About Us: The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE), a non-profit organization, has been actively engaged in the conservation of native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education for over 20 years. We fill a unique niche in this field by working with a diverse group of partners including federal, state and county agencies and municipalities to accomplish our mission. Our Southwest Office (IAE SW) works in New Mexico and Arizona. We cultivate partnerships to facilitate large-scale, regional conservation projects, develop ecologically appropriate sources of native seed, offer native species education opportunities and materials, provide technical assistance to restoration and management planning and implementation, and conduct on-the ground habitat restoration and applied research
START DATE: April 2023
END DATE: October 2023
LOCATION: Santa Fe, NM
Compensation:
$18.50/hr, plus travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging). No
additional benefits included. These are full-time temporary positions with paid holidays and sick
leave.
Position Description: Crew members will work with a crew lead for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rare Plant Monitoring Initiative, operated by the Institute for Applied Ecology. More information about New Mexico’s rare plants can be found here. The crew will consist of three individuals: two crew members and one crew lead. They will monitor demography of rare plants on BLM lands across NM following established protocols, particularly in areas where multipleuse land management (i.e. energy extraction) impacts on rare plants are expected. Crews will be required to drive to remote areas throughout New Mexico, camp overnight for 2-7 consecutive days, hike up to several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. While rare plant inventories are the focus, where possible, crews will assist with other plant conservation program projects in progress during the summer. Projects may include native seed collection, pollinator monitoring, floristic diversity surveys and native plant restoration. This is a full-time, temporary position that requires overnight camping and non-traditional work hours inclusive of weekend and evening hours.
Minimum Qualifications:
● Valid US driver’s license and driving record in good standing
● 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
● 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
● Ability to work in and respond to adverse field conditions which may include extreme
heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife
(i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears)
● Experience working as part of a small team and ability to work well with others
● Experience safely operating 4WD trucks on paved and unpaved roads, in remote areas on
unimproved roads and driving for extended periods of time
● Familiarity with basic plant taxonomy, including major families and botanical vocabulary
Preferred Skills:
● Current CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Defensive Driver Training certificates
● 1 to 2 years of experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species in the field,
from photos, and from pressed specimens
● Experience with ArcGIS tablet applications (Collector and Survey123)
● Coursework in botany, plant ecology, plant biology, plant systematics, ecology
● Knowledge of New Mexico plant communities
● Experience collecting data for plant and/or animal monitoring programs
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please submit the following as a single pdf:
o Brief cover letter describing your interest in the position and stating when you would be
available to start work.
o Resume identifying any relevant experience (paid or unpaid)
o Contact information (phone and email) for 2-3 professional references (including past
employers/supervisors).
Email application materials to swjobs@appliedeco.org with subject line “Southwest Rare
Plants-Technician” no later than Wednesday, December 28, 2022.