

• Assist State Coordinator and Program Supervisor with data editing and map creation using Esri ArcGIS software;

• Assist State Coordinator and Program Supervisor coordinating and implementing Nevada OHV events, including Regional OHV Summit; and

• Take leadership of 1 or more programmatic activities necessary for the program – e.g.: Safety/Equipment Checks, Mileage Logs, Data Synchronizations. 

This position will be appropriate for an individual with education in recreation/resource management or GIS. The position will provide opportunities to enhance basic career skills such as field work, use of GPS, experience with GIS and mapping, project organization and communication, and training/public speaking. Monthly OHV field tours will be conducted in a remote backcountry setting and may require strenuous exertion and primitive camping. Weather and terrain conditions may be extreme (e.g., heat, cold, thunderstorms, steep terrain). The monthly field work schedule is anticipated to be Wednesday to Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate remote locations. Office work schedule is anticipated to be Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but may be adjusted as needed.

Contract Timeline: November 2, 2020 – April 30, 2021 (26 weeks total) with potential to extend for second term of service.

Location:This position will be located at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources office located at 901 S. Stewart Street, Carson City, NV 89701. Nestled 30 minutes between Reno and Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Nevada boasts an array of unique restaurants, challenging ski and snowboarding resorts, historical attractions, museums, gaming opportunities and a plethora of year-round, outdoor experiences. Residents enjoy plenty of open space and fresh mountain air. Local trail centers include: Spooner Summit, Pine Nut Mountains, and Peavine Mountain for both motorized an non motorized recreation.

Compensation and Benefits:This is an AmeriCorps position; candidates will receive a living stipend dependent on their length of service. The living stipend is a fixed amount, not an hourly wage or a salary. The stipend is paid to members in bi-weekly installments throughout their term of service. Upon completion of AmeriCorps service members shall receive an additional education award also dependent on the length of service that can be used for paying off student loans or paying tuition for a Title IV accredited college.

• 6 month (900 hour) AmeriCorps service term: $10,000 living stipend (approximately $769 every two weeks before taxes)

Education Award:

Upon successful completion of your term you will be given access to your Segal Education award which can be used for Title IV university/college tuition or to pay for federal student loans. The education award is only considered taxable income on the day you use the award.

Education Award amounts are dependent on the length of your term:

• 6 month (900 hour) AmeriCorps service term: $3,097.50

Per Diem:

For every day you work in the field with us you will receive $15.00. This is in addition to your Living Allowance. Crews typically combine per diem funds and shop/prepare meals as a team.

Skills & Education:

You will be certified in First Aid and CPR.

You will be certified in UTV Operation and Trailer Use.

Optional Training & Education we will provide include:

• Defensive Driving Certification

• Off-Road Driving Class

Other Benefits:

Insurance:

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance will be completely paid for at no cost to you by the Great Basin Institute and available starting the first of the month following the first day of service.

Loan Forbearance:

If you are currently paying on any federal student loans you have the option to put those loans into forbearance during your time as an AmeriCorps volunteer, that will allow you to cease payments while serving.

Interest Accrual Repayment:

As AmeriCorps alum, you are eligible to have the National Service Trust pay all or a portion of the interest that accumulated on your qualified student loan(s) during your term of service. These payments are made in addition to the Education Award, and are not deducted from your Education Award balance. To be eligible to have accrued interest paid: The loan must have been placed in forbearance for the service period, and you must have successfully completed a term of service and received an Education Award.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility:

AmeriCorps Volunteers qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Nevada Conservation Corps will provide you documentation in proving that you qualify for SNAP.

Educational Affiliation Agreements (College Credit):

The Nevada Conservation Corps will take part in Affiliation Agreements with your university in order to allow you to receive college credit hours for your term of service.

• Positive attitude and ability to self-motivate;

• Focus/interest in GIS and mapping technologies;

• Familiarity and interest in off-highway vehicle recreational opportunities; 

• Focus/interest in field safety and troubleshooting field gear;

• Ability to work in both a rural and remote field or office environment; 

• Willingness to camp in inclement weather with limited service;

• Physically fit to work outdoors and withstand the rigors of fieldwork; 

• Willingness to travel on a 8-day on, 6-day off work schedule, when required;

• Ability to pass National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) and federal criminal background checks;

• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle and off-highway vehicle on and off paved roads

 For more information and to apply please visit:

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EEO StatementWe 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.