CDT New Mexico Field Technician

Position Title: CDT New Mexico Field Technician

Office Location: New Mexico (WFH)

Status: Temporary (6-month position)

Compensation: $21,500

Supervisor: Trail and Lands Conservation Manager

Start Date: June 2022

The mission of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition is to complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The CDTC will do this by building a strong and diverse trail community, providing up-to-date information to the public, and encouraging conservation and stewardship of the trail, its corridor, and surrounding landscapes.

Summary of Position:

Under the general supervision of the CDTC Trail and Lands Program Manager, the Field technician is responsible for conducting a pilot trail condition assessment for the CDT across New Mexico and coordinating with CDTC and land management agency partners including the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service. Field work is the primary function of this position with approximately 60% of time spent in the field.

Working closely with CDTC New Mexico staff and USFS CDT Program Administrator, CDT GIS Specialist and regional agency partners, the Field Technician is responsible for collecting and reporting trail condition data for the CDT in New Mexico. This data is used to determine project funding needs and is also closely coordinated with CDTC’s Trail and Lands Program Manager, CDTC GIS Program Manager, USFS CDT GIS Specialist and land management partners to provide a complete record of CDT needs across New Mexico.

The CDT through New Mexico is approximately 820 miles long. Approximately 602 miles are on constructed trail which is the focus of this position.

This position is temporary and expected to be 6 months in duration.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Survey and record trail condition data for at least all USFS trail miles (approximately 386 miles) in New Mexico in a pilot effort to develop a system to be used across other areas in New Mexico and across the CDT -trail wide following established protocols.

· Data collection will be done using the USFS eTRACS system and a mobile device provided by USFS. Reporting will be in coordination with ArcGIS Online and the USFS INFRA system.

· Complete survey on BLM (176 miles), NPS (12.5 miles), and State lands (23 miles) as available.

· Coordinate trail surveys with local agency staff.

· Ensure data is collected in a timely way and data is reported to agency partners. Work with CDTC GIS Program Manager and USFS GIS Specialist to ensure data collected is high quality and consistent.

· Work closely with the Trail Lands Conservation Program Manager to identify significant trail management issues.

· In coordination with CDTC and agency partners, compile survey results in reports and/or project proposals.

· May be enlisted to develop scalable methods for other CDT areas outside of New Mexico.

Other Duties

· Other duties may include occasional assistance with trail crew operations and outreach projects, as well as other duties as assigned.

· May also collect data/assessment pertaining to water availability, visitor use/impact, and authoritative centerline of the Trail

Qualifications

· Education or work experience in a field such as forestry, environmental science, botany, ecology, biology, geography, recreation management, trail work, or related field. A degree is not required and all with relevant experience are encouraged to apply.

· Strong oral and written communication skills.

· Ability to organize, track, and follow projects through to successful completion and report the details of projects.

· Ability to work effectively without direct supervision.

· Ability to inspire cooperation and effective communication among stakeholders, Indigenous Communities, local, state and federal agencies, and individuals with diverse views and uses of the lands along the Continental Divide

· Familiarity with the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

· Experience or training in personal computer operations. Fluency in Microsoft Office, and e-mail software is essential. GIS and GPS experience required.

· Experience working with a wide diversity of individuals and leading work projects is desirable.

· Experience living and working outdoors, including front country and primitive, backcountry camping, many times independently.

· Proven ability to travel over rough terrain and for extended periods of time/distance.

· Demonstrated proficiency to interpret survey plats, USGS quads, and maps; follow compass bearings, and triangulate position using reference landmarks. Experience with remote sensing and interpreting aerial photography and satellite imagery is also helpful.

· Ability to work independently in remote and rugged environments, and problem solve logistical, equipment and technological issues

· Clearly plan and coordinate work and travel logistics with CDTC, agency staff, and local partners

· Outdoor skills: experience with map and compass and GPS navigation, non-motorized long distance, overnight travel; Wilderness First Aid and Leave No Trace principles.

Physical Demands

· Travel and weekend work may be extensive at times and include stretches of time for multiple nights on the CDT.

· Use of personal vehicle for work-related travel

· Ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person.

· May require the ability to lift or move light to moderate weight.

· Requires ability to travel significant distances carrying a pack weighing up to 50lbs

· Requires the ability to work under adverse weather conditions.

· Requires the ability to work independently in remote and rough environments

· Ability to maintain equipment for data collection, transportation, and overnight travel on the CDT

Work Environment

● Field work will be conducted in remote wilderness conditions, varied weather conditions, and exposure to various environmental hazards such as wildlife, insects, plants, wind, sun, snow, and rain.

● Office work will be a major component of this position for processing the survey data. The office may have a moderate noise level due to the open office environment with a high level of activity on the phone, computers, and printers.

● Office work has the option to work remotely but will require close communication with CDTC and agency staff

Work Schedule

● This person has a flexible work schedule and can plan their field and office time accordingly

● We anticipate this position to have a “hitch” style schedule (ex. 8 days in the field, 6 days off) with long periods of time in the field.

Pay and Benefits

This six-month term position earns $21,500, paid monthly. CDTC also provides benefits including a company sponsored health insurance option, cell phone reimbursement, 403(b) retirement plan contributions, and a generous time off policy.

To Apply

Interested individuals should send a cover letter, resume and three references to sshattuck@continentaldividetrail.orgwith subject line “CDT New Mexico Field Technician”. The application deadline is April 30, 2022.

EOE Statement:

CDTC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or other protected status. For information about CDTC, please visit our website at Who We Are | Continental Divide Trail Coalition