The Southwest Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE SW) (www.appliedeco.org) will be hiring three native seed collection crew interns for the Southwest Seed Partnership (https://southwestseedpartnership.org/). This is an exciting opportunity develop conservation skills and network with partners and other seed collectors while helping to improve the supply of native seed for restoration projects in New Mexico and Arizona.
Seed crew interns will work closely with IAE staff and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) botanists and will also coordinate with the SW Region Forest Service staff to collect seed from native plants for production and restoration efforts in the Southwest. This position will be based out of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Most of the work will occur on BLM and private land sites in the area. This position will be for 13 weeks. The work week will be four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday. Mondays will include time in the office and the rest of the week will be spent in the field, with frequent overnight camping required. The crew will meet at BLM Las Cruces District Office (LCDO) and travel to field sites together in an IAE SW vehicle. Responsibilities: Work on 4 person team (3 person seed crew + crew lead). Collaborate closely with the Southwest Seed Partnership Coordinator and partners in Santa Fe and Las Cruces to meet collection targets. Conduct field work: monitor flowering and seed-set of target species, collect seed, press plants, assess seed quality of native seeds, record site information (using hand held tablet), record collection data. Receive training and adhere to SW Seed Partnership collection and safety protocols. Overnight camping for field work when necessary. Qualifications: Interest in conservation biology, restoration ecology, and/or botany. Plant identification skills and experience using technical keys (or enthusiastic willingness to learn). Familiarity with New Mexico flora a plus. Strong attention to organization and detail. Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions while maintaining attention to the task and personal safety. Ability to work in a bent-over, kneeling, or standing position for significant periods of time. Clear, direct communication skills and good interpersonal skills. Experience working on teams a plus. Ability to lift at least 40 lbs. Compensation and Start Date: $12.00/hr. plus overnight food/camping expenses as needed. The position also provides a $250.00/month housing stipend to offset potential relocation costs. Seed collection and other conservation training (i.e., botany, restoration, monitoring, etc.) will be provided as part of the internship. Paid leave available for holidays; and unpaid leave permitted for cultural events or supervisor approved vacation. This is a full-time temporary position with no additional benefits. Employment term runs from August 20th through November 15th. Preference will be given to youth (ages of 18-25 years at the time of hire), and those who identify as a member of a Native American Tribe, or identify as American Indian/Native American. To apply for this position, please submit: Brief cover letter (indicate tribal affiliation, if applicable). If you would like to be considered for a similar position in Santa Fe, NM, please indicate this in your cover letter. Resume identifying any relevant experience (paid or unpaid) Names and contact information for two references Email applications to: [email protected] by 7/25/18; use subject line Southern NM Seed Crew; applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please direct any questions about the position to [email protected]
