Conservation Corps Program Director
The Great Basin Institute is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research, education, and conservation throughout the west. GBI advances applied research to support science-based adaptive management of public lands. The Institute is dedicated to the promotion of science through field studies programs, conservation practices, and public outreach.
The Nevada Conservation Corps, a program of the Great Basin Institute, provides direct conservation services to public land management agencies throughout Nevada and California. Founded in 1999, the Corps deploys technically proficient restoration teams to enhance species habitat, mitigate fire threats, reduce the spread of invasive species, and restore and re-designate recreational trails. In doing so, NCC provides valuable training and workforce development opportunities for Corps members who seek careers in natural resource management. The NCC is funded by AmeriCorps, a national service program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
The Conservation Corps Program Director is a key leadership position that supports AmeriCorps restoration teams across Nevada and California. The Conservation Corps Program Director works with GBI staff, partners, and collaborators to manage conservation projects, including program development and maintaining partner relationships to ensure compliance with grant and agency rules and regulations. This office-based position operates in a dynamic, team-based setting.
Reports To: GBI Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Director
Essential Functions and Duties:
This leadership position requires a dynamic individual to oversee, manage, mentor, and support a large conservation and restoration program. The Director will manage current programs while working to strengthen and develop new partnerships, programs, and training opportunities. The Director will be responsible for all of the following:
- Overseeing the recruitment, placement, management, and development of restoration crew members and interns, with the goal to provide them with a world-class professional-development service experience;
- Administering operational grants, while complying with all GBI & AmeriCorps standards, policies, and objectives;
- Strengthening existing relationships by providing excellent services, products, and reports to current project partners;
- Expanding programmatic reach and capacity by developing additional opportunities and relationships;
- Overseeing disciplined fiscal management of all projects and activities;
- Activity manages priorities to meet administrative deadlines and standards;
- Effectively lead diverse staff and crews and implement strategies to build on DEU
- Serve as an engaged member of the GBI Leadership Team to develop and implement strategic priorities;
- Coordinating program management as a member of a diverse, driven, and successful leadership team;
- Other duties as assigned.
Full time, exempt position
Schedule: Monday-Friday with occasional weekends, travel, and time in the field supporting partners and crews
Compensation:
Base Rate of Pay: $65K - 75K annual salary, DOE
Benefits for full-time employees include paid health/dental/eye insurance, paid vacation/sick time, and 401K retirement plan with match.
Location:
Based at GBI offices in Reno, NV. The “Biggest Little City in the World”, Reno has an estimated population of just over 230,000; the greater Reno-Sparks metropolitan area has a population of just over 435,000. The city sits in a high desert at 4,500 feet in elevation, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains along the Truckee River, as it flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Weather is mild, with distinct four seasons. Reno offers easy access to world-class outdoor recreation, with a 3- to 5-hour drive to Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks, the Pacific Ocean, and California redwood forests. Closer to home, Nevada boasts more natural hot springs than any other state in the country, over 150 named mountain ranges, and 30 mountain peaks over 11,000 feet. In Reno, recreation and entertainment includes eight major ski resorts within 2 hours of the Reno-Tahoe airport; fishing and boating on Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, and Pyramid Lake; minor league baseball with the Reno Aces (the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks); cultural festivals throughout the summer along the banks of the Truckee River; and a collection of amazing craft microbreweries and micro-distilleries.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in environmental studies, nonprofit management, or related field(s) required;
- Minimum of three years of project or program development experience required;
- Minimum of three years of experience supervising staff at multiple sites, projects and personnel required;
- Minimum of two years of AmeriCorps or National Service experience preferred;
- Minimum of two years of Conservation Corps experience preferred;
- Demonstrate the ability and experience in areas such as grant writing and management, project development, training, team building, problem-solving, and community building;
- Excellent financial administration and oversight skills;
- Experience developing and implementing agreements and contracts with federal land-management agencies, other governments agencies and nonprofit organizations;
- Familiarity with regional environmental community-based agencies, services and resources;
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and balance responsibilities;
- Excellent written, verbal communication, and facilitation skills;
- Driven, patient and adaptable;
- Must be able to pass the organization’s criminal history check requirements;
- Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or have approved exemption by the first day of employment.