Come join us at a nearly perfectly shaped and preserved volcanic cinder cone, standing more than 1200 feet above the surrounding high plains of northeastern New Mexico. Surrounding the cinder cone volcano is a Pinyon-Juniper savanna of native grass interrupted by igneous rock outcroppings. Capulin Volcano is just one of about 100 volcanic features in the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, which covers about 8,000 sq. miles in northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado. The breathtaking panoramic view from the crater rim provides opportunities for education and inspiration.
You will help establish a monitoring plan for a rare plant species known as Capulin Goldenrod (Solidago capulinensis). Capulin Volcano National Monument protects a significant amount of habitat associated with this rare species, yet little is known of its population health. We hope to begin an annual monitoring plan that can keep resource staff informed of long- and short-term population changes. With this information, we will be better able to manage the population in the future and adapt to unforeseen challenges such as those from a changing climate.
Duties include:
– Research rare plant monitoring and work with staff to develop an annual monitoring plan for Capulin. (30%)
– Begin to write a monitoring standard operating procedure (SOP) that can be repeated yearly. (30%)
– Monitor and document populations with photos, GPS data, etc. (20%)
– Assist with other natural resource tasks such as invasive species removal or native plantings. (20%)
Capulin Volcano National Monument is part of the High Plains Group Integrated Resource Management Division. The intern will be a critical part of a small team, which provides many opportunities for involvement in the decision-making process. Each person has the potential to make a big impact for the monument! The work week will be 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Conditions will often require working outside in hot or cold weather and hiking over rough terrain.
This position is ideal for detail-oriented individuals who flex well between team and solo work. Plant experience is ideal but not required.
*For SCA's COVID-19 guidance, please refer to www.thesca.org/covid
Position ID: PO-00732623
Expected Dates: July 9, 2023 - September 16, 2023
Location:
46 Volcano Rd.
Capulin, NM 88414
US
Training Provided: On the job training will be on-going throughout the internship to include plant identification, GIS, population monitoring procedures, invasive species removal techniques, plant propagation and planting, and more depending on member's interests.
Educational/Recreational Opportunities: Outdoor recreational activities abound at nearby state parks in both New Mexico and Colorado. The intern will be invited to participate in staff trainings both at Capulin and at the other two High Plains Group parks.
Handicap Accessible?: Yes
Main Area of Focus: Natural Resources Mgmt
Further Details
AmeriCorps Eligible: Eligible
Driving Logistics: Required
Will need to drive to town for groceries and other amenities.
Housing or Stipend Provided?
A. Partner will provide suitable housing for the member
Capulin Volcano National Monument has two Mission 66 houses within the park that are used for seasonal employee and intern housing. The houses are multiple occupancy. Rooms can be single or multiple occupancy depending on availability but will likely be single. The houses are not sex-segregated. Each house has 1.5 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, a kitchen, dining area, and a living area. The space is furnished. There is a nice yard space behind each house with a view of the volcano. The houses are only yards from the visitor center/administration building.
Indoor/Outdoor: Combination
US Citizenship: No
