Trail Operations Technician
The Great Basin Institute (GBI) is a dynamic, interdisciplinary field studies organization dedicated to promoting environmental research, education, and conservation throughout the West. The Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that builds, maintains, and advocates for multi-use trails in Tahoe while providing education to all trail users and hosting fun community events.
GBI and TAMBA are partnering to support recreation in the Lake Tahoe Basin through hiring Trail Operations Technician (2-3 positions) for 26 weeks to assist in trail construction, maintenance and management programs. This opportunity is intended for an enthusiastic individual with a degree and/or background in Recreation Management, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management or a closely related field, with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in recreation, trail and natural resource management surveys.
Description:
The objective of this position is to provide support for Trail Operations programs for the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association (TAMBA). TAMBA is a non-profit, volunteer-driven conservation organization with a small staff and is dedicated to the stewardship of sustainable, multiple-use trails and to preserving access for mountain bikers through advocacy, education and promotion of responsible trail use.
The Trail Operations Technicians will gain job skills related to the management of trails, non-profit conservation organizations and recreation and natural resources by working on a variety of projects in partnership with volunteers and under the supervision of TAMBA’s Trails Director. The incumbent will develop skills and proficiencies related to trail management, maintenance and construction including use of hand tools, power tools, chainsaws, winches, remote-sensing equipment, and GIS, depending on interest and background. The incumbent will work with TAMBA staff and volunteers but will not be a Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association employee.
This position will include diverse responsibilities depending on the incumbent’s interest and background, but will primarily focus on TAMBA’s 2021 trail maintenance and construction projects, coordinating and assisting TAMBA volunteer Crew Leaders in on-trail field work to improve and expand the Tahoe Area trails that TAMBA helps manage and maintain. TAMBA holds a variety of public volunteer work days throughout the summer field season in addition to doing general maintenance and construction activities. The incumbent will assist in the coordination and execution of these work events. In addition, the technician will work closely with the Trails Director and volunteer TAMBA Crew Leaders to collect trail assessment data, develop work plans, construct routine maintenance as issues come up, gather and manage trail accomplishments, and produce reports and other materials to meet trail management objectives. TAMBA will provide supervision, project specific training, personal protective equipment, tools and other safety items required during the term.
Contract Timeline:
Dates: April 26, 2021 - October 23, 2021
Highly varied work schedule include regular travel and working weekends
Location:
Based at GBI offices in Reno, NV or South Lake Tahoe, CA
Compensation and Benefits:
Rate of Pay: $16.00 - $18.00/hour Depending on Experience
Paid vacation/sick time
Paid health/dental insurance
Technical training and professional development opportunities may include: ArcGIS Survey 123, ArcMap, Azenza Maps, Off-road Driver and Extraction training, ROVHA UTV Driver Certification, other as available
Job Qualifications:
Qualifications:
Applicants should have, or be pursuing, a degree in Recreation Management, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management or a related field. In place of (or in addition to) formal education, experience in outdoor recreation management, outdoor education, GIS, conservation, and trail building will be considered. Applicants should be resourceful, adaptable and able to work comfortably with a diverse pool of volunteers and in backcountry and wilderness settings. Resumes and cover letters must show detailed key project experiences.
Required:
Technicians must be US citizen or possess a green card
Ability to drive a Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association vehicle is required for this position
Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record
Since this position requires driving, Technicians must be 21+.
Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required
Effective communication skills with people of diverse ages and backgrounds
Must be able to communicate clearly and consistently with TAMBA staff
Experience with trail construction, design and rehabilitation with GBI, a Conservation Corps, or other trail building organization
A high fitness level and an interest in camping overnight for backcountry work trips
Ability to work alone/in a small group in remote settings
Ability to work in large teams in remote settings (up to 15)
Experience and/or ability to learn use of GPS unit
Willing to work outdoors and be capable of lifting 40 lbs
Able to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts
Applicants are expected to be highly motivated to pursue a career in natural resource and trail management and be willing and able to perform assigned duties with little direct supervision
Preferred:
First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certified
USFS Chainsaw certified
Experience with Griphoist winches and rigging for trailbuilding
Experience with stone work for trailbuilding
Database management and ArcGIS software experience
Knowledge and understanding of Leave No Trace principals
Knowledge and ability to utilize GPS equipment in the field
Knowledge and ability to utilize GIS programs such as ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro
Previous employment as a Crew Leader for a Conservation Corps, Federal Agency, or other trail building organization
As an employee of Great Basin Institute’s Nevada Conservation Corps Program (NCC) program, the Employee is expected to satisfactorily complete the following tasks:
Adherence to the rules and regulations specified in the Great Basin Institute Personnel Handbook;
Adhere to daily/weekly work schedules that are subject to change in response to project needs;
Participation in GBI meetings and workshops and other GBI or agency training opportunities;
Other duties as assigned by GBI and agency staff
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.