*AIM Vegetation Monitoring Crew Member*
*Program Overview:*
Participants will manage all aspects of vegetation monitoring using the
Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring
(AIM) methodology. More information on the BLM’s AIM strategy can be
found here.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LciTBPG2-Ss&feature=youtu.be> Experience
with identifying vegetation to species is essential for the position.
Within all plots, vegetation will be identified to species; line-point
intercept will be used to gather species cover and composition data;
shrub density will be measured; and soil descriptions will be required.
All point data will be gathered using a GPS unit and stored in an ArcGIS
geodatabase. Data are entered into the Database for Inventory,
Monitoring, and Assessment (DIMA) on site with ruggedized tablets and
are further analyzed and synthesized into various reports for future
land management planning. DIMA requires a high level of Quality
Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), therefore attention to detail is
paramount for these positions. Subsequent, professional reports must be
completed and will involve the presentation of scientific data and pre
and post treatment analysis. Crew may be camping 1-6 nights/week,
depending on location.
*Required Skills*
Applicants should have a degree in ecology, botany, range science, soil
science, wildlife biology, natural resource management, biology,
conservation biology, or a related field. Identifying plants to species
and experience with a taxonomic key is essential to the position.
Familiarity with northern New Mexico flora is beneficial. The successful
applicant must be self-motivated and able to work independently with
limited supervision after the initial training period. Applicants with
previous AIM or Indicators of Rangeland Health training are highly
preferred. Background in statistics/Microsoft Suite, including Access,
is additionally useful. Experience creating maps and performing basic
functions with GIS software (ArcMap) is preferred. The applicant must be
able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field work,
which can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven
ground; bending, crouching, stooping, stretching or reaching to observe
occurrences or place and retrieve equipment or devices; lifting and
moving moderately heavy items. Applicant must be physically fit, able to
stand and walk for long periods of time (at a minimum 6 miles/day) and
lift items that weigh up to 40 pounds in upwards of 100 degree heat. The
successful applicant will have experience and willingness to spend
multiple days camping in remote areas and be familiar with best
practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles. A government
vehicle will be used for work travel but a personal vehicle is highly
recommended for travel to and from the duty station and for personal
time. Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads,
often in remote areas on unimproved roads is also necessary. There is
potential for working in adverse conditions including extreme heat and
monsoonal rains and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions),
so field safety skills and risk management are important. The successful
applicant will also attend CPR, First Aid training and Defensive Driving
(or provide certification if still current). Applicant must have a valid
driver’s license and a good driving record. Prior to starting this
position a government security background clearance will be required.
Must be Americorps eligible.
Please indicate your location preference(s) in your cover letter. Note
that Las Cruces start date is in July.
*Job Location*
Taos, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
*Position Type*
Full-Time/Regular/up to 23 weeks
*Salary*
400.00 - 520.00/wk + Americorps stipend at successful completion of term
*Natalie Pyrooz*
*Southwest Conservation Corps*
*Ancestral Lands GIS Monitoring Program Coordinator*
701 Camino del Rio Suite 101
Durango, CO 81301
Office: 970-403-0137
Cell: 970-903-9773
Fax: 970.259.9424
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
www.sccorps.org <http://www.sccorps.org/>
/Fostering conservation service in support of communities and ecosystems
| Local action, enduring impact/
