AmeriCorps Strike Team Interns: Tres Rios BLM, Dolores River Restoration Partnership

TheColorado BLM-Tres Rios(TR) field office, in collaboration with the Dolores River Restoration Partnership( is advertising for two invasive species Strike Team Interns. The DRRP is in year 6 of an ambitious effort to treat invasives along 175 miles of the river corridor. The Internswill fill athree-person strike team to address follow up riparian restoration needs through monitoring and treatment activities. Applicants will need a valid, clean drivers license. Housing is not provided. Dolores, Colorado will be the mobilization point for this project.

Timeline: One position will run from July 15, 2015 to December 18th, 2015 (5 months). The second Intern will start September 15th to Dec 18th, 2015.

Schedule and Tasks:The Strike Team will typically work four, 10 hour days per week. The first Intern will join the team leader mid July to be trained in and conduct a 2.5 month “Rapid Monitoring” project. This will entail vegetation monitoring at multiple invasive species treatment sites along the Dolores River, to inform land management needs. Following Rapid Monitoring,the second intern will join the team and project work will transition tosignificant treatment of herbaceous weeds and tamarisk retreatment at multiple sites in the TR field office (Dolores, CO). Both Interns will learn or review the hands-on details of herbicide application with support from the BLM and team leader. This 3 month project component will entail maintenance of tamarisk treatments by treating re-sprouts and secondary weeds with various spraying equipment, overseen by the leader. Recording and reporting of accomplishments will be necessary. Related tasks may be assigned as needed. This position requires extensive field time on foot in the elements. Safe operation of BLM, SCCvehicles and selected equipment will be necessary.

Desired Qualifications: The ideal candidates for this position have knowledge of native and invasive plants in the southwest, and interest/experience in treatment and mapping of invasive species. Pesticide application certification/experienceare preferred but not required. Experience working independently and with a team in the outdoors, including navigating to sites and managing projects with a team are also preferred. GPS and GIS experience are a plus. First Aid/CPR required.

Training Provided:

  • Monitoring methodologies, Tablet mapping program, weed management techniques.
  • SCC driver training, BLM defensive driving
  • Invasive and native species identification
  • Instruction using Trimble GPS units
  • Familiarization with mixing, storing, transporting, utilizing and clean-up of various herbicides/equipment.

Compensation: AmeriCorps Interns will receive a $400/week living stipend and an education award at the completion of the term of service. Intern #1= $2150 award, Intern #2= $1,195 award

To Apply: send Resume and Cover Letter to Mike Wight by May 1, 2015

Direct questions to Mike Wight via email or at 970-749-2796