International Conservation Volunteer Exchange

Reno, NV - 89511

(775) 784-1192

A program of the Great Basin Institute (GBI), the International Conservation Volunteer Exchange (ICVE) is a volunteer and internship program for international participants who wish to collaborate with American environmental professionals on natural resource projects on public lands throughout the American West. ICVE is based on the philosophy that international understanding and goodwill can be achieved through cooperating on the shared goal of improving the environment. By attracting a corps of conservation-minded volunteers, ICVE contributes to the breakdown of cultural barriers while advancing ecological awareness on a global scale. As a cross-cultural exchange between young men and women from all corners of the world, ICVE focuses on the idea of global citizenship through conservation-based service projects. ICVE allows like-minded individuals from around the globe to utilize their collective passion for the environment on projects across the Great Basin Region. This opportunity to discover new cultures, protect sensitive wilderness and make new friendships that last a lifetime, are just a few of the valuable facets of ICVE. By using conservation-based projects as a means to cross cultural thresholds, ICVE enables the growth of international understanding while highlighting the rugged beauty of the western United States. Since 2004 ICVE has collaborated with dozens of international environmental exchange programs, attracting over 600 students and young professionals from 45 countries and six continents around the world to serve on conservation projects throughout Nevada and the mountainous West.

More information:

Volunteer Information:

Galena Creek Forest Recreation Area Naturalist Description: Working collaboratively with the USDA Forest Service and Washoe County, the Great Basin Institute’s International Conservation Volunteer Exchange (ICVE) is seeking a Forest Recreation Area Naturalist, hereafter referred to as Naturalist. This volunteer position(s) of Naturalist will assist with environmental education on the forest and urban interface between Reno, Nevada and the Sierra Nevada mountains, with special emphasis on the unique ecology of Galena Creek Park. Specific duties of the Naturalist include: 1) Providing interpretive and directional information for the Galena Creek Recreation Area, 2) Developing educational materials based on Sierra Nevada and Great Basin Natural History, 3) Presenting public outreach programs including community events, hikes, short talks, Friday Night Campfire programs, library programs, and other special events, 4) Conducting informal roving interpretation to the public on foot, 5) Staffing the information desk at the Galena Creek Visitor Center to answer phone and in-person inquiries, open and close the visitor center, daily center upkeep, and provide a high level of customer service to visitors, and 6) Staffing the Center Bookstore, which includes doing inventory, running a cash register, and answering questions about merchandise. This position will require travel throughout the Reno/Mt. Rose Scenic Byway area, as well as working on weekends and most holidays. Compensation: • $100 per diem per week; • Housing and utilities provided Timeline: • Beginning immediately for a three-month duration with extension available; • Full time, 40 hours per week including holidays and weekends. Location: • Galena Creek Regional Park, Reno NV - USA Qualifications: • Coursework in an environmental science or related field ; • Either currently enrolled in a State recognized educational institution, or have graduated within the last 12 months of start date; • Experience developing and implementing environmental education and outreach programs desired but not required; • Motivated, self-starter who is detail oriented; • Flexibility to handle competing and changing priorities; • Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse public in a variety of forums; • Ability to speak English conversationally required; • Meet eligibility requirements for obtaining, and maintaining, a J1 Exchange Visitor visa. Costs • Participant is responsible for a $300, non-refundable, SEVP Administration Fee and a $150 security deposit that is refundable upon completion of the participant’s service agreement with the ICVE, the inspection of living areas and any field gear issued. ICVE begins the visa process when these fees are paid. • Participants are responsible for all direct and indirect expenses associated with transportation to and from Nevada, medical insurance, personal spending money, and visa fees. Please note that all J-1 interns are subject to additional U.S. government visa processing fees.

How to Apply:
Qualified and interested applicants should forward a cover letter, their résumé, and a list of three professional references to icve@thegreatbasininstitute.org. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion.

Statistic	Count
Total Approved Listings:	34714
Listings Pending Approval:	3
Total Members:	288500

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