Conservation Technician jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

"Leading our Nations back to ecological and cultural well-being"

*CREWS WILL START MAY 20 OR JUNE 3 DEPENDING ON CREW TYPE*

Program and Position Summary:

Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps (ALCC) engages motivated young adults, ages 18 - 30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the western United States. Projects may include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction, re-vegetation, historic preservation, and local environmental service projects. ALCC provides opportunities for members to learn about and connect with the environment, issues surrounding conservation, and local Indigenous values.

ALCC crews work in a variety of National Parks, National Forests, and other public areas. Selected members are placed on a crew which will then collaborate to perform project work. ALCC is a non-residential program and does not offer housing. Gear and equipment rental is available upon request.

Placed in Tiwa territory, Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps- Albuquerque Office is located at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. The ALCC Albuquerque office is comprised of a multitribal and multicultural staff. We, at ALCC-ABQ serve to impact and enrich the lives of community members in the South Valley, Pueblos of the Rio Grande Valley, the Diné Nation, and countless other Indigenous Nations from around the country ranging from Arapaho to Zuni. Established in 2014, ALCC-ABQ is dedicated to fostering the youth of these Nations and providing them the skills and tools to lead their Nations back to ecological and cultural well-being. We nurture partnerships with various National Parks, Public & Private Lands, Indigenous Nations and other Non-Profits in the Southwestern United States. We aim to cultivate partnerships with other Peoples and Nations to launch our members into the workforce with cultural respect, and the skills to tackle any occupation for their futures.

ALCC Corpsmember Position Description

Participation and Expedition Behavior:

• Work effectively as a member of a team
• Contribute to a safe learning environment; no harassment of others for any reason.
• Participate in all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training and national service
• Effectively communicate and discuss ideas and concerns with leaders, crew, and staff
• Learn skills and apply them to effectively carry out service work requirements
• Appropriately always represent the program and community while on project

Safety and Judgment:

• Perceive and effectively communicate environmental and work hazards with crew and leader
• Effectively perceive, understand, and follow direction
• Stay alert and focused while traveling and working in varied weather conditions
• Act with compassion toward crew members, leaders, and staff
• If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self-medicating without assistance from others.

Environmental Ethics:

• Learn and practice ‘Leave no Trace’ techniques

Outdoor Skills and Fitness:

• Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living/travel and work skills as appropriate to the project.

Commitment – ALCC participants must commit to all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and other crew activities.

Safety – All participants are required to participate in a culture of safety on their crew during all program activities by being aware of and adhering to program policies, as well as fostering an atmosphere of wellness in the program.

Professionalism – Participants must be willing to follow all ALCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent ALCC.

Teamwork – Members must be willing to engage in collaboration, respect others, and assist in making group decisions.

Technology – Projects are often in remote locations. The use of technology will be limited.

Substance Free – Participants MUST be willing and able to refrain from tobacco products, alcohol, and/or drugs while participating in the ALCC program.

Besides the minimum qualifications listed below, no experience is required for this position. ALCC will provide training and certifications for all essential tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, HS Equivalency Degree (HSED), or commitment to acquiring HSED while in program.
• Willingness to commit fully to the program and its mission for the full duration of term
• Willingness to learn and be a part of a dynamic community of peer leaders
• Must bring and maintain a positive perspective throughout term
• Must respect the dignity and diverse lifestyles of Indigenous people
• Must be able to work long days in adverse conditions

Essential Functions:

• Frequently required to walk and hike over long distances
• Required to use hands to operate objects, tools or controls, and to reach with hands and arms
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.

Crew Types:

Hitch/Traveling- This crew will be in the field, 8 days at a time. The crews will be camping, cooking, and performing tasks on a 10 hour per day schedule. The crew will be placed in areas that are mostly remote and may not have modern amenities available like cell phone service, running water, and regularly accessible service sites.

Local/Day- This crew will be meeting daily at the office to get their gear and hit the road to perform service in the Albuquerque area. Members of this crew are expected to arrive everyday with their own transportation to the office, go home at the end of the day, and be present 5 days out of the week.

Saw- This crew will be running chainsaws almost daily. This can be a hitch or local crew. Members of this crew are expected to have high safety standards and will learn the basics of running saws up to the performance expected of US Forest Service Chainsaw Operators.

CLDP- Also known as our Crew Leader Development Program- members of this crew will learn how to operate for future endeavors to lead their own crew. We will go through many trainings and facilitations, with active field participation, in order to best prepare one for leadership in outdoor settings.