Southwest Conservation Corps is excited to partner with the Santa Fe National Forest to host COVID Response Teams. We are now hiring crew leaders! 

Title: Santa Fe National Forest, COVID Response Team – Crew Leader
Reports to: Adult Programs Manager
Locations: Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico
Status: Full-time, Non-exempt
Start/end date: May 17, 2021 October 2021
Wages: 685 / week
Benefits: Food provided while in the field, uniforms, development opportunities
Position open until filled.

Southwest Conservation Corps:
The 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) that operated from 1933 – 1942. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects 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).

For the health and safety of our crews, staff and communities, projects may be postponed or adjusted due to COVID-19. The information provided in this Position Description is an outline of how our program has typically been operating, however is subject to change. As this situation develops, and decisions are made, we will provide updates. We encourage you to continue with the application process and we will keep consistent and direct communication with all applicants.

Position Summary:
The Santa Fe Covid Response Team is a smaller crew, consisting of 1 Leader and 2 Members. This smaller size allows the crew more mobility and ease of travel throughout the forest to respond to unique project needs.

Crews work primarily in frontcountry locations in all weather conditions. Standard schedule consists of 5 days on-hitch (8 hours/day) and 2 days off with some exception. On-hitch, crews camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores. Does not provide accommodations off-hitch and Crew Leaders will be responsible for their own accommodations during that time. The Crews will be based out of Santa Fe and can expect not to return to office during work time.

Crew Leaders will lead crews in completing conservation projects while instilling interpersonal skills and leadership skills. Crew leaders will also be responsible for leading crews in environmental stewardship,   Leave No Trace, and risk management. A variety of soft skills and technical competencies are required to be successful in this role. See below for core competencies.

The Santa Fe National Forest, Covid Response Crew will work with the Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District or the Jemez Ranger District for their season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Districts received an amount of visitation far beyond the seasonal crew capacity to maintain recreation facilities’ cleanliness, address vandalism repairs, and address resource impacts to dispersed recreation areas.

Project work will include, but not limited to: Install signage in highly impacted areas, Replace doors and other structures that were vandalized during closures, Repair damaged picnic tables, Assist with the district’s cleaning schedule to ensure an acceptable state of recreational facilities, Remove trash, and address the immediate 3-5 miles of highly impacted trails.

Leadership & Mentorship:
*   Integrate values pertaining to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) within the corps
*   Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions via informal lessons to contribute to the crew’s personal growth and group dynamics.
*   Foster 21stcentury work skills in corps members, i.e.: collaboration & teamwork, creativity & imagination, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility & adaptability
*   Must be willing to follow and enforce all SCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent SCC. This includes creating a substance free work environment, refraining from the use of tobacco products, alcohol, and drugs while involved in the program

Project Management & Implementation:
*   Implement an 8 to 10-hour workday and ensure professionalism is always maintained
*   Delegation of project work & investment among crew
*   Manage the on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work
*   Think critically to resolve issues and solve problems
*   Effectively coordinate logistics with project partners, crew, & SCC staff

Risk Management:
*   Analyze, manage, and inform on hazardous conditions and crew health
*   Exhibit strong situational awareness & promote a culture of safety
*   Transport crew and equipment safely in vans or large SUVs with trailers

Administration:
*   Meet all deadlines for documentation, i.e., timesheets, evaluations, incident reports
*   Record all project related outcomes and deliverables
*   Manage food budget and credit card for purchases

Minimum Qualifications:
*   Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission
*   Ability to effectively and manage all aspects of crew life and production within a 40 to 50-hour work week
*   Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment
*   Willingness to learn
*   Must be adaptive, patient and able to maintain a positive perspective throughout the season
*   Physically fit and able to work long days in adverse conditions
*   Must be able to speak, understand and write English
*   High School diploma or GED certificate
*   Must hold current/relevant medical certification (WFA, WFR, WEMT, or OEC) with CPR/AED
*   Must be 21, have a clean driving record (insurable by SCC) and a current driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:
*   Experience with SCC or other conservation corps or youth corps
*   Be a local resident of New Mexico
*   Experience with experiential and/or environmental education
*   Facilitation and team-building experience with diverse groups of people
*   Strong time-management skills and ability to work independently as well as with others
*   Desire to work on a variety of conservation-based projects
*   Strong conflict resolution skills
*   Leadership experience with youth or young adults
*   Technical trail experience
*   Relevant Bachelor’s Degree
*   Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference and promote leadership in others.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To apply:
Upload resume, cover letter and complete the Crew Leader application here!
Any questions can be addressed to: Lisa Slupianek, Four Corners Adult Program Manager – lslupianek@conservationlegacy.org

Southwest Conservation Corps is currently accepting applications for Ecological Monitoring crew leaders and members in Las Cruces, NM.

Crew Leader
Number of Positions:  3
Location: Las Cruces BLM District Office in New Mexico
Program Dates:
1 position: July 5, 2021 to July 1, 2022 (52 weeks)
2 positions: July 5, 2021 to February 18, 2022 (33 weeks)
Salary:  $685/week
Benefits:  Paid training; camping food allowance ($13/day via company credit card); health benefits package
Hiring Benefits:  Public Land Corps hiring authority: eligible to use, for two years upon completion of term, a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive service positions for a federal agency.

Crew Member
Number of Positions:  6
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Living Stipend:   $520/week
Benefits:  Paid training; camping food allowance ($13/day via company credit card); AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,907.50 upon satisfactory completion of term
Hiring Benefits:   Public Land Corps hiring authority: eligible to use, for two years upon completion of term, a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive service positions for a federal agency.  See below.  Must be under age 31 upon issue of certificate.
Program Dates:  July 12 – December 17, 2021

Crews will conduct vegetation monitoring using the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, & Monitoring (AIM) methodology. More information on the BLM’s AIM strategy can be found on the AIM website: BLM AIM.    Crews will consist of three individuals: two crew members and one crew lead.  Together, they will monitor land health on BLM lands including National Monument lands, vegetation treatments, rangeland allotments, or reference areas using AIM methodology.

Within all plots, the crew will identify vegetation to species, gather species cover and composition data using line-point intercept and gap measurements, measure soil stability, and describe the site and soil pits.  All data will be georeferenced using a GPS unit and stored in an ArcGIS geodatabase.  Data are entered into a database on site with ruggedized tablets and are further analyzed and, at the end of the season, synthesized into various reports for future land management planning.  The crew may also have the opportunity to assist with other public land management projects involving wildlife, range, and forestry.

Thank you,

Subject: Alaska Field Technician Position

The Hydro-Biogeochemical Research Group at the University of Washington is looking to fill a paid summer field technician position.

Starting in late May 2021, the hydro-biogeochemistry group at UW in Seattle (UW Hydro-biogeochemistry Opportunities) has an opening for a summer field technician. The technician will be working at two field sites located in Alaska “one in Fairbanks and one in Kenai” on a project investigating methane production and methane oxidation in permafrost thaw bogs. The project is focused on advancing understanding of how permafrost landscapes in Northern latitudes affect, and are affected by, climatic change. The site in Fairbanks is in the Bonanza Creek LTER research forest and is part of the Alaska Peatland Experiment (APEX). The site in Kenai is in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. The technician will live in Fairbanks over the summer in supplied housing and travel back and forth to the two field sites by car. All travel, including flights to Alaska (if needed) and transportation while in Alaska, are paid for by the program. Position responsibilities include assisting the field efforts of a graduate student researcher, making various routine measurements (e.g., gas flux, well elevations, water levels, active layer depth, etc.), overseeing performance and troubleshooting of an automated belowground root imaging and oxygen sensor network, and carrying heavy loads of equipment to and from the site (~1 mile distance).

If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Neumann (rbneum@uw.edu) with:
1) A cover letter expressing why you are interested and qualified for the position
2) A CV or resume
3) Names and contact information of three individuals able to provide a letter of recommendation.

The Nyholm Lab in Molecular and Cell Biology is looking for some help taking care of our squid this fall! This would involve monitoring water quality, feeding squid/shrimp, and sometimes going into the field to catch shrimp. We will teach you everything you need to know on the job. It’s a great opportunity to work hands-on with animals. This is a volunteer position, BUT if you are eligible for work study, we can hire you through the work study program so you can be paid for this work. 

To apply, fill out this Google form by end of day, April 28, 2021: https://forms.gle/YBijHc6TexPrFYNp9

If you are interested in the lab’s research, you can learn more at our site this here: https://nyholmlab.uconn.edu/

If you have any questions, you can email me at derrick.kamp@uconn.edu

The Anderson lab at the University of Georgia is searching for an
enthusiastic undergraduate with a strong interest in evolutionary
ecology for field research in an NSF REU position (National Science
Foundation, Research Experience for Undergraduates) from June-August
2021. We study the ecological and evolutionary consequences of climate
change for natural plant populations. We focus on research on Drummond¡¯s
rockcress (Boechera stricta in the plant family Brassicaceae), a mustard
plant native to the Rocky Mountains. Our studies take place around the
Rocky Mountain Biological Lab (http://www.rmbl.org/), which is located in
Gothic, Colorado near the wildflower capital of Colorado (Crested Butte).
We quantify plant fitness and traits to ask whether climate change
could disrupt long-standing patterns of local adaptation, and to test
whether phenotypic plasticity will enable populations to persist in the
short-term. We perform large-scale reciprocal transplant experiments
to examine patterns of adaptive evolution and natural selection in
contemporary landscapes. Since fall 2013, we have planted >150,000
seeds and seedlings into five experimental gardens ranging in elevation
from 2500 m to 3340 m (8202 feet to 11000 feet). Our summer research
involves intensive monitoring of these experimental plants to record
data on germination success, survival, growth, reproductive success,
as well as life history and morphological traits. We conduct most of
our work in the field, with a small proportion of indoor lab work.

Undergraduate students are eligible for this REU position. If you will
graduate prior to field work, please consider applying to our field
technician positions.

The successful candidate will assist with ongoing fieldwork. In addition,
there are many opportunities for students to develop independent
projects associated with our overall objectives, including studies on: 1)
population divergence in ecologically-relevant traits, especially drought,
UV tolerance, and herbivore resistance; 2) phenotypic plasticity at
multiple spatial scales; 3) population density and species composition
of the herbivore community that attacks Drummond¡¯s rockcress; 4)
flower color polymorphism; and 5) the importance of maternal effects in
biological responses to climate change.

We are offering a stipend of $500/week for a full time REU student (40
hours/week) for 10 weeks.  The exact start and end dates are flexible. We
will cover room and board at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
and reimburse travel expenses up to $500. Fieldwork will involve hiking
to experimental gardens through rough terrain (1-3 miles one-way daily).

The University of Georgia is committed to maintaining a fair
and respectful environment for living, work, and study. We celebrate
diversity in human identity, experience, and perspective. Collectively,
we excel when we learn from each other and when we remain open to new
points of view. We seek to cultivate an inclusive lab culture, open to
people of all racial, socioeconomic, religious, cultural backgrounds,
family structure, gender identities, and sexual orientations, and to
people with disabilities. To this purpose, we encourage applications from
individuals excited to study evolutionary ecology in nature. Members of
the Anderson field team are expected to be masked and maintain social
distancing in public locations as detailed in RMBL and Gunnison county
public health guidelines (covid19.gunnisoncounty.org). Vaccinations
against COVID-19 are strongly encouraged but not required.

The application consists of a cover letter listing your qualifications,
a CV/ or r¨¦sum¨¦ and contact information for two references, all of
which can be emailed to Dr. Jill Anderson at: jta24@uga.edu.

Applications are due by March 25th, 2021

Feel free to contact Dr. Anderson if you have any questions about
the position.  Additional information about our work can be found at:
https://research.franklin.uga.edu/Anderson/

Please find attached the following job announcement describing several Research Assistant positions that are available for students this summer at the Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven, CT.  Would you kindly post and/or bring these to the attention of your students whom you think may be interested.

Student summer jobs- mosquito program 2021

Fundación Para La Tierra, an international award-winning (Rolex Awards, Nat Geo, Rufford, NAAEE, International Primatology Society etc.) research and conservation organization based in Paraguay, offers students professionally supervised internships and placements to help boost their career prospects while contributing to long-term conservation in Paraguay. If your students are looking for opportunities to support their academic studies, we have opportunities available during both term-time and the summer months. 

At Para La Tierra, students earn hands-on experience running a research project of their own design. Interns are trained in the field techniques required for their study and gain valuable skills to strengthen their profile, including research, scientific writing, presentation, data collection, and data analysis. From project design to execution, our interns are in charge of every step of their project, receiving guidance from experts in their field. Interns can choose from a wide variety of projects ranging from behavioral or ecological research, to taxonomic studies or even community-based projects. All intern projects are directly involved in promoting the conservation of the threatened and understudied Ñeembucú Wetland Complex in Southern Paraguay. The most successful projects are published in peer-reviewed journals, raising Paraguay’s profile at the international level. So far 19 interns have had their studies published in international peer-reviewed journals, with 13 more in preparation. 

Fundación Para La Tierra was founded in 2010 and is dedicated to the conservation of fragile habitats in Paraguay through scientific research, community engagement and environmental education. Over the past decade, we have hosted over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students from across the world to conduct independent research projects in Paraguay. Every one of them has made a tangible contribution to the conservation of species and ecosystems of Paraguay.

With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the well-being of our visitors remains our biggest priority and we are taking the advice of experts and the authorities. We have implemented strict internal health and safety protocols in accordance with worldwide recommendations to keep everyone safe and healthy. Students are able to travel to Paraguay, where COVID numbers are relatively low, and to Pilar where the Para La Tierra research station is based, with complete peace of mind.

If you believe that these opportunities would be of interest to your students, please find attached an information booklet to share with your network. I would love to organize a call to provide more details or discuss how Para La Tierra can adjust our opportunities to better suit the students at University of Connecticut.

To learn more about our organization as a whole, please visit our website www.paralatierra.org.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT – NEST-SEARCHING FIELD TECHNICIAN SW OREGON
Pay Rate: $13.95/hr.
Duration: ~April 15 – July 30, 2021 (exact dates TBD)
Primary Location: 40 min. east of Ashland, OR

Klamath Bird Observatory (https://klamathbird.org/) is seeking to fill a Field Technician position in our Oregon Vesper Sparrow demography research program. We are contributing to a range-wide study to understand causes of decline in this imperiled subspecies. Primary duties will include nest-searching and monitoring, color-band resighting, and vegetation surveys in meadows of the western Cascades, and associated data entry based out of our office in Ashland, Oregon.

EXPECTATIONS: Primary duties will be nest-searching and monitoring, color-band resighting, vegetation surveys, and data entry. The Field Technician will also assist in supervising one intern. Previous nest-searching experience is required, and additional experience in the other field methods is preferred. Training in specific protocols will be provided. Ability to use your own vehicle (typically on paved or improved dirt roads; 4WD is not necessary), and willingness to camp for the duration of the field season are required. We can provide suggestions for free rustic camping options near field sites.

QUALIFICATIONS: Previous nest-searching experience and ability to see full range of colors are required. Experience searching for grassland bird nests using parental behavior and identifying common western grass species is preferred. Applicants should be prepared to start at dawn, work in the field in all types of weather, carefully follow protocols and meticulously record data, be in good physical condition, and possess good communication skills. Applicants must enjoy the outdoors, and be willing to work in areas with biting insects and the potential to encounter rattlesnakes, black bears, and cougars. It is essential that the applicant be comfortable with camping and working independently in the field (but near rural highways, and within a 40-min. drive of Ashland).

COMPENSATION: The Field Technician will be paid $13.95/hr., not to exceed 40 hrs./wk. Transportation to Ashland, OR, and personal field and camping gear are the responsibility of the applicant. Applicants must have a car, valid driver’s license, current insurance, and be able to provide their driving record upon request. Use of a personal vehicle for work purposes will be required, and the Field Technician will be reimbursed for mileage at $0.56/mile.

TO APPLY: Send cover letter including your dates of availability and vehicle type, and contact info for 3 references by email to Dr. Sarah Rockwell (smr@klamathbird.org). We will review applications on a rolling basis, starting immediately and continuing until the position is filled. Note that offers are contingent on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent health and safety mandates throughout the field season.

Subject: Job: Seasonal Field Assistant, Central Ohio

The Dawes Arboretum in Newark, Ohio has an opening for a Seasonal Field Assistant during the spring-summer-fall of 2021.

Position Description
Under the direction of the Land Conservation Director, the seasonal Field Assistant supports the department land management efforts through invasive species control, wildlife control and monitoring, trail maintenance, and mowing. This position will also assist with the restoration of ecosystems, daily greenhouse care and native plantings. In addition, the seasonal Field Assistant will perform routine, non-skilled grounds maintenance and general labor functions, when needed.

Job Responsibilities
-Conduct routine land management tasks, including invasive species control, herbicide application, native plantings, water resource management, trail maintenance and mowing to benefit native wildlife.
-Utilize a variety of equipment and hand tools, to include but not limited to: tractors, mowers, ATVs, chainsaws, string trimmers, hedge trimmers and herbicide backpack sprayers.
-Support daily greenhouse operations.
-Assist with strategically timed mowing of trails and native grasslands to promote native biodiversity in The Arboretum natural areas.
-Conduct weekly bluebird trail monitoring, maintain nesting structures and aid in additional wildlife surveys.
-Contribute to educational events that support The Arboretum mission.
-Assist with nuisance wildlife management, as needed.

Qualifications
-Minimum of two (2) years of college-level education in natural resources, wildlife ecology, ecosystem restoration, conservation or related field required.
-Ability to regularly use motorized equipment and hand tools, including tractors mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and string trimmers while adhering to all safety protocols.
-Ability to work independently with instruction and as part of a team.
-Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically strenuous work.
-Strong knowledge of central Ohio flora and/or native avian identification.
-Demonstrated experience utilizing herbicides for invasive species management.
-Ability to regularly work weekends, occasional holidays and evenings as scheduled.
-Must have a valid driver license with acceptable driving record.

To Apply
E-mail your cover letter and resume to smdrake@dawesarb.org by Sunday, March 21, 2021.  In the subject line, include position title, Seasonal Field Assistant.