Contact Name: Emma Nehan-Springstead
Company/Organization/Agency: Conservation Corps New Mexico
Address: 512 North Valley Dr., Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005 United States
Email Address: enehan@conservationlegacy.org
Contact Phone: (575) 635-2884
Job Title: Rare Plants Crew Member
Job Description: To apply: https://corpsnm.org/crew-positions
Position Title: Crew Member (Botany Emphasis).
Position Type: Full-time, temporary, 25 weeks.
Location: Based in Santa Fe, NM with travel throughout the state expected.
Stipend: $550/week
Benefits: Paid training; health benefits; Grocery budget while camping in the field. AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of term.
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Eligible to use, for two years upon completion of term, a non-competitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive service positions for a federal agency.
Program Dates: (Anticipated) April 2022 – October 20222. Start date contingent upon DOI background check.
Conservation Corps New Mexico Mission
Conservation Corps New Mexico, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across southern New Mexico and western Texas that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. For more information, visit www.corpsnm.org.
Position Overview:
Crew members will work with a crew leader for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rare Plant Monitoring Initiative, operated by Conservation Corps New Mexico. More information about New Mexico’s rare plants, can be found here. The crew will consist of three individuals: two crew members and one crew leader. Together, the crew will monitor rare plants in remote areas on BLM lands across NM, particularly in areas where multiple-use land management (i.e. energy extraction) impacts rare plants are expected. Due to the inevitable proximity of monitoring plots to well pads and industrial equipment, safety is a prerequisite and will guide how fieldwork is conducted. Crews will be required to drive to different areas throughout New Mexico, camp overnight for 2-7 consecutive days, potentially hike several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management.
Crew Member Responsibilities
Crew members will participate in the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s Rare Plant Monitoring Team by monitoring existing plots and establishing new long term demographic trend monitoring plots for imperiled plant species. Members will demonstrate strong botanical, statistical, and organizational skills, and maintain exceptional attention to detail in relation to monitoring efforts and data management. Effectively coordinate with the crew leader and supervisor to complete tasks properly. Exhibit familiarity and comfort with hiking and camping in rugged conditions, as well as perseverance in extreme weather conditions. Demonstrate passion for botany and eagerness to learn the local flora from the crew leader and local resources to build botanical knowledge throughout the position.
This is a full-time, temporary position that requires overnight camping and non-traditional work hours inclusive of weekend and evening hours.
Minimum Qualifications:
Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of employment and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting.
College Graduate with degree in ecology, botany, plant ecology, plant biology, plant systematics, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field.
Eligible to accept a 900-hour service term with Americorps.
Aged between 21 and 30 years upon hire.
With U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence and associated identification, including:
A signed social security card.
A Birth Certificate & government issued photo ID OR a valid passport.
Ability to produce identification as stipulated by I-9 upon hire.
Valid US driver's license and driving record in good standing.
Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
Self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after initial training period; must be capable of performing well in an office setting, as well as the field.
Ability to work in and respond to adverse weather conditions including extreme heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears).
Experience working as part of a team and ability to work well with others.
Experience and willingness to spend multiple days (1-8 days at a time) car-camping in remote areas; familiarity or willingness to learn and adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles.
Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, in remote areas on unimproved roads and driving for extended periods of time.
Ability to pass Conservation Legacy's Criminal History Check and DOI Background Check.
Preferred Qualifications:
1 to 2 years of experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species in the field, from photos, and from pressed specimens
Familiarity with New Mexico flora in general and Flora Neomexicana III is preferred.
Experience with Floras from adjacent states to New Mexico.
Experience working in regions with high floristic diversity.
Experience working as part of a small team and able to work well with others.
Excellent communication, organizational, and planning skills.
Experience with ArcGIS tablet applications and basic troubleshooting (Collector and Survey 123).
Experience with ArcGIS Online interface.
Knowledge of downloading, using, and syncing ArcGIS Online Maps.
Experience collecting, managing and summarizing data for plant and/or animal monitoring programs.
Experience performing quality assurance, quality control, and data analysis using Microsoft Excel and R.
Current CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Defensive Driver Training certificates.
To apply: https://corpsnm.org/crew-positions
Job Start Date: 4/1/2022
Application Deadline: 2/28/2022
Additional Information: To apply: https://corpsnm.org/crew-positions