BLM Biological Technician Intern - Amarillo, TX
Title: Biological Technician Intern (1 opening)
Start/End Date: March 15, 2021 – March 11, 2022 (anticipated)
Salary: $500/week (+Education Award)
Term: 52 weeks
Reports To: Adrian Escobar (BLM Cross Bar Management Area (CBMA) Natural Resource Specialist)
Location: Cross Bar Management Area (CBMA) of Amarillo Field Office (801 South Fillmore, Suite 500, Amarillo, TX 79101).
Status: 1700-hour AmeriCorps Service Term, Full-time, Seasonal, Exempt (85% field work and 15% office work)
Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $6,195, Public Lands Corps Certificate*; both with successful completion of the internship. The Corps Network health insurance provided by Cigna, AmeriCorps child care assistance.
Summary:
Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM):
Conservation Corps New Mexico, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across southern New Mexico and western Texas that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. CCNM has a program office in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Tucson, Arizona.
Cross Bar Management Area (CBMA):
The Cross Bar Management Area is the only BLM-administered land in the State of Texas. It is a 12,000-acre tract originally purchased by the Federal government in 1931. The BLM manages the land in cooperation with West Texas A&M University and other cooperating agencies and is under the direction and supervision of the BLM Oklahoma Field Office (OFO).
Position Summary:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is providing an opportunity for one qualified individual to be brought on for 52 weeks to work closely with the Lead Natural Resource Specialist on a variety of field related activities within the Cross Bar Management Area. These activities include but are not limited to wildlife surveys, vegetation surveys, maintenance and repair of cattle and wildlife watering systems, fence repair and installation, applications of herbicides to noxious weeds, road and trail maintenance, tool and equipment repair, and safety inspections. The intern will be required to obtain a BLM pesticide applicators license (training will be provided). Interns must provide their own personal transportation to the duty office; however, the intern will be provided a vehicle for use between the office and the field. No housing will be provided.
All tasks will have COVID-19 mitigation strategies to reduce the spread in the local community. The intern must be willing to adhere to current CDC standards, in addition to BLM and Conservation Legacy COVID-19 Policies and Procedures.
Essential Responsibilities and Functions:
· Conduct camera trapping, spotlighting, and general observation as required for wildlife surveys.
· Document line-intercept transects, photo points, species collections, and cattle grazing effects as required for vegetation surveys.
· Repair and install barbed wire fencing; fabricate metal as needed.
· Maintain and repair wildlife and cattle watering systems.
· Apply herbicides to noxious plant species.
· Conduct road and trail maintenance.
· Service, maintain, repair, and modify tools and equipment as needed.
· Communicate with ranchers and state, local, and federal agency representatives.
· Work with volunteers on various activities including trail building, herbicide applications, biological surveys, etc.
· Assure compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and state and local building codes, report inspections to Safety Officer.
· Work with supervisor on planning and coordination of field-oriented activities; keep supervisor informed of work status and accomplishments while working with minimal direct supervision.
· Work closely with Texas Parks and Wildlife biologists, university professors and students, and with other representatives from outside entities.
· Interact with the general public and with volunteers of all ages and genders.
Required Skills:
Minimum Qualifications:
· Possess basic reading, writing, computer, and mathematical skills adequate to read schedules, understand safety notices, complete time sheets, take measurements during building projects, complete vehicle reports, and submit simple written reports of project status and conditions.
· Knowledge and experience in the identification of floral and faunal species of the Texas Panhandle.
· A general understanding of research techniques and data collection as it pertains to wildlife and vegetation responses to habitat restoration efforts.
· Understand the operation and maintenance of the machinery and equipment commonly associated with the operation of public buildings, land, and facilities, including heavy equipment, four-wheel drive vehicles, small gasoline engines, high pressure wash systems, air compressors, table saws, drill presses, and various hand and power tools.
· Demonstrate knowledge of safe methods and practices for handling power and hand tools and required personal protective gear.
· 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.
· Applicants must pass a DOI security background check and should possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Degree in wildlife biology, range management, environmental science, or a related field.
· GIS experience preferred.
· Possess knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and state and local building codes.
· Teamwork oriented with clear, direct communication and interpersonal skills.
Physical Requirements:
· The intern should be capable of handling supplies and materials that weigh up to 70 pounds (with assistance) and may occasionally handle items that weigh more than 70-110 pounds (with assistance). The work will occur in a variety of situations requiring stooping, bending, considerable standing, walking, bending, climbing heights (ladders), and digging.
· During outdoor work, the intern may be exposed to extremes in temperatures ranging from -10 degrees to 100+ degrees. The intern may be occasionally exposed to chemicals and other substances used in vegetation treatments as well as exposed to oil, grease, dirt, fumes, and mechanical noises. The work requires standing, some climbing, walking, hiking, and operating heavy equipment in dusty conditions. The intern will adhere to all safety rules and regulations as prescribed in manuals/supplements or by the designated BLM Safety Officer.
· 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. He/she must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms.
· Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Participant Essential Eligibility Requirements:
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.
· 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 the program 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.
· Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions.
· 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 gov’t 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.
*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.
Substance Free:
· In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property.
To apply: Please submit an updated resume and cover letter along with the online application by clicking on the green "Apply Externally" button. If you have questions, contact CCNM’s Individual Placement Support Coordinator Preston Sands at psands@conservationlegacy.org.
For more information about Conservation Corps New Mexico, please visit www.corpsnm.org. Conservation Corps New Mexico is a program of Conservation Legacy.