Conservation Corps New Mexico

Contact Name: Emma Nehan-Springstead

Company/Organization/Agency: Conservation Corps New Mexico

Address: 512 North Valley Dr., Las Cruces, NM 88005 United States

Email Address: mnorris@conservationlegacy.org

Contact Phone: (928) 266-5369

Job Title: Seeds of Success Crewmember

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 or Carlsbad, NM with travel throughout the state expected.
Salary: $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) May 30, 2022 – November 18, 2022.


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 the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Seeds of Success (SOS) team, operated by Conservation Corps New Mexico. Crews will be based out of the BLM state office in Santa Fe, NM. The crew will collect seeds from native species in remote areas on BLM Land and on occasion State, Private, and Public Lands across NM, following SOS protocols. The crew will collaborate with other regional crews to make seed collections. Crew members will receive training from the crew leader and will participate in a regional seed collection training with local botany experts. Crews will be required to drive to different areas throughout New Mexico, camp overnight, potentially hike several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. This position involves significant driving relative to other types of field work. Crew members must be prepared for long days driving and scouting from a truck. Safety is a prerequisite, particularly where industry development (energy extraction, e.g. Natural gas) is occurring and during hunting season, and will guide how fieldwork is conducted.

Crew Member Responsibilities:

Participates in the Bureau of Land Management New Mexico Seeds of Success (SOS) team by collecting seeds from priority species across New Mexico. Assists with additional projects related to rare plant monitoring. Demonstrates strong botanical and organizational skills, and maintains exceptional attention to detail in relation to data collection and management. Effectively coordinates with the crew leader and supervisor to complete tasks properly. Exhibits familiarity and comfort with hiking and camping in rugged conditions, as well as perseverance in extreme weather conditions. Demonstrates 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.
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.
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, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid and Defensive Driver Training Certificates.

Job Start Date: 5/30/2022

Application Deadline: 4/1/2022

Additional Information: To apply: https://corpsnm.org/crew-positions