The Southwest Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE SW) (www.appliedeco.org) will be hiring an intern for a two-person native seed collection crew. The seed crew will conduct fieldwork on National Park Service (NPS) properties in New Mexico, Arizona, and southern Colorado. This is an exciting opportunity to develop conservation skills and network with partners and other seed collectors while helping to further the Southwest Seed Partnership’s (www.southwestseedpartnership.org) mission of improving the supply of native seed for restoration projects in the southwest.
Seed crew interns will work closely with IAE staff and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) botanists and will also coordinate with staff from the NPS Intermountain Region and USDA Forest Service Region 3 to collect seed from native plants for production and restoration efforts in the Southwest. This position will be based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Most of the work will occur at NPS properties in the region. This position will be for 12 weeks with the possibility of extension depending on funding, weather, and plant phenology. 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. The crew will meet at the IAE SW office and travel to field sites together in an IAE SW vehicle. Responsibilities: Work on 2 person team (seed crew intern + crew lead). Collaborate closely with the Southwest Seed Partnership Coordinator and team in Santa Fe 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. Frequent overnight camping for field work. 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 or lodging expenses as needed. Paid leave available for holidays; and unpaid leave permitted for cultural events and supervisor approved vacation. This is a full-time temporary position with no additional benefits. Employment term runs from August 13th – November 1st with the possibility of extension. Preference will be given to youth (ages of 16-25 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 describing your interest in the position. If would like to be considered for a similar position in Las Cruces, 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: mag...@appliedeco.org by 7/25/18; use subject line “NPS Seed Crew Intern”; applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Please direct any questions about the position to mag...@appliedeco.org
