Title: Wilderness Ranger (ten positions available)
Classification: Full-time (40 hours); Seasonal, May-September 2018*
Location: Cibola, Santa Fe, Lincoln, and Carson National Forests (2-4 positions each)
Job Summary
New Mexico Wild is seeking ten Wilderness Rangers to work on five 2-person field-based crews in wilderness areas on the Cibola National Forest (based in Albuquerque), Santa Fe National Forest (based in Coyote or Pecos), Lincoln National Forest (based in Ruidoso), and Carson National Forest (based in Questa or Taos).
Primary duties will focus on monitoring invasive species, trails, water quality, solitude, primitive and unconfined recreation, and recreation sites in accordance with Forest Service Wilderness Stewardship Performance protocols. Monitoring data will be collected using the ArcGIS Collector application or other methods where appropriate. Wilderness Rangers will also be responsible for volunteer coordination, youth outreach, and volunteer/youth project oversight. Specific work emphasis will vary by work location. Employees will receive relevant training and will be integrated into assigned Forest Service duty stations.
Each 2-person Wilderness Ranger team will consist of one Crew Lead and one Assistant. Crew Lead responsibilities will encompass all of the above, as well as mentoring/supervision of assistant, timely completion of program goals, accomplishments reporting, and other administrative tasks as assigned. Crew Leads will report to the Wilderness Ranger Program Manager. Assistants will assist the Crew Leads with all field-based duties, volunteer/youth coordination, and other tasks as assigned. Assistants will report to the Crew Lead.
*Project timeframe for most locations is anticipated to be May through September 2018, but season may be extended (to start earlier or end later) based on location, available funding, and seasonal conditions such as snow, heat, and fire. Rangers working with the Lincoln National Forest would ideally start in April 2018. Assistant positions could span a shorter timeframe to accommodate student schedules.
Work Environment
Work is performed primarily in the field, often in remote locations for multiple days at a time. Field work includes risk of injury from falls, strains, and insect bites, and includes exposure to inclement weather. Work will be full time (40 hours/week) during the field season (generally May – September) and will follow an eight days on, six days off work schedule which will require work during some weekends, holidays and occasionally, evenings. Light office duties will be performed at assigned work locations. Overnight travel will be required to complete duties between 50% and 75% of work time during the field season. Safety equipment is required and will be provided in accordance with applicable USFS job hazard analyses. Seasonal housing will be provided, at no cost to the employee, for Coyote, Pecos, Ruidoso, and Questa duty stations.
Summary of Essential Job Functions
- Work independently and as a team in a variety of wilderness backcountry and front-country settings on specific assigned tasks;
- Develop and/or execute local strategies for Wilderness Stewardship Performance monitoring consistent with the U.S. Forest Service national minimum protocol;
- Operate a handheld data collection device to collect consistent and accurate natural resource data;
- Maintain organized and complete records;
- Travel, camp, and work in remote backcountry settings during 2 to 8-day wilderness trips;
- Utilize safe and low-impact backcountry travel skills;
- Identify and complete various stewardship projects with approval from relevant Forest Service personnel;
- Recruit, coordinate, train and lead volunteers and youth in completing a variety of stewardship projects.
Knowledge and Abilities Required
- Knowledge of wilderness principles, concepts, policies, and objectives;
- Ability to implement environmental and natural resource monitoring techniques;
- Practical knowledge of backcountry travel, natural resources, and land management operations sufficient to perform work assignments within wilderness;
- Ability to work under arduous physical conditions;
- Ability to identify invasive plant species, conduct trail assessments, utilize primitive tools, perform trail and campsite maintenance, and use a handheld GPS device for data collection;
- Ability to coordinate and lead volunteer crews;
- Ability to work both independently and with a team, including coordination with New Mexico Wild and Forest Service staff;
- Knowledge of ArcGIS or other mapping software and data analysis a plus;
- Valid state-issued Driver’s License required;
- Access to personal vehicle for travel to and from work sites will be required for some positions. Mileage for work-related activities will be reimbursed.
Compensation will be set at a competitive hourly rate ranging from $14.50 to $16.50 per hour based on relevant training and experience. Employer-matched health insurance coverage is available.
To apply, email a resume, cover letter and references to jobs@nmwild.org by 3/15/18. Please state your preferred work location(s) and preferred position (Crew Lead or Assistant) clearly in your resume and/or cover letter.
New Mexico Wild is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability or sexual orientation.