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Landscape Ecology Member

Length: Term of positions is 20-26 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO
Living Allowance: $600/week
AmeriCorps Award: Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $3,247.50 (pre-tax).
Start Date: Two Possible Start Dates: 1 position: 4/18/2023 (26 week term) or 2 positions: 5/9/2023 (20 week term)
Application Due Date: Preference given to applicants that submit application by 2/20/2023
Title of Position: Landscape Ecology Member (3 positions)

 
Position Details:
Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health.
 
Stewards in partnership with the National Park Service are seeking THREE AmeriCorps members (members) who will join Rocky Mountain National Park’s Elk and Vegetation Management Plan (EVMP) work group. The EVMP work group provides experiential opportunities to individuals pursuing a career in the field of natural resource management. These members have participated in a wide variety of natural resource management projects, which has often helped them to make decisions regarding what specific interests they have within the broader field. Members are encouraged to provide fresh, new perspectives to a team that has been working together for an extended period of time. Their influence has proven to be very enlightening and insightful, contributing positively to the community and creating a more enriching experience for all. Our entire team benefits from the input of those who have filled member roles in the past, and we all look forward to welcoming new team members again this summer.
 
Members would assist in collecting data which will later be analyzed and ultimately relied upon to make management decisions. Ecosystem components and processes are dynamic and constantly changing. Without current data, program managers are unable to make informed adaptive management decisions. Members will be making vital contributions towards a multi-decade management plan, under which managers are working to return hundreds of acres of altered landscape to a more natural state.
 
 
 
Position Responsibilities will include:
·       Collect vegetation monitoring data in a variety of ecosystems. This includes:
o  Survey over 250 designated vegetation plots over the course of the season
o  Collect accurate data in the field using electronic tablets
o  Navigate to vegetation plots over challenging terrain using GPS, map, and compass in a backcountry setting
o  Hike up to 15 miles in a day carrying a 40lb pack
o  Spend multiple days/camp overnight in a backcountry setting
·       Assist with maintenance and documentation of habitat protection fences. This includes:
o  Ensure that fences are maintained so that elk and moose are not able to pass over, under, or through the fences and vegetation is protected from browse pressure
o  Inspect fences for damage
o  Use basic hand tools such as fencing pliers, hand saws, and hog ringers
o  Apply fence patches
o  Remove small fallen trees and debris from fences
·       Assist with wildlife capture and anesthesia operations. This includes:
o  Listen closely and respond accordingly to direction from more advanced team members
o  Comply with all operation safety protocols
o  Accurately collect and record written data with high level of attention to detail
o  Collect biological samples
o  Assist with volunteer coordination and public outreach
·       Assist with a variety of natural resource management projects on an as-needed basis, such as endangered amphibian monitoring, electrofishing, native plant restoration, and human/wildlife conflict response
 
Minimum Requirements:
  • Learn/apply plant identification in a field setting
  • Collect accurate data in the field using electronic tablets
  • Navigate to vegetation plots over challenging terrain using GPS, map, and compass in a backcountry setting
  • Hike up to 15 miles in a day carrying a 40lb pack
  • Spend multiple days/camp overnight in a backcountry setting
  • Work in extreme weather conditions with exposure to difficult terrain, altitude, poisonous plants, biting insects, wild animals, herbicides, and wildlife pharmaceuticals
  • Work safely under potentially dangerous environmental conditions and comply with organizational safety standards at all times
  • Assist with data entry, management, and quality control in an office setting
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors
  • Maintain a positive, flexible outlook when working on a variety of projects
  • Ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records Check (must be at least 21 year old or have had a license for 3 years)
  • Ability to work outdoors at elevations above 8,000 feet for 8-10 hour days.
 
 Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ability to identify of Rocky Mountain plants using dichotomous keys
  • Experience with wildlife capture operations
 
Benefits:
  • Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $3,247.50 (pre-tax).
  • Living Allowance: $600/week (pre-tax)
  • Training Opportunities: Elk and Vegetation Management Plan program orientation, Vegetation survey protocol training, Field plant identification training, Safety trainings for vehicle operation, working under inclement environmental conditions, Extensive training in wildlife anesthesia operations – including several days of training to ensure all crew members understand their roles and responsibilities as members of this project. Extensive safety trainings and briefings are conducted before each capture operation.
  • On-site housing is not guaranteed
 
How to Apply:
Apply on-line by clicking the "Apply Externally" button. In addition to your resume, please submit a one page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.
 
Application Questions:
Please contact Alex Whittow with any questions at awhittow@conservationlegacy.org.
 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, political affiliation, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.