Working Lands Climate Corps Member

Working Lands Climate Corps – East Rio Arriba Soil & Water Conservation District

Length: 1700 Hour AmeriCorps Term of Service; 47 weeks; full-time 40 hrs/wk

Service Site: 19283 U.S. Highway 84/285 Suite 112, Hernandez, NM 87537

Compensation: $600/week AmeriCorps living allowance, plus $100/week additional benefit ($700/week, pre-tax)

AmeriCorps Award: Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful completion of the program. Value of education award is $6,895 (pre-tax).

Start Date: Desired – Mid-September through mid-October 2024

Application Due Date: Preference given to applicants that submit application by August 17, 2024

Title of Position: Working Lands Climate Corps Member (2 Openings)

Position Details

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to expand institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. CCNM in partnership with East Rio Arriba Soil & Water Conservation District (ERASWCD) will host a Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) Member. The WLCC will train the next generation of conservation leaders for Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry. The WLCC is a part of the American Climate Corps (ACC), and service members will receive technical skills training, education awards, and career pathway opportunities. WLCC members will receive on-the-ground experience with partners and organizations who conduct programming to support the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices and systems.

These WLCC Members will serve with ERASWCD to help the district with conserving Rio Arriba County’s valuable natural resources. By assisting the county to conserve its resources, the members will not only help to improve the environment, but they will also benefit the surrounding communities, the culture of its residents, and future generations.

Members will engage with all aspects of ERASWCD programs and activities as well as receive specialized training from all personnel to focus on the overall mission of the district. ERASWCD services approximately 1.3 million acres and establishes programs to support the needs of landowners by providing financial and technical assistance. The conservation practices that are implemented include but are not limited to forest thinning, riparian restoration, and brush management. Members will receive hands-on training from each staff member in their specific field. Members will also engage via communication and meetings with inter-agency partners such as Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, National Forest Service, and New Mexico Department of Agriculture.

Position Responsibilities will include:

Program Implementation

• Assist staff with application process
• Conduct site visits with landowners as needed
• Develop producer files

Mapping

• Correspond with landowners to organize site visits and travel to property
• Utilize GPS unit to conduct resource inventory and take field notes
• Organize collected data and develop a map utilizing provided software

Contract Management & Reporting

• Organize files
• Prepare grant reimbursements
• Create status reports

Trainings Provide:

• Member will receive training for each program and function of the district.
• Resource Inventory training
• GIS & databases relevant to project
• Training on file management system, grant reimbursement process, and reporting requirements

Working Conditions:

• Uneven terrain; hiking off-trail/unmarked paths; slippery/wet conditions

Minimum Requirements:

• Some hours of Postsecondary Education or 2-year equivalence in related fields.
• Must be able to serve a full-time schedule for the duration of the term.
• Be at least 17 years old at the start of service.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent or agree to obtain a high school diploma prior to using the earned education award.
• Valid U.S Driver’s License – Drivers must be over 21 or have had a license for at least 3 years.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States; and
• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some hours of Postsecondary Education in the fields of Natural Resources or Program Management.

Benefits:

• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps education award upon successful program completion
• Value of education award is $6,895(pre-tax).
• AmeriCorps Living Stipend: $600/week (pre-tax)
• Additional Benefit: $100/week (pre-tax)
• Healthcare coverage
• Childcare coverage (if qualified)
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments (if qualified)
• $1,500 in professional development and training funds for use during the term of service.
• $800 in supplies for use during the term of service (must be returned at end of position)
• Ability to obtain at least one recognized credential or certification during term of service.
• On-the-job training and development opportunities.