Amargosa Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Shoshone, California. We are dedicated to the future of the Amargosa River Watershed, engaging the natural and human communities of the northern Mojave Desert in collaborative conservation.
The Conservancy’s primary mission is to promote and protect the groundwater resources which give life to the amazing desert springs that comprise the Amargosa River, and to provide for the restoration of habitat for the many rare and unique species that call the River home. These projects include, but are not limited to, invasive species removal, trail construction, habitat restoration, and resource monitoring. The Conservation Program Manager (CPM) will be the primary responsible staff member for the execution of these projects.
Responsibilities:
The CPM will oversee all elements of our conservation projects, including:
pre-project planning, materials and labor acquisition, site-specific work plan development, and regulatory compliance;
supervision of projects in the field: logistics, management of labor (interns/volunteers), risk management, and data collection;
project administration: maintaining project budgets, data management, and reporting;
management of interns: selection, logistics, training, reporting, and supervision.
The execution of these projects will result in tangible, on the ground benefits for the habitat, species, and communities of our region. The Amargosa Conservancy has a unique opportunity to directly intervene in ecological crises and take conservation actions which can affect entire endemic plant and animal populations or even entire species. Therefore, the CPM will have significant responsibility over projects in which the fate of an important piece of desert biodiversity hangs in the balance.
Our current roster of projects for the upcoming cool season includes: desert spring restoration for endangered Amargosa vole habitat; tamarisk removal for increased in-stream flows and improved mesquite habitat for the endangered least Bell’s vireo; groundwater monitoring at wells and springs; monitoring of the extremely rare endangered Amargosa niterwort; habitat restoration from vehicular impacts; and trail construction to provide responsible public access to these amazing places.
Our conservation program’s busy season occurs during the (relatively) cooler months of October-May. In general, there will be less conservation work occurring during the summer. Thus, the CPM will engage in secondary duties during the hot months, including project and partnership development, outreach and fundraising, and other duties related to the operations of a non-profit as needed and time permitting. In the busy season, this position will entail a roughly equal balance of field and office time; in the hot season, it is unlikely that the CPM will be able to spend more than 25% of their time in the field.
Qualifications:
Two or more years with direct in-the-field experience in conservation work, such as trail work, habitat restoration, or invasive species removal. At least one season of supervisory experience.
Those with and without college degrees are welcome to apply- the primary qualification for this position is relevant experience.
High degree of comfort with topographic maps, compasses, GPS units, and route-finding.
Desire to swing tools, carry objects up to 50 lbs., hike long distances on rough and remote terrain, and endure harsh desert conditions outdoors.
Experience driving 4WD vehicles on bad roads.
Proficiency with all Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.
For insurance purposes, must be 25 or older.
An enthusiastic desire to live and work in an extremely remote desert locale is requisite.
Preferred:
Extensive supervisory experience and/or a background in outdoor/environmental education.
Previous experience living and/or working in the desert or arid Southwest.
Competence with ArcGIS, data management and analysis, and map making.
Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification.
Familiarity with NEPA and CEQA.
How to apply
Please send a resume, interesting cover letter, and professional references to info@amargosaconservancy.org.