Southwest Conservation Corps

Current Job dates:

Currently recruiting for the season that runs from March 1st, 2024 to November 30th, 2024.

Winter Fire Crew Member

$600.00 / week

Four Corners Office - Durango, CO

To Apply: Follow this link and click "Apply" and complete the application evaluation questions. Position open until filled.

 

Position: Winter Fire Crew Member (in partnership with the Cibola National Forest)

Start/End dates: January 13th – March 19th, 2025  

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program 

Location: Based out of Durango, CO

Stipend: $600/week ($480/week living stipend + $120/week housing stipend) 

Ages: 18 – 30 

Benefits: $1,565.08 (300-hr) AmeriCorps Education Award (Value may change depending on term of service), Food provided while in the field, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment.

Members will earn the following trainings and certificates: 
·         S130: Firefighter Training 

·         S190: Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior 

·         S212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws 

·         L-180: Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service 

·         I-100: Intro to Incident Command System 

·         IS-700: National Incident Management System 

·         First Aid/CPR certificates 

·         Arduous Work Capacity (PACK) Test


About Southwest Conservation Corps: The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization, whose mission is to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment. SCC supports youth crews, adult camping crews (ages 18-30), and Veteran fire crews (ages 18-35) with crew-based programming to complete challenging and impactful conservation projects throughout the Los Valles and Four Corners Regions. 

 

About the program: The Civilian Fire Corps program provides training and on-the-job experience for those interested in entering careers and gaining experience in natural resource management. The crew will be based out of the Cibola National Forest and will have the opportunity to work closely with Forest Service staff and Wildland Fire Fighters. The participants work together to train and complete natural resource management projects, specifically related to fire fuels management and fuels reduction. Project work and schedules will vary depending on region and season. Projects require members to camp on site at project locations for up 8 days at a time, followed by 6 days off, or possibly a 4/3 schedule.


Requirements:  

·         Physical Fitness – Applicants must be able to run and hike for project work and physical training.  Members must also be able to walk up to 8 miles per day with a 45 – 65lb backpack during the orientation phase of the program. 

·         Commitment – All applicants must partake in all activities during the program.  Members must make a strong commitment to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training and national forest service events.  Members must commit to participating in all crew activities for the duration of the session with little time off. Project work will vary and is often unpredictable.  

·         Risk Management – You will be expected to take a serious attitude toward individual and group safety all day and every day.  You will be working around dangerous equipment and environments.  

·         Substance Free – All applicants are prohibited from utilizing any controlled substance including alcohol or cannabis while at work, or at camp. 

·         Professionalism – Members must be willing to appropriately represent the SCC Program and AmeriCorps.  Members must dress appropriately in uniform at all times, utilize appropriate language, and conduct themselves to the highest professional standard at all times. 

·         Expedition Behavior – Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.  

 

Essential Functions: 

·         Frequently required to walk, hike, sit, talk and listen. 

·         Required to use hands to operate objects and tools, and to reach with hands and arms. 

·         Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

·         Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus. 

·         Must be able to speak, understand, read and write English. 

·         Follow all SCC policies. SCC is a substance free work environment. All must refrain from the use of tobacco products, vaping, alcohol, and drugs while in the program. 

·         Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions 

 

Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements: Essential eligibility requirements for the program must be met. If you are unable to meet certain requirements, we may be able to assist you with some modification unless it alters the fundamental nature of the program, compromises the health and safety of participants or staff, or places an undue financial or administrative burden on the organization. These requirements are written the same for all positions and may not apply to your particular position. 

 

To Apply: Follow this link and click "Apply" and complete the application evaluation questions. Position open until filled.

 

Any questions can be addressed to:  

Greta Binzen, gbinzen@conservationlegacy.org 

Stephen Lokos, slokos@conservationlegacy.org 

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Winter Fire Crew Leader

$844.00 / week

Four Corners Office - Durango, CO

To apply: Follow this link and click "Apply". Complete the application evaluation questions. Position open until filled.


Position: Winter Fire Crew Member (in partnership with the Cibola National Forest)

Start/End dates: January 6th – March 19th, 2025  

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program 

Location: Based out of Durango, CO

Age: Must be 21 or older

Stipend: $844/week

Benefits: Health Insurance Eligible, food provided while in the field, uniform shirts, personal protective equipment.

 

Members will earn the following trainings and certificates: 

·         S130: Firefighter Training 

·         S190: Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior 

·         S212: Wildland Fire Chainsaws 

·         L-180: Human Factors in Wildland Fire Service 

·         I-100: Intro to Incident Command System 

·         IS-700: National Incident Management System 

·         First Aid/CPR certificates 

·         Arduous Work Capacity (PACK) Test


About Southwest Conservation Corps: The Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a non-profit, AmeriCorps-affiliated organization, whose mission is to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment. SCC supports youth crews, adult camping crews (ages 18-30), and Veteran fire crews (ages 18-35) with crew-based programming to complete challenging and impactful conservation projects throughout the Los Valles and Four Corners Regions. 


About the Position: The Civilian Fire Corps program provides training and on-the-job experience for those interested in entering careers and gaining experience in natural resource management. The crew will partner with the Cibola National Forest and will have the opportunity to complete project work alongside Forest Service staff and Wildland Fire Fighters. The participants work together to train and complete natural resource management projects, specifically related to fire fuels management and fuels reduction. Project work and schedules will vary depending on region and season. Projects require members to camp on site at project locations for up 8 days at a time, followed by 6 days off, or possibly a 4/3 schedule.


Responsibilities & Core Competencies:


Leadership & Mentorship

·         Integrate values pertaining to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) within the corps

·         Foster 21st century work skills in corps members, i.e.: collaboration & teamwork, creativity & imagination, critical thinking, problem-solving, flexibility & adaptability

·         Model strong communication and conflict resolution skills


Project Management & Implementation

·         Train & motivate a crew to complete high quality technical fire mitigation projects

·         Implement a 10-hour workday and ensure professionalism is maintained at camp

·         Delegate project work & camp chores

·         Effectively coordinate logistics with project partners, co-leader, & SCC staff


Risk Management

·         Analyze, manage, and inform on hazardous conditions and crew health

·         Exhibit strong situational awareness at worksite and campsite

·         Transport crew and equipment safely in SCC’s vans or large SUVs with trailers


Administrative Skills

·         Meet all deadlines for documentation, i.e., timesheets, evaluations, incident reports, etc.

·         Record all project related outcomes and deliverables

·         Manage food budget and credit card for purchases, providing receipts for all purchase


Minimum Qualifications:

·         Outdoor leadership experience

·         Physically fit and able to work 40-50 hr work weeks

·         High School diploma or GED certificate

·         Must be 21, or have had a driver’s license for 3 consecutive years with a clean driving record (insurable by SCC), and a current driver’s license


Preferred Qualifications:

·         Experience with SCC or other conservation corps

·         Experience working with veterans

·         Wildland firefighting experience

·         Military experience preferred


Essential Functions:

·         Frequently required to walk, hike, sit, talk and listen.

·         Required to use hands to operate objects and tools, and to reach with hands and arms.

·         Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

·         Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to focus.

·         Required to drive an SCC vehicle

·         Enforce all SCC policies. SCC is a substance-free work environment. All must refrain from the use of tobacco products, vaping, alcohol, and drugs while in the program.

·         Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions


To apply: Follow this link and click "Apply". Complete the application evaluation questions. Position open until filled.


Any questions can be addressed to:

Greta Binzen, gbinzen@conservationlegacy.org 

Stephen Lokos, slokos@conservationlegacy.org  

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Short-term Ecological Monitoring Crew Member

$600.00 - $640.00 / week

Four Corners Office - Durango, CO

Click here to apply.

Position Title: Ecological Monitoring Crew Member

Bureau of Land Management Office Locations: Las Cruces District Office (located in Las Cruces, NM)

Program Dates: Term dates are September 30th-December 20th, 2024 (12 weeks). We can only offer to candidates that are available for the entire duration of the term. 

Weekly Schedule: Hitches vary between 8 days on/6 days off and 4 days on/3 days off, camping with a government or company vehicle most nights. Office days will occur regularly throughout the season, with more near the end.

Living Allowance: $600-$640/week DOE

Housing Allowance: $140/week. Housing allowance may be lower if member secures agency-subsidized housing. 

Additional Benefits:
•    AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,824.07
•    $18+/day food allowance while camping in the field with crew collecting data. Smaller allowance for day trips.
•    Supplemental development opportunities and funds available throughout the term.

Hiring Benefits: Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive service positions for a federal agency. Eligible to be used for two years upon completion of term. Must be under age 31 upon issue of certificate.
 
 
Southwest Conservation Corps' Mission: It is the mission of the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities, and the environment.
 
Bureau of Land Management's Mission: The Bureau of Land Management's mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
 
 
Position Overview: Crews conduct vegetation monitoring using the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, & Monitoring (AIM) methodology. To dive deeper into the AIM methodology, visit the following websites:  https://www.blm.gov/aim/. Crews typically consist of three individuals: two crew members and one crew lead. Together, they monitor land health on BLM lands, including National Monument lands, vegetation treatments, burn scars, rangeland allotments, and wilderness study areas. In collecting data, observing the soil, and examining the diverse vegetation using the AIM methodology, crews contribute to a massive, publicly available dataset that is used by land managers and in academia to inform and assess land management decisions.
 
We are seeking two crew members to join in on the end of season with a crew lead that has conducting the protocol for the past 4 months. This will be a sort of “hit the ground running” position where the protocol will be learned on the job.
•    Within each plot, our crew members are tasked with identifying vegetation to species, recording species cover and composition data via line-point intercept and gap measurements, evaluating soil stability, and describing site conditions and soil pits. The crew's data is georeferenced and entered an ArcGIS database using ruggedized tablets. These records will be later synthesized for critical land management planning reports.
•    Our crew members are also responsible for maintaining and cataloging botanical specimens throughout the field season. As the season progresses, members cultivate a deep understanding of the diversity of the local flora, learning tens to hundreds of plants by scientific name. Curiosity about the natural systems they encounter and a desire to share that curiosity and knowledge with their team are prerequisites for success.
•    Our crews operate from BLM Field Office bases, working directly with BLM personnel who provide invaluable mentorship to early-career individuals, investing in the future of natural resource management. This position offers an opportunity to build relationships within the agency and gain an understanding of its operations. The crew may also contribute to other public land management projects, encompassing wildlife, range, recreation, rare plant monitoring, and forestry.
•    Fieldwork is a dynamic experience, with crews navigating remote areas spanning the diverse ecosystems of the Southwest. Our teams must be prepared to drive long distances in company or government vehicles to various Field Office locations, hike several miles daily, often off the beaten path, while carrying equipment. These "hitches" involve long 10-hour workdays, with schedules typically structured as 8 days on and 6 days off or 4 days on and 3 days off. Camping for multiple nights and sharing camp duties is the norm, though occasional day trips may require a return to town at night in preparation for the next day's work. It's important to note that camping is the standard arrangement.
•    Given the unconventional and occasionally unpredictable schedule, adaptability is necessary for success. Fieldwork is, by nature, challenging, and we seek individuals who thrive outside their comfort zones. While camping, our crews should foster a positive and functional crew culture during and after project hours, recognizing the significance of attending to personal needs.
•    At the end of a hitch, crews return to the office for equipment management, data processing, unknown plant identification, and fieldwork planning (20%).
•    Please note that we do not provide housing, but we can discuss your options during the interview and hiring processes.
•    If you still need some pieces of personal camping gear by the start of the season, we can loan the necessary equipment until you can acquire your own.
•    It's essential to be aware that, as a partnership with a federal agency, we are subject to potential work stoppages and a lack of backpay in the event of a government shutdown.
 
 
Crew Member's Responsibilities:
•    The crew member actively contributes to data collection, management, and quality control. They assist with hitch preparation, planning, crew transportation using work vehicles, navigation to designated plots, equipment maintenance, and practical time tracking and management. Continuously, they expand their knowledge of local flora, soils, and landscapes, enhancing their expertise in botany, soil science, and the broader ecosystem. The crew member takes the initiative to communicate and pursue their personal and professional development goals throughout the season.
•    We seek individuals who consistently demonstrate discretion and judgment, embracing the responsibility of identifying, communicating, and proactively addressing safety issues. Whether these issues are technical, logistical, or interpersonal, the crew member partakes in problem identification, communication, and resolution. We expect their proactive approach and active involvement at every step. Furthermore, they complete mid-term and end-of-term written evaluations, both for self-assessment and for the crew lead. The crew member maintains effective and professional communication, fostering feedback systems among their fellow crew members. We value crew members who are passionate about sound scientific principles and are genuinely curious about the potential applications of AIM data. These individuals are driven to explore the intricacies of our natural world, recognizing the immense value of their contributions to preserving and understanding our precious ecosystems.
 
 
Minimum Qualifications:
•    College coursework (2 years, at minimum) in ecology, botany, plant ecology, plant biology, plant systematics, soils science, geology, horticulture, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field; OR previous college- or professional-level experience in the above fields, plus familiarity with data collection and sound science principles.
•    Eligible to accept a 900-hour service term with Americorps.
•    Aged between 21 and 30 (civilian) or 35 (veteran) years upon start date.
•    U.S. Citizenship and associated identification, including an image of a signed social security card AND another acceptable primary form of documentation.
•    Able to produce identification as stipulated by I-9 upon hire.
•    Valid U.S. driver's license and insurable driving record.
•    Able to pass Conservation Legacy's and the Department of Interior's background checks.
•    Capable of standing and walking (at a minimum 6 miles/day on rough, steep, off-trail uneven terrain using a handheld GPS for route-finding), bending, crouching, and stooping for long periods while taking precise, repetitive measurements, and lifting/carrying items that weigh up to 40 pounds, in upwards of 100-degree (F) heat while maintaining attention to detail and overall good humor.
•    Willing to spend multiple days (1-8 days at a time) making day trips and car-camping in remote areas.
•    Willing to adhere to best practices for field safety, comfort, and low-impact principles.
•    Can spend several hours per day and/or per week riding in, navigating with, and driving a four-wheel drive pick-up truck on- and off-highway, sometimes over/around tricky or unexpected obstacles.
•    Capable of operating professionally both in an office and the field, demonstrating adaptability and versatility
•    Experience with Microsoft Suite Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or other data-collection software.
•    Self-motivated, with a strong work ethic, and able both to work independently with limited supervision and to take direction and critical feedback.
•    Excellent judgment in assessing physical, mental, and emotional risk.
•    Able to safely and effectively work in and around adverse conditions, including extreme heat, sun exposure, monsoonal rains, and hazardous wildlife (i.e., rattlesnakes, scorpions, biting/stinging insects, cattle, and horses).
•    Excited for the chance to have a close experience with the land while based in a federal land management agency.
 

Preferred Qualifications:
•    Able to participate for the entire duration of the program dates.
•    Intentional education/experience with a formal or folk system to identify plants to species, especially in the field or from photos, pressed specimens, field guides, taxonomic keys, or other means.
•    Familiar with New Mexico, Colorado, or neighboring flora.
•    Familiar with taxonomic keys or deeper experience with floras from elsewhere in the world.
•    Experience working in regions with high floristic diversity.
•    Interest in large-scale, spatially-balanced monitoring designs.
•    Experience or education using taxonomic soil keys or equivalent mechanisms to identify ecological sites.
•    Experience hand texturing various types of soils.
•    Experience digging quality soil pits to characterize and document all horizons.
•    Experience using soil series descriptions, Web Soil Survey, or equivalent soil datasets.
•    Experience working as part of a small team and able to work well with others.
•    Excellent communication (including in-person, email, and phone), organizational, and planning skills.
•    Experience with ArcGIS Online interface.
•    Knowledge of downloading, using, and syncing ArcGIS Online Maps.
•    Experience collecting data, especially electronically.
•    Experience working or recreating in rangeland or desert systems
 
 
Public Land Corps: The Public Land Corps (PLC) program provides the opportunity for young people between the ages of 16 and 30 (civilian) or 35 (veteran) years to work on conservation projects on public lands. Participants must complete 640 hours, which include at least 120 hours on federal lands through the PLC. PLC-certified alumni are not federal government employees, but they are then eligible to use, for two years, a noncompetitive hiring status for consideration when applying to competitive service positions. Learn more here: https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads/public-lands-corps
 
We accept applicants with a range of backgrounds. This entry-level position is part of a developmental program that receives plenty of support. In your application, please write about how your experiences, personality, and motivations could make you a great fit, even if you don't think you are a conventional candidate.
 
To apply:
1.    We are accepting applications and scheduling interviews now. Please submit all application materials here.
2.    Cover letters must include a response to the following: Provide some examples of your experience effectively working with diverse communities, including those specific to Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other underrepresented populations, in personal or professional context. 
3.    Please provide at least two academic or professional, non-peer reference contacts on your resume. 
4.    No letter of recommendation is needed. Incomplete applications are given less weight. Please apply with your full legal name, preferred name, and pronouns.
 
PLEASE make sure that your cover letter and resume file names are named using the following format:  
Lastname_Firstname_AIM_CoverLetter and Lastname_Firstname_AIM_Resume  
Example: Smith_John_AIM_CoverLetter
 
Feel free to reach out to Ecological Monitoring Program Coordinator, Madison McCluskey (she/her) at mmccluskey@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.

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