Pollinator Crew Lead

Position Title: Pollinator Crew Lead (Full-time Seasonal)

Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps New Mexico

Site Location: Bureau of Land Management (BLM

1024 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos NM, 87571

Application Timeline: Consideration will be given as applications are received, and this position may close at any time.

Dates of Employment:

Start Date: 4/6/2026

End Date: 11/13/2026

Purpose:

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with internships and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Taos Field Office, CCNM will host a Pollinator Crew Lead.

These Individual Placement Positions are unique development opportunities. Participants are paired with a local supervisor and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies. Site supervisors commit to facilitate career development; provide an introduction to numerous pathways within the conservation field; and create meaningful learning opportunities and experiences for participants.

The Bureau of Land Management in partnership with Conservation Corps New Mexico seeks to fill a need for one Pollinator Crew Lead out of the Taos BLM Field Office. The BLM Native Plant and Pollinator Program provides expertise in rare and native plant study, wildlife habitat restoration, and native plant materials development. The primary focuses for this position includes but is not limited to landscape-level ecology and wildlife/pollinator habitat management, conducting exploratory surveys on pollinator species across Northern New Mexico, and documenting Special Status Pollinator species within the Taos Field Office. A large portion of the Native Plant and Pollinator Program is dedicated to surveying for and minimizing impacts to special status plant and Pollinator species, Native Plant Material Collection, and Restoration.

The Pollinator Crew Lead will oversee a (1) Pollinator Crew Member on a project centered around pollinator survey, data collection, and monitoring within the Taos Field Office. Specific duties include but will not be limited to: using standard protocols and survey methods to document native pollinators and their associated native plant communities, identifying pollinator species, and preserving museum quality specimens for future study. This crew will also continue to monitor pre-determined sites and design techniques to improve restoration methods within the Taos Field Office.

Pollinators are essential to the health of many ecosystems, especially in Northern New Mexico, where native plant communities depend on them for reproduction and resilience. However, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, invasive species, and environmental pressures. The Pollinator Crew Lead will help pilot pollinator studies in Northern New Mexico and identify and prioritize areas where pollinator habitat restoration is most needed. These efforts will enhance plant-pollinator interactions, improve soil stability, and support wildlife heterogeneity.

The Pollinator Crew Lead will work directly with the BLM botanist/ecologist and Botany Support Specialist to survey and collect base line data on pollinators and Special Status Pollinator Species within the Taos Field Office. The Pollinator Crew Lead will gain exposure to technical skills in pollinator survey and field techniques, data collection, data management, and preservation of specimens. This position will be based out of a field office managing several resources, such as archeology, wildlife, range, recreation and hydrology. Opportunities to cross-train with other programs will be encouraged. This person will participate in BLM staff meetings and be encouraged to attend networking opportunities, training courses and webinars, and other professional development opportunities. 

Description of Duties:

• Oversee one crew member during project term
  • Manage field safety, crew coordination, Native Pollinator Surveys using standard protocols, data management/QA/QC, and monitoring.
• Native Pollinator and Habitat Support
  • Survey and document native pollinator species (e.g., bees, wasps, butterflies, moths) using standardized protocols and methods (ie. pan traps, nets, timed observations).
  • Record habitat conditions and associated native plant communities.
  • Plant Identification.
  • Assist with data collection, mapping, and analysis to identify patterns in pollinator presence and diversity.
• Special Status Pollinator Species Study
  • Survey and document Status Species pollinator and host plant species (e.g., Monarchs/milkweed, Silverspot/Bog Violets, Yuma Skipper/Phragmites, Bumblebees) using standardized protocols (ie. pan traps, nets, timed observations).
  • Collect and identify insect specimens to the lowest taxonomic level possible (often genus or species).
  • Collaborate with taxonomic experts or institutions for verification of rare or difficult specimens.
  • Review scientific literature on pollinator ecology, threats, and conservation strategies.
• Specimen Handling, Management, and Preservation
  • Collect, preserve, and label insect specimens following ethical and legal guidelines.
  • Assist in sorting and identifying pollinators to family, genus, or species level using keys and guides.
  • Maintain organized records of observations, specimens, and metadata.
  • Accurately enter field data into spreadsheets or databases.

Working Conditions:

Outdoor: Driving on uneven terrain; hiking off-trail; exposure to rattlesnakes, insects, extreme heat, and rain; packing up to 40lbs of gear to collection sites; lifting more than 50lbs at one time.

Indoor: Eye and neck strain from using a microscope for extended periods of time, extended periods of sitting.

*Both indoor and outdoor work will be required

Qualifications:

• Per federal grant requirements, this position is for young adults between the ages of 17-30 (35 for veterans), inclusive, at the time the individual begins term of service.
• Valid U.S Driver’s License – Drivers must be over 21 or have had a license for at least 3 years
• S Citizen, U.S National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Received or on track to receive high school diploma or GED
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks
• Minimum of 1 field season working in a biologically relevant field (ecology, botany, range, restoration, etc.)
• Experience with plant identification and using technical keys
• Experience with ArcGIS and various ESRI data collection applications (Survey123, FieldMaps)
• Experience driving a 4×4 vehicle in backcountry conditions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (entomology, botany, conservation management, environmental science, biology, ecology, etc.)
• Proficiency in scientific writing
• Knowledge or familiarity of Southwest native plants

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 25 pounds on a routine basis. He/she must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to hike and navigate in rough terrain.
• 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
• Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any
• Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national
• Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization
• Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico, the BLM and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work

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. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high
• Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or
• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. 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.

Time Requirements:

This position is expected to serve 40 hours each week, but exact service schedules may vary.

Orientation and Training:

• CCNM will provide an orientation during the first week of term
• Pollinator Survey Protocols
• GIS relevant to project
• Guidance and direction for project activities
• Field training in Plant ID
• Insect identification
• Access to herbarium and taxonomic keys
• Examples of past reports for reference

Additional Position and Community Information:

• This position will be situated in the town of Taos, NM with access to various amenities such as grocery stores and medical facilities.
• It will be important for the participant to have a personal vehicle during off time.

Benefits:

• Hourly wage: $23.25
• Travel and Training Funds of $1,500
• Sick Leave: Accrual of one hour of sick leave for every 21 hours actually worked
• Lump sum Paid Time Off of 64 hours; Paid federal holidays (must work at least 32 hours per week)
• Healthcare Coverage (must work at least 32 hours per week; 60-day waiting period before benefits become available)
• Public Lands Corps Certificate (that allows for competitive hiring for USA jobs/government jobs)

Background Check:

A DOI background clearance must be completed before the selected candidate may report for service. The BLM will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after a candidate has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start service. This process will determine the participant’s exact start date.

Participants will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to gov’t vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Participants must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety.

How to Apply: Apply online at https://secure.entertimeonline.com/ta/conservationlegacy.careers?ShowJob=705192641. 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 Timeline: Consideration will be given as resumes are received, and this position may close at any time.

Contact Information:

SamJean Simmons

ssimmons@conservationlegacy.org.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, 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 reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager