Leadership Development Program (LDP)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE•Las Vegas, NV

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Members in the Leadership Development Program (LDP) will serve on a recreation & restoration crew, gaining hands-on experience in conservation work alongside targeted training and mentorship in leadership, safety, and technical skills. Service projects may include trail construction and maintenance, hazardous fuels reduction; wildfire fuels reduction and hazardous tree removal, habitat restoration, invasive species treatment, fence installation or removal, cleanup of illegal dumping sites, and decommissioning unauthorized motorized routes. In addition to restoration work, members will participate in comprehensive crew leadership training. Topics covered will include conflict resolution, mental health first aid, prioritization, performance management, accountability, collaboration, team development, decision-making, and goal-setting. Training is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, mentorship, and practical field experience. Upon successful completion of the program and the leadership retreat, members will be eligible to serve as a restoration crew leader, equipped with the skills and confidence needed to lead a crew in the field effectively. Member Schedule & Location Members will report to the Great Basin institute’s Offices (field stations) for departure to and return from project sites. Members may serve in the field on 4-day tours, 8-day tours, or a mixture of the two, in an outdoor setting, usually camping in the field for the duration of the tour. Camping locations are often in "front country" settings where there is ready access to crew vehicles, however members often camp in undeveloped sites without access to water or restroom facilities where members practice Leave No Trace techniques for camp etiquette. Members may also camp in back country settings where a base-camp is established several miles from vehicles in remote locations. Project site locations may include weather conditions/heat/cold/wind/etc, remote, backcountry locations requiring hiking in steep or otherwise rough terrain for several miles carrying tools and camping equipment.

Requirements

Physical and Mental Resilience: Ability to sustain focus and effort during long workdays in adverse conditions while completing labor-intensive projects.
Strong Communication Skills: Effectively convey information and collaborate with team members, leaders, and project partners.
Adaptability: Capacity to adjust to evolving project requirements, schedules, and priorities in a dynamic field environment.
Commitment: Upon successful completion of the LDP, participants agree to be available for a 13-week summer Crew Lead term, with selection contingent on performance and program needs.
Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record
Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship, or U.S. national or legal resident alien status, (2) at least 18 years of age (3) High School Diploma or GED certificate (4) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (4) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks.

Nice To Haves

prior Field experience or related/transferable occupation

Responsibilities

Learn and practice trail construction and maintenance using hand tools and other equipment at designated project sites.
Receive training in hazardous fuels reduction and habitat restoration using tools like chainsaws, handsaws, and loppers.
Develop competencies in invasive species identification and control through manual, mechanical, and chemical methods, along with native planting and riparian restoration practices.
Gain experience in illegal road decommissioning and fence or barrier construction/removal using hand tools.
Understand and adhere to AmeriCorps, Nevada Conservation Corps (NCC), and agency sponsor policies at project sites and camp locations.
Cultivate a positive, professional attitude while learning to communicate effectively with crew members, leaders, NCC staff, and project sponsors.
Work towards meeting production and quality standards as established by NCC administration, crew supervisors, and project partners.
Assist with basic campsite duties such as cooking, cleaning, and organizing crew equipment.
Engage in in-field education sessions to deepen understanding of restoration practices.
Participate in leadership development training, covering key topics like conflict resolution, mental health first aid, prioritization, performance management, accountability, collaboration, team development, decision-making, and goal-setting.
Learn how to teach and mentor fellow crew members in crew roles, tool use, and construction techniques under supervision.
Develop an understanding of safety protocols and assist with the maintenance, repair, and organization of tools and equipment in the NCC shops and field.
Receive guidance on supporting crew members in their training and ensuring tasks meet NCC and AmeriCorps standards for production and quality.
Build skills in completing weekly reporting of accomplishments and outcomes.
Learn how to manage risk when working around hazard trees, and practice advanced chainsaw techniques for falling, bucking, and limbing.
Dedicate off-hitch time to studying and obtaining certifications, such as a pesticide applicator "QAL" license, or extending knowledge from classroom and field education sessions.
Develop adaptability, openness to feedback, and a commitment to continual learning and growth.
Learn how to navigate and apply the chain of command in a professional setting.
Gain experience contributing to a positive and cohesive team dynamic.

Benefits

Members will be provided a living allowance in an amount determined by the number of hours served and the level of responsibility required for the position.
Members are also eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of their service term and required hours.
Health insurance and child care are available for eligible members, and opportunities for professional development are available.

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