Natural Resource Specialist

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Farmington Field Office, is seeking one Natural Resource Specialist (Intern) to support the Surface Inspection and Enforcement program for fluid mineral leases alongside Natural Resource Specialist staff from the BLM Farmington Field Office.

 

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

 

Start Date: July/August 2024 *pending federal background check*

 

Estimated End Date: 50 weeks after the start date.*a 50 week minimum commitment is required *

 

Location Details/Description: Farmington, NM

 

For more information about the BLM Farmington Field Office, please visit

 

https://www.blm.gov/office/farmington-field-office

 

Position Overview:

 

The BLM Farmington Field Office is providing an opportunity for one member to gain hands-on experience in the fields of natural resource management, environmental remediation, and environmental compliance. The successful candidate will assist the BLM Farmington Field Office Surface Team with the Inspection and Enforcement Program related to development of fluid mineral leases in Northwest New Mexico. Under the guidance of BLM Staff, the members will contribute to the collection, analysis, and reporting of environmental inspection data on BLM lands developed for oil and gas production. The member will also assist with ArcGIS data, electronic and hard-copy record keeping systems, and data entry into the BLM's Automated Fluid Minerals Support System (AFMSS). Those participating in this program will have the opportunity to learn about BLM land-management challenges and responsibilities, gain an understanding of the ins-and-outs of environmental regulation, and get boots on the ground experience with Federal compliance measures. The member will be able to shadow a variety of different BLM projects and gain insight into how various programs within the office operate and interact. This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

 

Examples of potential duties are:

 

Inspections of proposed, producing, and abandoned oil and gas well pads

Supporting and conducting on-site inspections of oil and gas operations across various phases.

Conducting research and gathering and maintaining environmental data relating to mitigation of surface impacts and reclamation of surfaces to a productive condition.

Conducting inventories and monitoring to support land use plans and surface management goals.

Assessing lease files, well files, bond information, and inspection and enforcement action entries.

Discussing methods of prevention, or mitigation of surface impacts, with oil and gas operators and owners of facilities.

This list is not exhaustive and other duties may be assigned based on project needs.

 

Schedule: Mon-Fri, between the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm MST generally.

 

Position Benefits

 

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM Farmington Field Office and ACE and is not flexible.

 

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

 

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or BLM Farmington Field Office.

 

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $350 per week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

 

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific on-the-job training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Specific training for the position may include Natural Resource Specialist training (as available), H2S and field safety, First Aid, Defensive Driving and 4x4 Vehicle, and required BLM training for accessing government computer systems.

 

Qualifications

 

Required:

 

Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts

Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.

Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).

Willing to undergo and must pass the required two-part criminal history check.

Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

 

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.

Experience using ArcGIS software.

Strong communication skills (both written and verbal) and the ability to collaborate with different stakeholders.

Demonstrated sense of accountability and follow through.

Ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing.

Deep interest in natural resource management and environmental protection.

Experience working in and navigating remote field environments with aid of maps or GPS.

Understanding of the theories, principles, practices and techniques of natural resource management related to surface disturbing activities.

Education or experience in physical science disciplines that may include biology, natural resources, geology, or engineering that can be applied to construction practices, soils, slope stabilization, and land restoration techniques and methods.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

 

Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.

Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.

Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.

Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates. Office environment conditions; indoor air quality is good and temperature is controlled.

Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise from active oil and gas facilities and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.

Travel: This position may require domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Specific fieldwork hazards include working in an environment with a risk of H2S exposure. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources. Field work will occur in an active oil and gas basin and require frequent travel on unpaved dirt roads without street signs. Heavy oilfield traffic, hazardous road conditions, active oil and gas production and operation equipment, are common occurrences.

 

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the BLM Farmington Field Office. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM Farmington Field Office. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM Farmington Field Office, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM Farmington Field Office and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

 

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1079767 Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Recruitment and Member Support Coordinator, Sheana Ward, at 772-529-8143 or sward@usaconservation.org

 

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.