Student Worker - Green Schoolyards Landscape Design Assistant

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines.If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.Job DescriptionThe goal of the project is to create sample Nevada schoolyard forest designs. Using a newly developed Nevada Schoolyard Tree Palette, research from the Desert Research Institute, design tips and guidance from Green Schoolyards America, these designs should help school districts and communities envision their spaces and select trees appropriately for student learning, shade, and play."Green Schoolyards Landscape Design" student(s) will develop schoolyard design examples for 2 schools (one elementary, one middle/high) that visualize an actionable, attainable, and practical transformation from low tree canopy, high solar radiation exposed student-accessible campus to "green schoolyards" standards.Students will be guided and mentored by Nevada Heat Lab and Green Schoolyards staff, and will be tasked with:Developing design examples to serve as a launching point for schools to reference when creating schoolyard forests or outdoor learning and play spaces.Highlight tree species that are climate resilient, ecologically appropriate, low maintenance, and serve specific functional roles in the school campusNoting the different design needs across different school types including (but not limited to) the following design considerations:Elementary SchoolsNature play or small group gathering spaces (i.e. spaces with smaller stature species, but shaded and with room for smaller students to play)Outdoor classroom (i.e. spaces with taller stature species with seating circles for 20-30 students)Shaded play (i.e. larger stature species providing shade for play structures)Middle/High SchoolsOutdoor classroom or gathering space(s) for multiple-subject learningShaded social or lunch spacesRequired Qualifications:Must be an NSHE student enrolled in at least 6 creditsHave completed coursework equivalent to at least senior (4th year) standing in Landscape ArchitectureHave access to sufficient software resources and computer access to draft designs in appropriate design softwareHave sufficient knowledge and capabilities to draft professional quality landscape designs meeting industry standardsMust be able to work independently and report progress at weekly meetings with DRI supervisorsMust be able to access transportation to school sites for site visitsStudents are expected to maintain curiosity about the project; ask questions of DRI, Green Schoolyards, and CCSD staff to ensure the deliverables meet client desires; and perform research to source examples and ideas from other geographic regionsPhysical Requirements:Ability to work for up to 3 hours at a time at a desk or computer researching and drafting design. Occasional travel is required to different site locations around Clark County, NV (up to four sites) utilizing personal vehicle or public transportation for site visits.HOURS / PAYWork hours will vary depending on project phases from 5-15 hours per week from February 25 - May 16, 2026. Hourly pay range will be $20.00/hour.ExemptNoFull-Time Equivalent25.0%Required Attachment(s)Please submit a resumePosting Close DateNote to ApplicantApplicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).