Reports to: Watershed Programs Manager and Watershed Program Coordinator

Location: Rig up in Durango, CO; Crew will serve in Southwest Colorado and Northern New Mexico including Mesa Verde National Park, Bandelier National Monument, and Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program

Dates: Start date July 20, 2026. End November 6, 2026. Weather and seed dependent.

Wages: $1050/week, depending on prior experience and certifications.

Benefits:

Position Summary:

The crew leader will supervise two crew members and an assistant crew leader for a Department of Interior (DOI) Seeds of Success (SOS) team, operated by the Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC). The crew will be based out of the SCC Durango office. The crew will collect seeds from native species in remote areas on DOI land following SOS protocols. Crews will be required to drive to different areas throughout Colorado, camp overnight, potentially hike several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. This position requires significant driving relative to other types of field work. Crew leaders must be prepared for long days of driving and scouting from a truck. This position also requires the ability to maintain focus during highly repetitive and meticulous work. Safety is a pre-requisite, particularly where industry development (energy extraction, e.g. natural gas) is occurring during hunting season. Risk management will guide how fieldwork is conducted. The crew leader will be responsible for adhering to check-out/check-in procedures and communications via inReach device to ensure crew safety.

Seed collected by DOI is saved in short- and long- term storage to support development of plant materials for land restoration purposes by DOI and other entities. The crew leader will oversee and be accountable for successful data management, including record filing, database input, and seed processing in order to preserve plant species for future generations.

Specific duties will include selecting and locating populations of plant species based on the established SOS Protocol, and locally developed target species lists. The crew leader will oversee fieldwork and work with crew members to locate populations of targeted species, monitor phenology of the population, collect botanical voucher specimens, assess seed quantity and quality prior to seed collection, collect seed, record site data, prepare documentation, and ship collected seed for cleaning and short-term storage. The ability to identify plants both in the field and in the office via dichotomous keys is an important function of the position. However, help with plant ID will be provided, and IDs will be reviewed. The crew leader will use ArcGIS tablet applications (i.e. ArcCollector) software to locate and document collections. Use of 4-wheel drive vehicles in rugged off-road situations is expected. Familiarity with this equipment is highly desirable, but training will be provided where needed.

While Seeds of Success is the primary focus, the crew may also assist with other conservation program projects during the season to promote additional education and experience.

This 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 those from a variety of populations and communities.

Housing: Crews are responsible for their own housing, transportation, and food between camping trips. For the most part, housing is not provided. We are glad to talk through your options with you in the interview and onward.

Training: 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 SCC policies. Following leadership training, crew leaders will attend a SOS protocol training with the Bureau of Land Management. Informal hands-on training will continue throughout the term with on-the-ground skills training. The crew leader will help train the crew members and contribute to a regional seed collection training. Depending on the project needs, crews may receive specialized training.

Schedule: Season will start with two weeks of training, 5 days on, 2 days off. Once in the field, hitch schedule will vary based on need with switching from 4 days on, 3 days off to 8 days on, 6 days off. Applicants should expect the project schedule to vary and to have nontraditional work hours including weekends and evening hours. Workdays will start with stretch and safety where crews warm up and review any safety risks for the day. Days include two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch. On-hitch, crews camp together, prepare all meals together, and work together as a group to complete all projects and chores.

Gear: Participants must supply their own personal outdoor gear and equipment such as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc. A suggested gear-list will be provided prior to starting the term of service. Additionally, SCC has pro-deals and some gear available to borrow.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Mentorship

Project Management & Implementation Train, motivate and supervise a crew of young adults to efficiently complete tasks and objectives outlined in conservation projects, while working long hours and managing high quality of work and crew morale.

Safety & Risk Management

Monitor, manage, and promote the holistic health of the crew, including physical and emotional safety.

Please review the job description.

Educational requirements:

• high school

Desired Skills:

Please see the job description for required or recommended skills.

Benefits:

Please see the job description for benefits.

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