Each year, the Sierra Nevada Alliance places 25 AmeriCorps members with partner conservation organizations throughout the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. During their terms of service, members restore and monitor impaired Sierra watersheds, educate local residents and visitors on environmental issues, and recruit and manage volunteers for various programs. SNAP members gain skills and technical training, are mentored by outstanding environmental leaders, and provide a meaningful contribution to the communities of the Sierra Nevada.

Organizational Background: Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT) is a nationally accredited land trust dedicated to preserving the landscapes and heritage of California’s Eastern Sierra and Western Nevada. Since 2001, ESLT has worked to protect the region’s scenic beauty, agricultural heritage, wildlife habitats, and vital watershed resources. ESLT focuses on three core areas: land protection, stewardship, and community engagement. By partnering with landowners, the organization establishes conservation easements and other lasting protections, ensuring these lands remain intact forever. Through hands-on stewardship, ESLT helps maintain healthy ecosystems, productive farms and ranches, and sustainable land use. Community engagement is at the heart of ESLT’s work. Education programs, volunteer opportunities, and local events connect people to the land, fostering a shared commitment to protecting the natural and cultural resources that make the Eastern Sierra unique. In collaboration with landowners, conservation partners, and supporters, ESLT has permanently safeguarded over 23,000 acres of critical wildlife habitats, migration corridors, and working lands. Guided by respect for the land and the people who care for it, ESLT is building a lasting legacy of conservation for future generation.

Position Description: This position primarily supports ESLT’s Stewardship and Community Connections Programs. The Stewardship Program combines traditional and innovative techniques to evaluate, prioritize, and manage ESLT’s conserved properties. This includes annual land use monitoring, habitat assessments, and identifying potential restoration projects. The Community Connection Program offers a variety of educational and community activities, such as the Eastside Pollinator Garden project, field trips, workshops, youth programs, stewardship events, and other community outreach. ESLT’s programs serve over 30,000 local residents and 3 million annual visitors who benefit from the region’s iconic landscapes and open spaces.

The Conservation Coordinator will support the stewardship of both new and existing conservation projects. This includes conducting annual land use monitoring, assisting with volunteer stewardship events, invasive plant mapping, meadow restoration data collection, and more. The coordinator will also help deliver educational programs, certify pollinator gardens, host field trips and workshops, and represent ESLT at community events. Additionally, the role will involve watershed restoration work, including data collection for the Huntoon Meadow Restoration Project, and collaboration on habitat restoration efforts for species like the Round Valley Mule Deer and Bi-State Sage Grouse. The Conservation Coordinator will engage with local organizations, community groups, and other AmeriCorps members, and help organize outreach and educational events like the Mono Basin Bird Chautauqua, Volunteer Stewardship Days, and World Migratory Bird Day. Tasks also include using GIS for field data collection and analysis, generating StoryMaps for outreach, and coordinating volunteers and summer interns.

Site Specific Training Provided: ESLT will train the SNAP member in restoration techniques, environmental education, event planning, bird and plant identification, use of ArcGIS products (StoryMaps, FieldMaps, and QuickCapture, etc.). Additional training will be provided that fits with the SNAP member’s career and professional goals. 

Qualifications:

• Must be 18+ years of age and high school graduates or GED recipients (or minimum of 17 and working toward a high school diploma or GED); members must agree to obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award; meeting full list of member eligibility requirements in 45 CFR §2522.200(a).
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident.
• Must participate in a national criminal history background check pursuant to 45 CFR §2540.200-206.
• Organized, responsible, motivated, professional.
• Demonstrates initiative, follow-through, and reliability.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and public speaking skills.
• Interest or education in marketing or communications a plus.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of $2,500 per month.
• Standard health insurance.
• Up to 170 hours of technical, ecological, and skills-development training.
• Professional experience and networking- $250 Individual Training Budget.
• AmeriCorps members that successfully complete a 900-hour service term will earn a $3,447.50 Segal Educational Award for use on existing qualied student loans or future higher education expenses.
• Student loan forbearance during service term if Member qualifies.

Things to Note: Applicants should have a degree in natural resources, ecology, environmental science, biology, education, or a related field, along with a strong passion for ESLT’s mission and the region’s watersheds. Required qualifications include excellent communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to navigate and do service outdoors. Service sites may be up to 3 hours away, and overnight camping may be required. Applicants must be able to hike through creeks and vegetation in variable conditions (wind, heat, sun, insects, etc.) and serve in an office for up to 8 hours a day. Tolerance for diverse viewpoints and the ability to live in a remote rural area are essential. A sense of humor and a team-oriented mindset are a plus. ESLT staff will assist with orientation to Bishop and the surrounding area. Living in a small, safe town surrounded by stunning scenery and endless outdoor recreation is a unique and rewarding experience. Applicants must adhere to ESLT’s policies and procedures and possess (or be willing to obtain) a valid driver’s license.