BLM Natural Resource Specialist Assistant

~ Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM) operates conservation service programs across southern New Mexico that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. ~ 

Since 1998, Arizona Conservation Corps has worked on projects throughout southern New Mexico. With Conservation Legacy's commitment to supporting locally-based programs and communities, southern New Mexico programming and projects will transition to locally-based Conservation Corps New Mexico operations out of Las Cruces, NM, in order to best serve local communities, young people and landscapes in this region. AZCC will continue to provide operational support into the future.

We carry on this tradition with hard work, dedication and pride.

Conservation Corps New Mexico aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults and recent era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. Our programs promote personal growth, experiential learning and an ethic of natural resource stewardship, along with hard work.

Position Overview

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Carlsbad Field Office is providing an opportunity for one individual to help support natural resource conservation by documenting, categorizing, and inspecting undesirable events (i.e. spills, releases, etc.) to protect natural resources across BLM-administered lands in the Carlsbad Resource Area. This project requires on-site inspections of most phases of oil and gas operations. Conducting research and gathering and maintaining environmental data relating to mitigation of surface impacts and reclamation of surfaces to a productive condition. Conducting inventories and monitoring to support land use plans. Discussing methods of prevention or mitigation with operators and owners of facilities.

It may involve conducting field examinations and assisting with conducting on-site inspections to assure compliance with terms and conditions of land use authorizations. Application of a full range of geospatial analytical techniques to identify, interpret and resolve GIS issues and complete a variety of projects and assignments. Preparation of correspondence to oil and gas operators and other governmental agencies in accordance with established BLM guidelines and requirements. Analyze potential impacts to natural resources and design appropriate mitigation measures. Effectively coordinate with project leads and resource specialists to complete tasks according to project priorities, timelines and expectations. Housing is not provided.

Responsibilities

Assist other Environmental Protection Specialists with:

• Enforcement of contaminated surface cleanup criteria according to established standards and protocols.
• Coordinate with project leads, resource specialists and project proponents to develop and implement mitigation measures.
• Inspect sites following an undesirable event to document extent of contamination, resource concerns, and any future subsequent actions related to remediation.
• Enter undesirable event data into databases and report to necessary officials.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in natural resource management, environmental policy, geology, biology, ecology, or a related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a related field or specific duty as outlined above.
• Applicants must have strong project management, written and oral skills and be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS.
• Applicants should demonstrate strong organizational skills, have experience working as part of a team, be able to work well with others in a professional setting, and be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period.
• An understanding of federal land resource management policies.
• Applicants must pass a DOI security background check, and should possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or completing post graduate education in one of the academic fields listed above.
• Teamwork oriented with clear, direct communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements:

• To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, etc.
• May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis.
• Routinely required to stand for prolonged periods and walk up to 6 miles a day.
• Able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms.
• Exhibit familiarity and comfort with hiking and camping in rugged conditions, as well as perseverance in extreme weather conditions.
• This position calls for high levels of concentration.
• A moderate amount of travel is required to reach field sites, attend meetings, and to provide or receive training.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Participation and 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.
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.
• Support personal and group safety and well-being, consistently exercising discretion and judgement.
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service.
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff.
• Appropriately represent CCNM, the BLM, and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all times.

Safety and Judgment:

• Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance.
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards.
• Respond appropriately to stress or crises.
• If taking prescriptions medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Background Check:

• A DOI background clearance must be completed before the selected candidate may report to duty. The BLM will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after an intern has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start the internship. This process will determine the internship’s exact start date.
• Interns will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to government vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Interns must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.

Compensation

• Stipend: $590/week (+Education Award).
• Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $5,920; Public Lands Corps Certificate*; both with successful completion of the term. The Corps Network health insurance provided by Cigna, AmeriCorps child care assistance.

Additional Information

• Tracking Code: 1695-984
• Start/End Date: July 1, 2019 – May 15, 2020 (anticipated)
• Term: 46 weeks
• Reports To: James ‘Jim’ Amos (BLM Supervisory Environmental Protection Specialist)
• Location: BLM New Mexico Carlsbad Field Office (620 E. Greene St., Carlsbad, NM 88220)
• Status: 1700-hour AmeriCorps Service Term. Full-time, Seasonal, Exempt (75% office work and 25% field work)
• Substance Free: In accordance to a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in program activities and while on organization property.
• *To be eligible for a Public Lands Corps certificate, interns must be between the ages of 18 – 30, inclusive, at the time the individual begins the term of service.

To Apply

• Please submit an updated resume and cover letter along with the online application. If you have questions, contact CCNM’s Individual Placement Program Director Tucker Herbert at tucker@conservationlegacy.org.