Walker Basin Conservancy
BACKGROUND: Established in 2014, the Walker Basin Conservancy (WBC) 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 nascent and dynamic nature of the WBC and its diverse management obligations provide unique opportunities to develop operations from the ground level up, working closely with staff who are passionate about their mission.
The WBC currently manages thousands of acres of land and assets on multiple properties in the Walker Basin. Land planning activities are underway and focus on assessing public use opportunities, conservation values, long term land ownership and stewardship, active and passive revegetation and restoration activities.
JOB PURPOSE: The primary purpose of the Irrigation Systems Program Coordinator is to support field operations to ensure the successful transition of retired farmlands to self-sustaining native vegetation communities that can thrive in the absence of supplemental irrigation. The Irrigation Systems Program Coordinator will work with the Field Manager and other operational coordinators and staff to implement and monitor stewardship related irrigation projects. The Irrigation Systems Program Coordinator is expected to spend a significant amount of time (90%) in the field.
Knowledge of desert plant ecology, ecological restoration, and nursery or horticultural practices, or agricultural systems, irrigation equipment, and large equipment operation is essential. The Irrigation Systems Program Coordinator should have a sincere interest in sharing their knowledge of Great Basin Desert ecology, restoration practices, the flora and fauna of Nevada, and agricultural applications as they relate to conservation success. The Irrigation Systems Program Coordinator position requires mentorship, patience, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of comfort in the outdoors. The Irrigation Systems Program Coordinator is ultimately responsible for the successes and short-comings of WBC’s irrigation operations.
Essential Functions
- In cooperation with the Field Manager and Land Manger, implement day to day operations of conservation lands managed by WBC and track progress of assigned field projects;
- Train employees and volunteers on how to implement drip, handline, trench, flood and wheel line irrigation systems in restoration applications;
- Assist with all aspects of successful stewardship irrigation activities including but not limited to: construction, monitoring, troubleshooting, and repair of irrigation systems;
- Establish and oversee preventative maintenance inspections for WBC’s irrigation system;
- Coordinate irrigation equipment purchases with the Field Manager and appropriate vendors;
- Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of project work with the assigned crew;
- Implement skills training on the work-site and facilitate intentional discussions through informal lessons to contribute to employee’s personal growth and group dynamics;
- Ensure accurate data collection and storage for site specific water use;
- Collect and compile field data through program data forms, GPS, cameras and other equipment;
- Ensure that accurate records of planting and seeding activity, herbicide applications, and irrigation activity are kept and delivered to the appropriate parties;
- Maintain a deep working knowledge off all equipment, irrigation infrastructure, project partners, and vegetation management techniques used by the program;
- Attend weekly planning meetings with Land Director and Managers;
- Call on water for irrigation purposes;
- Coordinate irrigation between multiple lessees;
- Enter and maintain water usage data;
- Maintain working relationship with lessees, WRID and the federal Water Master;
- Understand difference between storage water, decree water, and groundwater;
- Operate power equipment and hand tools to install, maintain and repair irrigation systems and related
- components including but not limited to: irrigation lines, sprinkler heads, control panels, valves, and pumps; and
- Perform other duties as assigned which are mutually agreed upon between Walker Basin Conservancy and the employee.
Qualifications
- Experience in a natural resource or agricultural or landscaping setting;
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience utilizing irrigation equipment and conducting irrigation operations;
- Ability to identify native and non-native flora of Nevada;
- Ability to safely operate large machinery and vehicles including but not limited to: tractors, ATVs, trucks, and trailers;
- 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 pay ranges from $18.00-$24.00 per hour commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid health, dental and vision care plan and generous paid leave and retirement plans.
Excellent employee benefits package which includes:
- A four-day work week for most of the year;
- 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 via email.
Subject Line: Irrigation Systems Coordinator
Please call the phone number provided (ext. 116) with questions.
All applicants must also submit an Employment Application Acknowledgement form that can be found on our website at: https://www.walkerbasin.org/join-our-team
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.
Email
Email Address Hidden
See More
Nevada Ranch Jobs
Posted In
Administrative/Operations Jobs, All Ranch Jobs, Farm Ranch Jobs, Ranch Hand Jobs