Job Opening: Independence Lake Preserve

The Independence Lake Preserve Assistant is responsible for the daily operation and management of Independence Lake. The Preserve is a 2,300-acre nature preserve that is situated in the Sierra Nevada in Sierra and Nevada Counties in California, approximately 15 miles north of Truckee, CA. The Preserve Assistant will implement the day to day activities of the preserve including overall preserve and facilities maintenance, public outreach and recreation management, and other related activities, under the supervision of the Independence Lake Preserve Manager. Some of the Assistant’s time will be spent working in the field with volunteers, interacting with the public, and will assist the Watercraft Manager with the in-basin watercraft program. This position requires working independently and as part of a team, sometimes in difficult physical conditions. This is a 6-month seasonal position beginning in May. Must have valid driver’s license and safe driving record. The Preserve Assistant will be expected to live at the Preserve in a camper/travel trailer.

Essential Functions:

The Independence Lake Preserve Assistant participates in preserve operations, maintenance, and management. This may include one or more of the following functions.

  • Maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public.

  • Interacting with the public on nearly a daily basis, including assisting with operation of an on-site watercraft program (motorboats and kayaks) for the public.

  • Providing visitors to the preserve a safe and positive experience with the Conservancy.

  • Monitoring for the presence of invasive species and removing invasive species, as appropriate.

  • Assisting with a variety of management tasks including but not limited to: electric fence maintenance and construction, building and equipment maintenance, trail layout and clearing, posting signs and other tasks as necessary.

  • Maintaining preserve buildings, tools and equipment (e.g., generators, solar arrays, water systems, motorboats, kayaks, etc.)

  • Assisting with research, habitat restoration projects, and scientific monitoring/data collection.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.

  • Comfortable interacting with a variety of people ranging from anglers to wildlife enthusiasts to ranchers.

  • Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., power tools, chainsaw, 2-way radios, kayaks, motorboats etc.).

  • Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).

  • Must have valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

Desired Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field and two years related work experience or related experience in land management.

  • Experience with basic building and equipment maintenance.

  • Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities.

  • Ability to follow instructions and perform tasks in a timely fashion.

  • Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.

  • PC familiarity, including database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records.

Salary: This position is an hourly position of 40 hours per week at $16.00 per hour.

To Apply:

  • Apply for job ID 50803, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button on the website.

  • Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

  • Application closes on February 4, 2022.

For more information please see the position description or visit the Conservancy’s website.

Greyson Howard