****PLEASE DO NOT APPLY UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN SENT THE LINK TO THE APPLICATION DIRECTLY, THANK YOU! ****
Title: AmeriCorps BLM Biological Wetlands Science Technician
Start: May 20, 2024 – August 8, 2024
Stipend: $760 per week living stipend + $160 per week housing stipend
Term: 12 weeks, 40 hours a week
Location: Based out of the San Luis Valley BLM Office Monte Vista, CO
Status: 450-hour AmeriCorps Service Term
Schedule: Individual Placement AmeriCorps members service hours typically follow Monday - Friday service schedule but may include weekends or evenings based on the specific needs of the service site.
Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $1,824.07 after successful completion and access to Member Assistant Program
Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy, that is built on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) which operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member’s needs. Members receive a weekly living allowance, training, and an AmeriCorps Education Award (for qualifying individuals).
Program Overview:
The Colorado Bureau of Land (BLM) Management in the San Luis Valley manages approximately 500,000 acres of public land in Colorado’s Rio Grande Basin. These public lands represent a myriad of diverse ecosystems, from alpine desert to the majestic Sangre De Cristo Wilderness on the eastern side of the Valley. The Wetlands/Wildlife Program within the San Luis Valley Office (SLVO) has an overall goal of protecting and enhancing wetlands and wildlife habitat, providing high quality habitats for the use and enjoyment of the public now and for future generations to come.
Wetland and riparian areas are central to an environments ability to sustain life. This is especially true in the arid climates of the West where water is a rapidly diminishing resource. Wetlands serve as a support against climate change by positively impacting several important environmental factors including, non-point source pollution, flooding, erosion, aquifer replenishment, and emergency water stores during drought conditions. These vital areas also serve as significant carbon sinks and are known to effectively sequester carbon from the atmosphere. The Individual Placement (IP) will serve on various restoration projects in the counties of the San Luis Valley which will directly impact the local fishing and hunting communities in for individuals and families who need it most.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities Include:
Assist with Wetland Projects at Four Wetland Properties (Blanca Wetlands, McIntire-Simpson property, Treasure Pass ditch and La Garita Wetlands)
• Setting up and maintaining irrigation infrastructure to meet specific wetland habitat needs
• Monitoring habitat conditions, wildlife, and waterbird response to conditions
• Riparian enclosure construction
• Manual weed control
• Manual well maintenance and compiling certification information
• Collect wetland and wildlife data including plant data, water quality monitoring and species surveys
• Implement invasive American bullfrog trapping/treatments
Preferred Qualifications or a Strong Desire to Grow in the Following:
• College student pursing a degree in Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, or related area of study
Housing Provided: No
General Requirements:
• Received or on track to receive high school diploma or GED
• Valid U.S Driver's License
• Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status
• U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks
Apply Now!
To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application.
Contact Niki Antonio with any questions | nantonio@conservationlegacy.org
Conservation Legacy strives to create a diverse workplace and an inclusive culture to give more people the chance to experience the outdoors and improve our shared outdoor spaces. Conservation Legacy encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this position. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Conservation Legacy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
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