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.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. IAE will not sponsor H1B visas. Non-U.S. residents must also include a copy of their work visa.

Closing date: Friday, January 31st, 2025

Number of available positions: 2 (One in Santa Fe, one in Carlsbad)

Location: Santa Fe, NM or Carlsbad, NM (some travel required)

Status: Seasonal, Full-time

Compensation: $22.25/hr.

Plus, travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging), paid holidays, sick

leave, overtime pay, and a $150 gear stipend.

Start date: 5/21/2025

End date: November 2025 (exact end date TBD)

About the role

Our Southwest Office is hiring two crews consisting of one Crew Lead and two Crew Technicians each for the 2025 seed collection season in Santa Fe, New Mexico and southeastern, New Mexico (May-November). The work schedule will typically consist of either four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday–or, rarely, eight 10-hour days Wednesday through the following Wednesday. Field work involves overnight camping for 4-8 day periods. There will be one crew based out of Santa Fe, NM and one crew based out of Carlsbad, NM. The crew will travel to field sites in a provided 4x4 vehicle. Field sites are located throughout Northern and Southeastern New Mexico, primarily on National Park Service (NPS), US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) -administered lands. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in a large collaborative effort supporting the first critical step of acquiring wild plant materials for use in restoration and revegetation projects.

What you'll do

Specific Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork: monitor phenology of target species, collect botanical voucher specimens, assess seed quality and collect native seeds, record site data, document activities, and prepare seed for shipping
• Collaborate closely with IAE Southwest and agency partners to meet collection targets
• Use ESRI products, such as Survey123 and Field Maps to collect data in the field 
• Prioritize safety; adhere to check-in/check-out procedures and communications via cell phone or GPS device to ensure crew safety
• Supervise, support and work alongside 2 technicians
• Communicate with land managers or partners to facilitate access to collection sites; represent IAE in a professional manner
• Manage data collection and entry, and oversee data QA/QC
• Plan overnight camping and field work schedule

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany
• Excellent communication skills and experience working on a team
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Data management experience; experience with ESRI products and data QA/QC
• Able to conduct frequent bending, kneeling, and standing
• Able to work in a variety of adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, extreme heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears) 
• Able to navigate off trail on uneven terrain
• Must have a valid driver's license (in good standing) and ability to drive a 4WD vehicle on rugged, off-highway gravel or dirt roads
• Ability to lift at least 20 lbs. and hike up to 3 miles per day
• Experience navigating to remote field sites using GPS
• Plant identification skills and experience using technical keys and collecting plant vouchers
• One or more seasons of field work experience, with preference given to those with skills in seed collection and identifying plants of New Mexico, or the Southwest  
• Able to conduct creative problem solving independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience leading a group of two or more people
• 1+ field seasons performing plant identification with a dichotomous key and vegetation sampling
• First Aid certification
• Experience using ArcGIS software and GPS mapping applications
• Coursework/training in botany and/or degree in botany or related field