PROGRAM OVERVIEW Interns will work in a crew of 3 people (one crew lead and two technicians) to monitor land health on National Monument lands, vegetation treatments, rangeland allotments, or reference areas. 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 at: 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. The Crew Leader will be required to report data on multiple levels (i.e. district/field office lead, the National Operations Center, Jornada Rangeland Research Programs, etc.). As such the ability to communicate effectively with agency staff and a diverse public is essential. Subsequent reports must be completed and will involve the presentation of scientific data and pre/post treatment analysis. The Crew Lead is also responsible for: supporting and managing the field crew, coordinating field logistics and scheduling, managing the crew’s budget, and completing administrative paperwork. QUALIFICATIONS Applicants should have a degree in ecology, botany, range science, soil science, wildlife biology, natural resource management, biology, conservation biology, or a related field. The crew lead position must have previous vegetation monitoring experience and have experience in a leadership role. The lead should also have experience working as part of a team and be able to work well with others. This should include excellent communication and organizational skills. Applicants with previous AIM or Indicators of Rangeland Health training are highly preferred. Identifying plants to species and experience with a taxonomic key is essential to the position. Familiarity with New Mexico flora is beneficial. The leader should also have experience with GPS units as well as experience creating maps, performing basic analysis and organizing data within GIS software (ArcMap). Background in statistics/Microsoft Suite, including Access, is useful. The successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period. 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. Preference will be given to candidates with Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Medicine certifications. 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. BENEFITS Salary: $600-$680/week DOE $15/day camp rate per diem, generous health benefits package PROGRAM DATES Start Date: 11/01/2017 POSITION TYPE Full-time, temporary. TO APPLY Navigate to http://www.conservationlegacy.org/join/ and click on "Search for all current Conservation Legacy Positions". Search for "AIM" on the Position Search page. Click on "AIM Vegetation Monitoring Crew Leader" and submit an application. CONTACT PERSON Lauren Van Vliet lau...@conservationlegacy.org
