Volunteer opportunities in New Mexico with Seventh Generation Institute

Seventh Generation Institute

Volunteers and Interns
Updated 11/21/11 - Volunteers are a highly -valued and key part of our organization. As
such they are given professional level tasks, responsibility and appreciation.

If you are a professional in a natural resources field who works at an unsatisfying job, or
you have recently retired but would like to remain involved, or if you recently graduated
and haven’t located the right position, please be in touch.

There are also roles for persons with skills outside the sciences such as media and web
design, video production, fund raising, representing Cuppa Joe for New Mexico coffee, etc.
Give us a call to explore ideas. Some specific roles are listed below.

Citizen Scientists (Part-time Volunteers)
Seventh Generation Institute will be recruiting highly qualified and committed volunteers
for the New Mexico Pika Monitoring Project, starting in the spring or summer of 2012.
Specifically, 7GI is seeking volunteers interested in science-based stewardship of New
Mexico’s natural heritage, wildlife and resources. Volunteers will have the opportunity to
learn about the American Pika, high alpine ecosystems, climate change and how science
informs conservation. They will hike into some of the most beautiful places in northern
New Mexico and work with a great team of dedicated people.

The New Mexico Pika Monitoring project is a long-term “citizen science” project in which
volunteers will receive training to conduct field monitoring of the American pika and its
habitat. The project will provide long-term data to aid the conservation of this little-
understood alpine species and its associated habitats and specifically to examine the
impacts of climate change. Data collected by volunteers will be combined with other
agencies and organizations involved in similar monitoring around the West to develop a
regional understanding of pika.

Pika, herbivorous relatives of rabbits and hares, typically live in rocky, talus slopes, often
near highland meadows. They are considered a species of conservation concern because of
their isolated distribution on mountain peaks and because populations are thought to be
declining, perhaps due to global climate change. Please visit this page to learn more about
the American pika.

This volunteer program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin,
age, (except as noted below) gender, political affiliation, or religion. The workplace and
work environment for both staff and volunteers is drug-free and smoke-free.

Specific Duties

Successfully complete training on field data collection and all procedures. Training is
free and is provided by Seventh Generation Institute staff.
Perform surveys of pika and habitat factors at a minimum of two designated sites in
New Mexico.
Collect quality data and deliver data to Seventh Generation Institute in a timely
manner.

Qualifications
Volunteers must:

Be at least 21 years of age.
Have excellent eyesight and hearing.
Have access to a computer and email.
Possess the ability and willingness to work in variable and adverse weather
conditions, at high elevation, to safely traverse steep, uneven and wet terrain, carry
upwards of 20 pounds in a backpack, and otherwise be in good physical condition.
Possess the ability to adhere to pre-defined field data collection methods and to
accurately collect and record data
Possess a valid drivers license and proof of New Mexico auto insurance.
Have proof of current health insurance.
Be willing to sign a liability waiver, photo/video/audio release and consent to
receive medical attention forms.
Possess the ability to work productively, consistently and cooperatively as part of a
team to accomplish mutual goals. Ability to communicate with and work with others
in a positive, professional manner.
Desire to serve with people to promote education, environmental stewardship and
an ethic of service.
Have reliable transportation to and from the field sites and be willing and able to
pay their own costs of transportation.
Be able to provide personal equipment and clothing necessary to safely work in
remote areas.

Schedule, Locations and Minimum Time Commitment

Training is expected to consume approximately 1 full day and 2 half days. The training
sessions have not yet been scheduled, but will be scheduled on weekends or evenings.
Training sessions will be scheduled in Santa Fe, Los Alamos, or possibly other locations,
depending on the need.

Following training, volunteers will be expected to complete at least two pika surveys and
submit the data from those surveys. Total time for a pika survey varies depending on the
distance traveled by vehicle and on foot, but will average one full day. The surveys may
be completed anytime after completion of the training until mid-October or the first snow,
whichever comes first. Surveys will be performed in the remote high-elevation areas of the
mountains of northern New Mexico.

All volunteers will be expected to participate in evaluating the program. The evaluation
may be completed either online or in person.

Volunteers who desire to commit additional time beyond the minimum will be preferred.
Opportunities exist for additional tasks associated with this project such as coordinating
fellow volunteers, data entry, media communication and more.

2012 will be the second year of this project. The project is anticipated to continue another
5-10 years. Volunteers are not required to participate beyond one year, but long-term
participation is encouraged.

To apply for a citizen scientist position please send an email and request an application.
Thank you for your interest in the New Mexico Pika Monitoring Project.

Coffee for Conservation (Part-time Volunteer)
Seventh Generation Institute is seeking an outgoing and organized volunteer with excellent
communication skills who will help coordinate the Cuppa Joe for New Mexico coffee
program. Cuppa Joe for New Mexico is a long-term fund raising program. The proceeds
support Seventh Generation Institute's conservation work in New Mexico.

This is a fun, part-time volunteer opportunity that includes a lot of public contact, but also
requires great responsibility. No specific experience is required.

The volunteer will be expected to work from his/her home or other office location and
provide their own computer, internet access and other typical office arrangements. Being
based in Santa Fe or Albuquerque would be an advantage. Familiarity with Microsoft
Office products and a vehicle to use for delivery coffee are required.

Responsibilities:

Coffee tastings at local retailers.
Make sales calls on retailers (grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, gift and
specialty food shops) in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and elsewhere in New Mexico and
conduct follow-up as needed.
Fulfill orders received from retailers and from the Seventh Generation Institute
website.
Maintain order records and inventory.
Attend various events (Earth Day, other fairs, festivals) to sell coffee products.

Skills:

Excellent communication skills.
Professional and personable demeanor.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

To apply please submit a letter of interest and resume to admin[insert at sign]seventh-
generation.org. Please title the email Cuppa Joe Representative.

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