Working Lands Climate Corps Member

Conservation Legacy seeks a Working Lands Climate Corps Member in Silver City, NM for a 47-week, full-time AmeriCorps position. The role involves supporting soil and water conservation programs, engaging with community stakeholders, and promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Forestry practices. Compensation includes a $600/week living allowance plus an additional $100/week, with eligibility for an education award. The position requires on-the-ground experience and collaboration with local organizations.
Length: 1700-hour AmeriCorps Term of Service; 47 weeks; full-time 40 hours/week

Service Site: 3082 32nd Street Bypass, Ste C, Silver City, NM 88061 (GCSWCD); 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM 88061 (WNMU)

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: Mid-October 2024

Title of Position: Working Lands Climate Corps Member (1 opening)

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 New Mexico's 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 Grant Soil and Water Conservation District 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.

This WLCC Member will serve as a Conservation Field Member based at Western New Mexico University.

The Member will advance regional conservation goals by assisting the Grant Soil and Water Conservation District with on-the-ground work to implement best management practices on forest land.

The Conservation Field Member reports directly to the Western New Mexico University based Supervisor who will provide direction on day-to-day responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities:
• Support the Grant Soil and Water Conservation District to implement soil and water conservation programs.
• Work with GSWCD board to identify a specific community outreach project for service term
• Assist GSWCD with identifying gaps in knowledge between resources and opportunities around reducing catastrophic fires - connect landowners to resources
• Assist GSWCD with education/outreach on topics such as noxious weed removal and careers related to SWCD
• Attend monthly Soil and Water Conservation District Meetings, community stakeholder meetings, and other local or state meetings to assist in building partner capacity and community collaboration.
• Engage with high-school FFA, 4H, Envirothon, and other programs and coordinate high school engagement in field surveys and treatments to remove noxious weeds.
• Assist community partners by attending meetings, assisting during volunteer events, and outreach opportunities.
• Attend and assist in planning educational and community events that support Soil and Water Conservation District priorities.
• Prepare video communication to be shared on social media and highlighting Soil and Water Conservation District projects.
• Learn basic conservation practices.
• Carries out any assigned duties, including administrative, that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of soil conservation and water quality operations.
• Cross-training with agency and nonprofit partners on conservation and watershed restoration projects and programs.

Minimum Requirements:
• Must be able to serve a full-time schedule for the duration of the term.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• 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;
• Satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree or some college experience related to the disciplines of soil conservation, geology, horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, science communication, or GIS.
• Experience with vegetation surveys, noxious weeds, and data collection.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills for consensus building, stakeholder engagement and partner development.
• Ability to speak publicly.
• Experience with public outreach and marketing
• Experience developing interpretive/educational materials to communicate with youth and the public.
• Self-motivated and self-directed. Ability to work alone or with others in a team environment with minimum supervision.
• Flexibility to perform a variety of duties and deal with unforeseen events.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Event planning and workshop development experience

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 Conservation Corps New Mexico Individual Placement Director, Joy Hernandez at, with any questions.

Application Deadline:

Please submit your application by September 6, 2024 to ensure full consideration.