Working Lands Climate Corps – Doña Ana Soil & Water Conservation District

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

Service Site: 760 Stern Drive Suite 118, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88012

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 Doña Ana Soil & Water Conservation District (DASWCD) 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 DASWCD to support its programs promoting soil health, watershed health, and tree planting. It is through these programs that DASWCD educates the public about soil health and water conservation.

 

DASWCD’s tree planting program helps educate people about trees, namely, planting and caring about trees. The district has a five-year grant to plant more than 2,000 trees and WLCC members will have the opportunity to learn about trees and assist with tree planting events.

 

The Health Soils Cover Crop Program provides seed, fertilizer and funds to local producers for planting cover crop on acres currently not being used for other crops. Cover crop helps deter erosion from winds and improves soil health. WLCC members will assist staff with meeting producers, observing the results of soil tests and growth of the cover crop as well as documenting the success of the program.

 

The Master Watershed Conservation Forum educates the public on watershed related topics with watershed experts providing presentations on their areas of expertise. WLCC members will support forums with preparing materials, setting up, and recording presentations.

 

WLCC members will serve directly with the district manager and supervisors and will have the opportunity to engage with arborists, agronomists, and many partner organizations such as National Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Doña Ana County Flood Control.

 

 

Position Responsibilities will include:

Neighborwoods Program Learn about program – training in planting and learning about tree care Assist staff with canvassing events and educating the public about different types of trees Assist staff at tree planting events and planting trees with teams Health Soils Program Assist staff with meeting producers and observe planted cover crop areas Assist staff with preparing reports demonstrating results of cover crop plantings Master Watershed Forum Presentations Assist staff with presentations at stakeholder meetings Assist staff with preparing materials for presentations and setting up meeting spaces Work with staff to finalize video recording and upload files to the district website

Training Provided:

Tree stewardship training Review of soil testing procedures

 

Working Conditions:

Sun exposure; dehydration; uneven ground at local farms

 

Minimum Requirements:

Willingness to work with groups and meet new people. Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word and social media. 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. 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 agricultural or arborist background.

 

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.

 

How to Apply

Apply on-line at: Individual Placement Positions | Conservation Corps New Mexico (corpsnm.org).  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 Joy Hernandez at jhernandez@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.

 

Application Deadline

Please submit your application by August 17, 2024, to ensure full consideration.

 

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.