ACE: Riparian Monitoring Members - Save Our Bosque Task Force, NM - AmeriCorps Eligible
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ, in partnership with the Save Our Bosque Task Force (SOBTF), is seeking TWO Riparian Monitoring Members to dedicate 12 weeks in support of the SOBTF mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the Rio Grande and its adjoining riparian ecosystem (bosque, wetlands, grasslands) while respecting the customs and cultures of the residents of Socorro County. The main duties include assisting with vegetation surveys, invasive plant mapping, invasive species and project site monitoring, and community outreach. This opportunity is intended for conscientious, enthusiastic individuals with an interest in developing their field skills in vegetation and resource management.
Start Date: May 24th, 2021
End Date: August 13th, 2021
* A 12-week commitment is required *
Location: Middle Rio Grande Valley in Socorro County, New Mexico.
The Save Our Bosque Task Force (SOBTF) is a 501 c(3) nonprofit corporation formed in 1994 by citizens of Socorro County, New Mexico, concerned about degradation of the ecosystem along the Rio Grande bosque. Save Our Bosque Task Force is a collaborative organization that involves private citizens, floodplain landowners, conservation organization, and state and government agencies.
The Save Our Bosque Task Force's mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the Rio Grande and its adjoining riparian ecosystem (bosque, wetlands, grasslands).. The SOBTF works to provide public recreation, environmental education and a sustainable Rio Grande while allowing for historical resource uses. SOBTF plans and implements riparian enhancement projects that provide for public safety, ecosystem health, and private landowner goals, all within the confines of current infrastructure and limitations.
Socorro, New Mexico is a small community of approximately 10,000 people in central New Mexico. Situated on the west side of the Rio Grande, it has a rich history in Native American and Hispanic cultures, mining, ranching, farming, and exploration. New Mexico Tech University is located in Socorro with strong science and engineering fields and associations with the NM Mineral and Gem Museum, NM Bureau of Geology, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Socorro is probably best loved for its wide-open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. There are two National Wildlife Refuges and many state refuges nearby, Bureau of Land Management scenic byways, US Forest Service mountain trails, National Wilderness Areas, and State Parks close by.
Project Partner Website: For more information regarding the Save Our Bosque Task Force, please visit their website at: http://www.sobtf.org. For more information on the ACE Internship Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.
Living Allowance: The ACE interns receive a living allowance of $400/week for food and incidental expenses, distributed bi-weekly. Housing will be included at no cost.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 450-hour AmeriCorps Education Award of ($1,638.89) upon successful completion of internship hours. Additional enrollment is required.
Background: The Save Our Bosque Task Force (SOBTF) is a 501c (3) nonprofit corporation formed in 1994 by citizens of Socorro County, New Mexico, concerned about degradation of the ecosystem along the Rio Grande bosque. Save Our Bosque Task Force is a collaborative organization that involves private citizens, floodplain landowners, conservation organizations and state and government agencies.
The Save Our Bosque Task Force's mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance the Rio Grande and its adjoining riparian ecosystem (bosque, wetlands, grasslands) while respecting the customs and cultures of the residents of Socorro County. The SOBTF works to provide public recreation, environmental education and a sustainable Rio Grande while allowing for historical resource uses. SOBTF plans and implements riparian enhancement projects that provide for public safety, ecosystem health, and private landowner goals, all within the confines of current infrastructure and limitations.
Position Description: The SOBTF Riparian Monitoring Program is designed to analyze the success of restoration projects and inform management decisions to ultimately protect, restore, and maintain the ecological health within the Middle Rio Grande Valley. The selected individuals will mainly be assisting with vegetation surveys, invasive plant mapping, and invasive species and project site monitoring along with community outreach. The Monitoring members will monitor sites throughout the Middle Rio Grande Valley, including private, state and federal lands. They will also help conserve the Park's natural resources through a wide variety of vegetation management and monitoring actions. Interns will provide some assistance with research projects, outreach and environmental education, and maintenance of riverine parks. SOBTF Program Director will provide on-site oversight of all Monitoring Intern activities and maintain safety standards through the field season's activities.
Project Conditions/Physical Demands: Conditions will be variable and extreme throughout the summer. A substantial amount of project duties will involve serving long days in the dense riparian forest where it is hot and humid. Applicants should carefully consider that fieldwork is challenging. Selected candidates will serve ~40 hour/week.
Qualifications:
Requirements:
- Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Must be 18 to 30 years old
- Must have at least a bachelor's degree in natural resources or a related discipline.
- Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals with non-profit organizations and state and federal agencies.
- Must have effective communication skills with diverse audiences; ability to serve alone and in a group.
- Must have a desire to gain a deeper understanding and relationship with the Southwest and understand what it takes to manage our country's most revered natural places.
- Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; personal vehicle required so you can drive to location sites.
- Must be organized, accountable and outgoing.
- Must be able and willing to serve outdoors, in varying weather conditions, and capable of participating in physical labor.
- Must be a strong leader and an equally strong team member.
- English proficiency is imperative.
- Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related discipline appropriate to this position.Knowledge and skills in conservation and restoration stewardship projects.
- A strong demonstrated interest and/or education in the field of natural and cultural resources.
- Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills.
- Excellent public speaking skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of botany and plant taxonomy, including plant identification and use of dichotomous keys.
- Knowledge and ability utilizing GIS/GPS equipment.
- Ability to serve alone or in a group.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position by clicking on the green "Apply Externally" button. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Recruitment and Member Manager, Dave Hecker at dhecker@usaconservation.org or (801) 386-1629.
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.