Hydrology Resource Assistant (USFS RAP)

Great Basin Institute, founded at the University of Nevada Reno in 1998, is a mission-driven non-profit organization headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. GBI has been a leader in the conservation stewardship field for over two decades, supporting thousands of individuals each pursuing a career in public land management or advancing their academic standing. Partnering with federal, state and local governments, as well as other NGOs and researchers, GBI supports projects in eleven western states ranging from Alaska to New Mexico, and southern California to northwestern Wyoming. 

 

In cooperation with the US Forest Service (USFS) and Shasta Trinity NF, we are recruiting one Hydrology 

Resource Assistant (RA) to work with the district hydrologist on the Weaverville and Hayfork Ranger Districts. The RA will participate in water resource field surveys, Best Management Practices (BMP) inspections, road surveys, instream surveys, data collection and database management, NEPA documentation, and maintenance and use of field equipment. The RA will work with other district resource specialists and personnel from other cooperating agencies. 

 

On-the-job training includes in-stream surveys, road inventories, water rights, NEPA analysis, fire suppression (encouraged). Other courses related to hydrology and forest management may be available, online and in person. 

 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Gather, compile, process, and upload field survey data into corporate databases. 

• Contribute to NEPA analyses with field surveys, GIS analysis, and research with regards to protecting water quality and compliance with laws, regulations, and directives. 

• Conduct and report on Best Management Practices evaluations during and after project implementation.  

• Obtain a Red Card and support Fire and Fuels during project and incident management actions. 

• Work with partner organizations to accomplish field surveys, develop agreements, and accomplish common goals.  

• Plan and implement small, low-tech restoration projects on the forest. 

• Work with other forest management specialists in forest management activities. 

This position is supported through the Forest Service Resource Assistants Program (RAP) and the successful candidate will be eligible for a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) certificate. With a DHA certificate, the RA can be directly appointed to a permanent position with the USFS. The RAP program emphasizes the engagement of current students, recent graduates, and underrepresented populations in natural and cultural resources work. Our collaborative mission with the RAP is to develop a diverse and inclusive workforce, accomplish mission-critical goals, and support career exploration, coaching, and mentoring. For more information about this program, please visit the USFS’s RAP website. 

• Anticipated Start Date: August

• 12-month appointment

• Full time (40 hours/week)

The South-Fork and Trinity Management Units have a large variety of terrain and ecosystems that provide for a wide range of recreational opportunities. It encompasses over 1 million acres, three wilderness areas, California’s third largest reservoir, and the Trinity River watershed. These

Management Units have offices in the towns of Hayfork and Weaverville which are about 30 driving miles apart. Hayfork, California is a small rural community with a population of approximately 2,500 people and Weaverville is more developed with about 3700 people. Hayfork is about 60 miles west of Redding at an elevation of 2,300 feet. Weaverville is about 45 miles west of Redding also at about 2,300 feet elevation. Housing costs are approximately $300,000 for a 3 Bedroom/2 Bath house and rentals average $800/month. The Hayfork and Weaverville areas offer a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in a rural setting. For further information about the units please see http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/about-forest/?cid=fsm9_008647

The RA may be required to travel and work in the backcountry and other remote locations on the forest, independently, and in teams. Fieldwork and office work are required. Driving on and navigating forest roads and hiking will be necessary. Some days may be long and arduous especially when temperatures are high. Tent camping may be required. The forest terrain can be steep and hazardous while being stunningly beautiful.

• Wage: (Living Allowance of $500/week)

• Housing Support Provided

• Commuter Stipend conditionally available at a maximum of $50/month

• Health insurance coverage at no extra cost (premiums paid for by GBI)

• Paid federal holidays, per agency schedule

• Paid time-off (accrued; amount dependent on employment length)

• Training: Defensive Driver's Training (provides eligibility for personal vehicle insurance discounts), and technical skills trainings such as report writing and field skills/safety training

• Networking: Opportunities to interact and network with USFS, access to GBI network and resources

• Eligibility to ProDeals, such as Outdoor Prolink

• Free GBI swag!

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Engineering, Geography/GIS, Hydrology, Natural Resource Management, Physical Science, Ecology, Forest Resources/Forestry, Wildlife Biology, Biological Science or Botany 

• Basic knowledge of ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro (preferred, can be trained on the job). 

• Direct experience conducting arduous field work and working as part of a small team in a remote setting (possess at least physical ability and willingness to engage).  

• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 

• Experience with field data collection instruments, e.g.: GPS units, tablets, data loggers for water quality, etc. (use of specific instruments and applications will be trained on the job). 

• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record; 

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 

• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of the USFS.