2026 CCNM Rare Plants Survey Crew Member - AmeriCorps

Position Title: 2026 CCNM Rare Plants Crew Member - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps New Mexico

Site Location:

CCNM Las Cruces Office

560 N. 17^th Street

Las Cruces, NM 88005

Terms of Service:

Start Date: 02/23/2026
End Date: 07/10/2026
AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 hrs

Purpose:

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM) engages motivated young adults, ages 18 - 30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the western United States. CCNM crews serve in a variety of National Parks, National Forests, and other public areas. CCNM provides opportunities for members to learn about the local environment and conservation issues throughout the duration of the program. Selected members are placed on a crew that will then collaborate to perform project work.

The Crew Member will serve on a New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Energy Rare Plant Survey Crew, operated by Conservation Corps New Mexico. More information about New Mexico’s rare plants, can be found here. The crew will consist of three individuals: one crew leader and two crew members. Together, the crew will survey for rare plants in remote areas on BLM lands across the Southwest portion of New Mexico within the Las Cruces District Office, particularly in areas where impacts from energy infrastructure development on rare plants are anticipated. Safety is a prerequisite and will guide how fieldwork is conducted. The crew will be required to drive to different areas through New Mexico, camp overnight for 3-7 nights, hike several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management.

In addition to fieldwork, crews are expected to uphold strong organizational skills for the sake of successful data management. All data will be georeferenced using a GPS unit and stored in an ArcGIS geodatabase. Some previous experience collecting data, navigating off-trail using digital maps or GPS, and entering data is desirable. The occurrence data collected by rare plant survey crew will provide essential information for future avoidance of rare plant populations that intersect energy development projects. This data will also be critical for informing species redundancy across the landscape and mapping the entire species range to prevent the need to list the species under the Endangered Species Act.

While rare plant surveys are the focus, crews will assist with other plant conservation program projects in progress during the summer, where available. Other projects may include pollinator monitoring and setting up new monitoring plots. When or if available, crew may participate in local BLM sponsored training sessions, outside symposia, and coordination meetings. 

Description of Duties:

CCNM AmeriCorps members serve a term of National Service in the State of New Mexico and parts of the Southwest on professionally supervised crews. Members serve in all weather conditions, working on a variety of projects focused on environmental conservation and habitat restoration.  It is a field program where members will camp multiple days near a project site. Projects can be front country or backcountry, with limited to no access to showers and running-water toilets. Backcountry projects involve carrying out all personal supplies (tent, sleeping bag, clothing) as well as group camp supplies (food, water, gear), to the campsite and worksite. Members are expected to complete project work and practice appropriate safety procedures in all areas. This includes safe use of and maintenance of hand and power tools as necessary. 

Most importantly, participants must be willing to be an active member of a team, or crew, of individuals from different areas and backgrounds who are all interested in conservation. 

Program Expectations: 

·       Commitment – CCNM 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 CCNM policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent CCNM.

·       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 personal technology will be limited.

·       Substance Free – Participants MUST be willing and able to refrain from alcohol and drugs while participating in the CCNM program.

Qualifications:

·       United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien

·       At least 18 years of age

·       Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award

·       Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.

·       No previous experience is required, but general comfort and previous knowledge of working/living in an outdoor setting is helpful.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       College graduate (or coursework) in biology, ecology, botany, plant ecology, plant biology, plant systematics, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field.

·       1 to 2 years of experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species in the field, from photos, and from pressed specimens.

o   Familiarity with New Mexico flora in general and Flora Neomexicana III.

o   Experience with Floras from adjacent states to New Mexico.

o   Experience working in regions with high floristic variability. 

·       Experience working as part of a small team and able to work well with others.

·       Excellent communication, organizational, and planning skills.

·       Experience with ArcGIS table applications and basic troubleshooting (FieldMaps and Survey123).

·       Experience with ArcGIS online interface.

o   Knowledge of downloading, using, and syncing ArcGIS Online Maps and other ESRI products like Survey123 or FieldMaps.

·       Experience collecting, managing and summarizing data for plant and/or animal monitoring programs.

Physical Requirements:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

·       Typically, this position is expected to serve Monday to Thursday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half-hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.

·       This position generally entails a 4 days on / 3 days off hitch schedule. Time off will not be permitted during hitches, and members/leaders are expected to plan accordingly. Exceptions can be made for emergencies.

·       Members may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

·       Prior to their start date, selected members must begin their background check process and complete online enrollment duties.

Orientation and Training:

·       Members will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.

·       Training will also focus on topics such as Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace, outdoor living, and goal setting.

·       Depending on project needs, crews have opportunities for instruction in herbicide, crosscut saw, chainsaw, or other specialized equipment use.

·       Informal training will continue throughout the term with on-the-ground skills training in areas such as tool maintenance, plant identification, and overview of public land management agencies.

Benefits:

·       Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2817.14

·       Living Allowance of $480 per week

·       Additional Benefit of $120 per week

·       Childcare Coverage if eligible

·       Loan forbearance if eligible

·       Interest Payments if eligible

·       Food budget while on project

Housing:

CCNM is an independent, non-residential program – we do not provide housing. It is advised that all members supply their own outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. because rental supplies are limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis. A suggested gear list will be provided before starting the term of service. CCNM will provide the tools, personal protective gear, crew meal budget, and project transportation. Additionally, CCNM has Pro Deals opportunities to receive discounts on some outdoor gear brands.

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, satisfactorily completed assignments, and met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.

Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to: bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Any questions can be addressed to: 

Genevieve Tucker

Crew Program Director

Gtucker@conservationlegacy.org

We will be collecting applications on a rolling basis until January 9^th and early applications are highly encouraged.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager. 

Salary : $120 - $480