Crew Leader II – BLM Renewable Energy Plant Survey Crew

Title: Crew Leader II – BLM Renewable Energy Plant Survey Crew 

Reports to: CCNM Program Coordinator 

Location/s: Las Cruces, NM 

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program   

Dates: March 17th, 2025 – July 18th, 2025 

Wages: $925-1125/week, depending on prior experience and certifications.    

Benefits: Paid training, food budget while on camping hitch, Employee Assistance Program, health benefits for eligible positions  

Training: Generally, the term begins with leadership training which focuses on developing outdoor leadership skills, goal setting, technical and field skills training and developing an understanding of CCNM procedures. Following leadership training, most seasons will begin with an orientation with Crew Leaders and Crew Members that includes Leave No Trace, Outdoor Living & Nutrition, Crew Culture and Diversity, and goal setting.  Informal hands-on training will continue throughout the term with on- the- ground skills training.  

Depending on the project needs, crews may receive specialized training. During the season members may have the opportunity to participate in a Wilderness First Aid certification course.    

Housing: Housing on days off is not provided.  

One Crew Leader position available.   

Application closes 03/24/2025- Cover letter and resume must be attached with the application 

 
Conservation Corps New Mexico (CCNM) 

Conservation Corps New Mexico, a program of Conservation Legacy, aims to continue the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. CCNM crews are typically based in Las Cruces, NM and all project work will take place on public lands in New Mexico and surrounding states. CCNM's Field Crew program engages motivated young adults, ages 18-30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation service projects throughout southern New Mexico and surrounding states.  

Position Summary:   

The Crew Leader II position is an opportunity to make a difference in young peoples’ lives while completing conservation projects on public and private lands. Leaders will be mentors, educators, and facilitators for young adults, working to promote the health and resiliency of our land, air, and water. The crew leader will supervise two crew members for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Renewable 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 renewable energy development impacts on rare plants are anticipated. Safety is a prerequisite and will guide how fieldwork is conducted. 

Crews will be required to drive to different areas throughout New Mexico, camp overnight for 1-3 consecutive nights, hike several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. Crew Leaders may also be required to come in for an additional day each hitch cycle to complete administrative duties and check-ins with program staff. On-hitch, crews camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores.  

In addition to fieldwork, crews will be 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, producing excel spreadsheets, and entering data is desirable. The occurrence data collected by the rare plant survey crew will provide essential information for future avoidance of rare plant populations that intersect renewable energy development projects. 

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

The Crew Leader II position requires patience, a consistently positive mental attitude, mentorship, technical aptitude, focus on efficiency, and a high level of competence in the outdoors. It also involves an administration role, where weekly paperwork is due in a timely manner to supervisors. Finally, crew leaders must exhibit the ability to effectively work on diverse teams and with those from a variety of populations and communities.  

Salary : $925 - $1,125