Summary
The One Truckee River Coordinator, an AmeriCorps member, will be an essential member of the OTR team. The member will assist the OTR Executive Director to support the OTR partners to implement OTR’s high priority action items listed above.
Position Description
One Truckee River (OTR) is a collaboration of public and private partners focused on the implementation of the OTR Management Plan Phase I unanimously adopted by Washoe County, City of Reno, and the City of Sparks in 2016. The Management Plan listed out 103 action items devoted to protecting the river. Most of the Truckee River and the Truckee River corridor is managed and regulated by federal, state, and local agencies OTR seeks to coordinate existing agencies efforts and documents to implement the OTR Management Plan rather than create a new regulatory agency.
OTR mission is to ensure a healthy, thriving, sustainable river connected to the hearts and minds of its community. The OTR Management Plan has four primary goals focused on the health of the river, connecting people and places, creating an engaged community, and addressing the long term and sustainable management of the river. Within each of the goals are objectives, strategies and action items that provide the over-arching framework for the plan. At the end of 2017, OTR Partnership Council prioritized these nine OTR Action Items:
● 1.1.a) Identify location of all high-volume storm drains and the largest storm water contributions to the Truckee River.
● 1.3.c) Ensure adequate public restrooms along the Truckee River. Initiate a pilot study of temporary restroom facilities in priority areas along the river corridor.
● 1.4.c) Develop and implement a coordinated vegetation management plan along the river.
● 2.1.e) Enhance Truckee River visitor safety, access, public facilities (bathrooms) and education.
● 2.6.a) Expand the continuum of housing options, including a permanent overflow shelter, transitional housing, and access to permanent, supportive housing, including the wrap around services needed to support residents.
OTR staff and partners work to forward the implementation of these high priorities. The action items below prioritized have been completed and work continues on the topics:
● 1.2.a) Develop Truckee River Watershed Management Plan through stakeholder coordination and consensus process.
● 2.2.b) Complete a multi-jurisdictional signage plan including standards for maps, directions, rules, stewardship and interpretive signs.
● 4.1.a) Assess existing groups and structures for possible entities to house the management of the OTR Plan and develop recommendations.
● 4.2.b) Create metrics for measuring success and achievements of the plan.
The One Truckee River Coordinator, an AmeriCorps member, will be an essential member of the OTR team. The member will assist the OTR Executive Director to support the OTR partners to implement OTR’s high priority action items listed above.
Member Schedule & Service Location:
This position will require 40 hours of service per week, with Federal/State holidays off, and 2 weeks’ vacation. Monday – Friday, some weekends and evenings for special programs and events.
Timeline for Service:
January 2022-August 2023.
Term of Service & Time Requirements:
Member’s term of service begins on January 6th, 2022 and will be completed by August 11th, 2023. This is a half-term AmeriCorps member position. Members must complete 920 hours of service.
Host Site Agency Mission:
The mission of Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation (TMPF) is to support the parks departments operating in Truckee Meadows, including Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County parks. We do this primarily by providing in-park programming and opportunities for citizen engagement. TMPF is an independent, nonprofit organization that began operating in 2013. Our current programs focus on improving community health and wellness and developing people’s appreciation for the natural and cultural history found in local parks.
Program Mission:
The Student Stewards Program engages K-12 students in park-based, citizen science projects that encourage higher learning in science subjects.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Support OTR’s community input and data collection efforts from Brodhead Park to John Champion Park. Conduct research, lead community building activities, and support the development and implement of improvements along the Truckee River Corridor.
● Implement parts of OTR strategic outreach and communication plan.
● Assist with building a public champion to support the Truckee River Water Trail and Truckee River Urban Restoration Project to improve the ecological health and public access along the Truckee River Corridor.
● Support OTR River-Friendly Living Program, educating on the many ways everyone can protect the Truckee River.
● Help with work to coordinate OTR’s month-long celebration of Truckee River Month.
Secondary Responsibilities:
● Edit OTR documents, when needed.
● Promote OTR to the general public through community presentations and conducting activities that encourage community members to sign up for OTR social media sites.
● Develop and maintain relationships with local groups and community members with an interest in protecting the Truckee River.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
● Must have a high school diploma or equivalent or agree to earn a high school diploma or equivalent before using an educational award.
● Must be at least 17 years of age.
● Must be a US Citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
● Must be willing to commit to completing the 920 hours of service during the allotted term.
● Passionate commitment to OTR mission and vision.
● Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
● Strong organizational skills.
● Exceptional writing skills.
● Strong communication skills.
● High degree of initiative and spirit of service.
● Clean driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s degree in habitat restoration, landscape design, nonprofit management, or related field.
● Experience with event and volunteer coordination and planning.
● Comfort working with marginalized individuals.
● Communications experience (social media, basic graphic design, and public speaking).
Compensation and Benefits
In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance of $10,059/term, loan forbearance and interest payments on qualifying student loans, and will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,247.50 upon successful completion of service.
To apply:
Visit the OTR website https://www.onetruckeeriver.org/ or contact Iris Jehle-Peppard – iris@onetruckeeriver.org for more information.
