Wildlife and Natural Resources Individual Placement

Position Title:  Wildlife and Natural Resources Individual Placement – AmeriCorps  

Conservation Legacy Program: Conservation Corps New Mexico 

Site Location: Dyess Air Force Base – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and Department of Defense (DOD) 

1518 Arnold Blvd, Abilene, TX  

 COVER LETTER AND RESUME REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED 

Terms of Service: 

Start Date: 5/05/25 

End Date: 9/19/25 

AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 675 Hours  

Purpose: 

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. Environmental stewardship programs help conserve natural habitats, improve energy efficiency, protect clean air and water, among other environmental efforts. 

Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM) 

As part of Conservation Legacy and an AmeriCorps program, CCNM aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. CCNM is focused on connecting youth, young adults, and recent era military veterans with conservation service work projects on public lands. CCNM operates programs across southern New Mexico and western Texas that engage individuals and strengthen communities through service and conservation. The CCNM Las Cruces office manages the Individual Placement Program.  

Mentorship 

These Individual Placements are unique development AmeriCorps positions. Participants are paired with a local supervisor and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies. Site supervisors commit to facilitate career development; provide an introduction to numerous pathways within the conservation field; and create accessible, meaningful, learning opportunities and gain technical, hands-on experience in the work of these organizations or agencies.  

Under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and working in cooperation with the Department of Defense (DOD), the Military Lands Conservation Program manages and improves the natural resources on military lands. This management is accomplished through a variety of scientific surveying, installing outreach signage and recreational facilities (ex. duck blinds), physically eradicating invasive plant species, and planting native species. Scientific surveys include small mammal trapping, plant identification and surveys of birds, bats, insects, Texas Horned Lizard and more. 

Dyess Air force Base covers just under 6,000 acres with a FWS Biologist working in the 7th Civil Engineer Squadrons Environmental Section in the role of Natural Resources Manager. This position requires many responsibilities such as updating plans, maintaining equipment/vehicle logs, attending Air Force and FWS meetings, conducting outreach programs, and overseeing outdoor recreation programs such as fishing in addition to regular biologist duties. 

The Individual Placement will assist the Biologist with keeping up the flow of field projects which are mandated to be completed according to the installation Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan as well as the Sikes Act and other state and federal laws. By assisting with field projects, the participant will benefit base wildlife, improve native habitats, and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities for military members and their families.  

Individual Placement will also gain professional development in the natural resources management field by receiving guidance from the FWS Biologist on different wildlife biologist duties, methods, and techniques for wildlife surveys and management. Individual Placement will have the opportunity to attend key meetings regarding development, wildlife conflicts, and inter-agency interactions. Participant will also be exposed to both FWS and DOD agencies.  

 
Description of Duties: 

Fish Pond Management 

Monitor water quality using YSI Multi probe. 

Monitor for algae blooms and treat blooms accordingly with herbicide. 

Monitor and maintain supplemental fish feeder. 

Bird Surveys 

Work with supervisor on learning where survey locations are across the installation. 

Properly ID birds by visual observation and calling, singing etc. 

Properly document data sheets. 

Monitor current weather conditions during surveys. 

Texas Horned Lizard Surveys 

Properly and ethically handle wildlife. 

Observe and document THL habitat. 

Properly ID and document THL. 

Pollinator Surveys 

Capture & release pollinator species. 

Identify local Bumble Bee Species. 

Record data correctly for proper reporting. 

Acoustic Bat Monitoring 

Program acoustic monitors. 

Properly set up and place monitoring equipment. 

Transfer data from SD cards to computer for data interpretation. 

Improve Wood Duck Nesting at Lake Totten 

Use hand tools to build wood duck box and mounting pole. 

Install boxes in appropriate spots on the lake to increase wood duck use. 

Work with Air Force heavy equipment operators to mount boxes properly. 

Prescribed Fire 

Assist Biologist with planning and pre-burn fuel monitoring. 

Grassland Habitat Restoration 

General ID of grass & forb species. 

Herbicide application to help control woody encroachment. 

Observe heavy equipment operators conducting tree density reduction. 

Trainings Provided: 

Proper use of water monitor equipment and data recording, how to spot potential algae issues that could cause fish kill, how to treat algae blooms, how and why fish are provided supplemental feed, proper fish feeder maintenance. 

Bird ID in the Rolling Plains Ecological Region of Texas, proper weather data recording, proper method for filling out data sheets, how to traverse the installation and access monitoring sites. 

Proper handling of small mammals, how to set traplines effectively, local small mammal ID. 

Proper handling of pollinators, local Bumble Bee ID. 

How to program acoustic monitors, how to set up and place monitors effectively. 

How to safely use tools to effectively build materials used by wildlife, how to work with other organizations to benefit wildlife habitat. 

How, why and when prescribed fires are carried out, education about benefits of prescribed fire to the regional landscape. 

ID of local grass, forb and woody species, how to properly mix, transport and apply herbicide safely, reasons for these management practices and how they affect the landscape in short- and long-term time frames. 

Conditions: 

Extreme heat, general wet conditions; lifting/carrying heavy objects; exposure and use of herbicide; walking long distances; operation of 4x4 vehicle in wet conditions/off-road; wildlife handling; handling species that could sting and cause allergic reaction; working with heavy equipment and hand tools; smoke inhalation is of critical concern during prescribed burns.  

  
Qualifications: 

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

At least 17 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. 

Valid U.S Driver’s License - Drivers must be over 21 or have had a license for at least 3 years 

Per federal grant requirements, this position is for young adults between the ages of 18-30 (35 for veterans), inclusive, at the time the individual begins term of service. 

Personal vehicle for transportation outside of service hours. 

Working on or completed a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Land Management or a similar field. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience working in the outdoors. 

Physical Requirements: 

To successfully perform essential functions, the individual is required to sit, stand, walk, speak, hear, etc. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl for significant periods of time and be able to safely lift 50 pounds on a routine basis. He/she must be able to operate office equipment, telephone, and computer and reach with hands and arms.  

Ability to hike and navigate in rough terrain. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Participation and Expedition Behavior: 

Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences. 

Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of others for any reason. 

Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program including conservation projects, education, training, and national service. 

Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues, and organization staff. 

Appropriately represent Conservation Corps New Mexico, FWS, DOD, and AmeriCorps to the public and partners at all times. 

Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment. 

Safety and Judgment:  

Effectively communicate danger to others in the form of either a warning of danger others may be encountering or a notification of personal distress, injury or need for assistance. Must be able to do so at a distance of up to 50 meters and in conditions with limited visibility or loud background noise such as darkness or high winds. 

Effectively perceive and understand significant and apparent hazards and follow direction by others so that you will be able to successfully execute techniques to manage hazards. These directions may be given before the hazard is encountered or may need to be given during the exposure to the hazard. Ability to respond appropriately to stress or crises. 

Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time while traveling and working in varied weather conditions. 

If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage by self- medicating without assistance from others. 

Substance Free: 

In accordance with a drug free workplace, alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in AmeriCorps and program activities and while on organization property. 

Background Check: 

A DOI/DOD background clearance must be completed before the selected candidate may report for service. The FWS/Dyess AFB will provide instructions for completion of the clearance after a candidate has been selected and will notify them when they have been cleared to start service. This process will determine the participant’s exact start date. 

Participants will have access to government facilities and systems, and will be supplied with access to gov’t vehicles, equipment, and materials needed to work on the projects and activities as outlined above. Participants must adhere to all government regulations and policies for operating equipment, vehicles, security awareness, and safety. 

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 Friday, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service  

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

Orientation and Training: 

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

Benefits: 

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $2,817.14 

Living Allowance of $600 per week. 

Additional Benefit of $250 per week. 

Professional development funds $750 

Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority upon completion of term (that allows for competitive hiring for USA jobs/government jobs) 

Healthcare Coverage  

Childcare Coverage if Eligible 

Loan forbearance if Eligible 

Interest Payments if Eligible 

Evaluation and Reporting: 

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has 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. 

Program Name and Contact Information: 

Sam Jean Simmons – CCNM Individual Placement Coordinator 

Contact information: ssimmons@conservationlegacy.org 

 Consideration will be given as applications are received and this position may close at any time. 

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages. 

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with AmeriCorps requirements. 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.