About The Institute for Applied Ecology
The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit founded in 1999 with a mission to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.
IAE values diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.
Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.
Start Date: 3/3/2025
End Date: 8/29/2025
Location: Santa Fe, NM
Status: Temporary, Full-time
Compensation: $20.75/hour
Plus, travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging), paid holidays, sick leave, and overtime pay.
About the role
The Southwest Branch at the Institute for Applied Ecology will be hiring two technicians to work with the Southwest Rare Plants Ecologist for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rare Plant Monitoring Initiative. More information about the program can be found in this blog by the 2023 crew. The crew will monitor demography of rare plants on BLM lands across NM following established protocols, particularly in areas where multiple-use land management (i.e. energy extraction) impacts on rare plants are expected. Crews will be required to drive to remote areas throughout New Mexico, camp at drive-up campsites for 1-7 consecutive nights, hike up to several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. While rare plant inventories are the main focus, technicians may have the chance to assist with other plant IAE projects during the summer. This is a full-time, temporary position that requires overnight camping and non-traditional work hours inclusive of weekend and evening hours.
Specific Responsibilities
Work with a crew leader and another technician to visit monitoring plots and collect demographic data (including life stage, phenology, and size) for rare plants across the state of New Mexico
Identify plants located near monitoring plots to species level
Hike up to several miles a day to access rare plant populations
Scout and survey areas for species that the IAE may begin monitoring, and setting up new monitoring plots
Assist in data cleaning and management
Minimum Qualifications
A positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany
Effective communication skills and experience working on a team
Organized and detail-oriented
Basic computer skills
Willingness to spend multiple days (1-7 nights at a time) camping at drive-up sites in remote areas; familiarity with and willingness to adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles
Able to conduct frequent bending, kneeling, and standing
Able to collect data accurately in a variety of adverse weather conditions, which may include extreme heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears)
A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle off-highway, along occasionally difficult roads
Able to lift up to 40lbs
Able to hike up to 6 miles a day
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with basic plant taxonomy, including major families and botanical vocabulary
- Plant ID skills using technical keys
- Knowledge of plants of the Southwest
- 1+ field seasons performing plant identification and vegetation sampling
- Electronic data collection experience
- Experience with ArcGIS Online interface and ArcGIS tablet applications (Collector and Survey 123)
- Coursework/training in botany and/or degree in botany or related field
How to Apply
Please fill out and submit this application form with all required materials by 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024.
If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to our FAQ or direct them to humanresources@appliedeco.org and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.