TITLE: RARE PLANT SURVEY INTERN (2 OPENINGS)

START/END DATE: April 4, 2022 – September 16, 2022 (anticipated)  

STIPEND: $600/  (+Education Award)

TERM: 24 weeks

REPORTS TO: John Kendall (Wildlife Biologist) Brian “Mike’ Beitner (Botany Asst. Lead)

LOCATION: BLM Farmington Field Office (6251 College Blvd., Suite A, Farmington, NM 87402)

STATUS: 900-hour AmeriCorps Service Term

BENEFITS: AmeriCorps Education Award $3,247.50 ; Public Lands Corps Certificate*; both with successful completion of the internship.

SUMMARY:

CONSERVATION CORPS NEW MEXICO (CCNM):

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. The CCNM Individual Placement Program is managed from the Arizona Conservation Corps office in Tucson, Arizona. The CCNM program office in Las Cruces manages the CCNM field program. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The BLM Farmington Field Office manages nearly 1.4 million acres of scenic public lands in northwestern New Mexico’s San Juan Basin for multiple uses, ranging from energy development to wildlife habitat to recreation and conservation. The Farmington Field Office manages prehistoric, historic, and cultural sites, recreation sites, and 2.7 million acres of Federal mineral estate.

The selected individuals will visit locations across public lands managed by the Farmington, Rio Puerco and Socorro Field Offices, where they will conduct rare plant surveys in order to assess habitat suitability and document new occurrences. Three BLM-sensitive plant species have been the focus of habitat modeling: Aztec gilia (Aliciella formosa), Clover’s cactus (Sclerocactus cloverae), and Gypsum Townsend’s aster (Townsendia gypsophila). The selected individuals will assist in ongoing efforts to monitor and document these species. Another two BLM-sensitive plant species are less well-documented: Sivinski’s Blazing Star (Mentzelia sivinskii) and Mancos Saltplant (Proatriplex pleiantha). Selected individuals will participate in range-wide survey for these species. The data gathered will assist with conservation efforts for these special status species. Finally, the selected individuals may assist in tasks, including survying and monitoring and related recovery project for the federally-listed (T) Mesa Verde Cactus (Sclerocactus mesae-verdae) and, Knowlton’s cactus (Pediocactus knowltonii) (E) and other special status plant species. . These positions will involve significant driving, hiking, and use of field-based GIS equipment such as ArcCollector and Survey123. The Farmington Field Office does not have available housing. Interns must provide their own personal transportation to the duty office.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct clearance surveys for sensitive plant species for proposed project activities, including oil and gas projects. .Visit random assigned points to conduct vegetation surveys.
• Record data for all rare species found at each survey site.
• Record data for other special status plants species at survey sites.
• Assist Plant Conservation and Restoration Program by ground-truthing habitat suitability models.

Required Skills

REQUIRED SKILLS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of term and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting.
• Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in botany, ecology, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Prior experience in plant identification to species or experience using a dichotomous key.
• Field navigation skills and experience using GPS.
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive truck on rugged and/or unimproved gravel or dirt roads in remote areas for extended periods of time.
• Ability to camp in field settings for 2 to 3 days per week.
• Ability to conduct thorough and accurate botanical inventorying.
• Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software.
• 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.
• Applicants must pass a DOI security background check and should possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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/or Flora Neomexicana III.
• Experience with Floras from states adjacent to New Mexico.
• Experience working in regions with high floristic diversity.
• Experience working as part of a small team and the ability to work well with others.
• 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.
• Experience performing quality assurance, quality control, and data analysis using Microsoft Excel.
• Previous experience with a Conservation Corps or youth-serving organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, etc. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis. He/she must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to hike up to six miles in rough terrain.
• Ability to car-camp in a side-country setting (e.g., no facilities).
• This position calls for high levels of concentration. A moderate amount of travel is required to attend meetings, provide assistance to other field offices, and to provide or receive training.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PARTICIPANT ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

PARTICIPATION AND EXPEDITION BEHAVIOR:

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization
• Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico, the BLM and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work

SAFETY AND JUDGMENT: 

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high
• Practice safe driving in variable conditions, including inclement weather, gravel/dirt/two-track roads, and mixed traffic.
• Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards, and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• If taking prescriptions medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from

SUBSTANCE FREE:

• In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

A DOI background clearance must be completed before the selected candidate may report to duty. The BLM will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after an intern has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start the internship. THIS PROCESS WILL DETERMINE THE INTERNSHIP’S EXACT START DATE.

Interns will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to gov’t vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Interns must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.

*To be eligible for a Public Lands Corps certificate, interns must be between the ages of 18-30, inclusive, at the time the individual begins the term of service.

TO APPLY: Please submit an updated resume and cover letter along with the online application at https://corpsnm.org/individual-placement-openings . If you have questions, contact CCNM’s Individual Placement Program Coordinator SamJean Simmons at ssimmons@conservationlegacy.org . 

For more information about Conservation Corps New Mexico, please visit www.corpsnm.org. Conservation Corps New Mexico is a program of Conservation Legacy.

Required Experience

REQUIRED SKILLS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Full vaccination against COVID-19 by the first day of term and ability to provide proof of vaccination before starting.
• Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in botany, ecology, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Prior experience in plant identification to species or experience using a dichotomous key.
• Field navigation skills and experience using GPS.
• Ability to drive a 4-wheel drive truck on rugged and/or unimproved gravel or dirt roads in remote areas for extended periods of time.
• Ability to camp in field settings for 2 to 3 days per week.
• Ability to conduct thorough and accurate botanical inventorying.
• Experience with and knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software.
• 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.
• Applicants must pass a DOI security background check and should possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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/or Flora Neomexicana III.
• Experience with Floras from states adjacent to New Mexico.
• Experience working in regions with high floristic diversity.
• Experience working as part of a small team and the ability to work well with others.
• 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.
• Experience performing quality assurance, quality control, and data analysis using Microsoft Excel.
• Previous experience with a Conservation Corps or youth-serving organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, etc. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis. He/she must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to hike up to six miles in rough terrain.
• Ability to car-camp in a side-country setting (e.g., no facilities).
• This position calls for high levels of concentration. A moderate amount of travel is required to attend meetings, provide assistance to other field offices, and to provide or receive training.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PARTICIPANT ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

PARTICIPATION AND EXPEDITION BEHAVIOR:

• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization
• Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico, the BLM and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all
• Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work

SAFETY AND JUDGMENT: 

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high
• Practice safe driving in variable conditions, including inclement weather, gravel/dirt/two-track roads, and mixed traffic.
• Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards, and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• If taking prescriptions medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from

SUBSTANCE FREE:

• In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

A DOI background clearance must be completed before the selected candidate may report to duty. The BLM will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after an intern has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start the internship. THIS PROCESS WILL DETERMINE THE INTERNSHIP’S EXACT START DATE.

Interns will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to gov’t vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Interns must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.

*To be eligible for a Public Lands Corps certificate, interns must be between the ages of 18-30, inclusive, at the time the individual begins the term of service.

TO APPLY: Please submit an updated resume and cover letter along with the online application at https://corpsnm.org/individual-placement-openings . If you have questions, contact CCNM’s Individual Placement Program Coordinator SamJean Simmons at ssimmons@conservationlegacy.org . 

For more information about Conservation Corps New Mexico, please visit www.corpsnm.org. Conservation Corps New Mexico is a program of Conservation Legacy.