Careers
Ecological Monitoring Crew Member: Ecological Monitoring in Gunnison, CO
Description of Duties
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 Extra 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. https://www.blm.gov/careers/students-and-grads/public-lands-corps