The member will spend much of her/his time assisting the AML wildlife Biologist conducting project inventory, being involved in closures, conducting closure monitoring and data entry in the Elko District Office. There will be three primary components of this internship. First, active participation in AML closure work while it is being performed. Secondly, the monitoring of previous AML projects to evaluate the success of the project. And thirdly, data entry and reporting of completed projects.
Service Activities
Conduct observations and assist in the heavy equipment operation of AML closures, ensure safety
standards and environmental compliance during AML closures, perform monitoring of previous AML closures to determine if vandalism
has occurred and reclamation objectives were achieved, record and maintain data in computerized systems, assist in hazard
inventories, develop a state wide AML hazard database.
Assist in gathering data and insure preservation of biological and cultural resources associated with
hazard sites, administer first aid/CPR, radio use and emergency procedures, litter removal from AML sites, routine maintenance of
signs and fences, training related to safety, data collection and maintenance.
Community Need Addressed
The Elko BLM manages over 8 million acres of public land. Scattered across this public land are historic mining districts that can date
back to the early 1800's. The historic mining areas are designated Abandon Mine Lands (AMLs). These AML areas can contain
hundreds of remnant mine workings in the form of adits, shafts, declines, stopes, prospect pits, open pit mines and all the associated
structures that we need to run a mining operation. These features pose a major threat to public land users as they are often hidden by
over 100 years of vegetation regrowth and exposure degradation. These areas are also of high historic cultural value as they denote an
exciting period of Nevada's past and they also have become high value habitat areas for many of Nevada's sensitive bat species.
Balancing the priorities of human health and safety and the preservation of important resources is the purpose of the AML program. The
AmeriCorps member will be assisting the BLM biologist in monitoring and preserving these habitats and public lands. GPS tracking
systems will be used to collect data on the number of acres treated (monitored, improved) and the number of acres of public lands
improved. Preserving and improving the wildlife habitat will be achieved in the short run which will lead to decreased erosion, increase
in native vegetation and increased biodiversity.
Position Outcomes
Improve public lands and continuity of wildlife habitat
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Stipend, Training
Education Benefits
GED/High School Diploma
Skills you will gain
Record and maintain data, knowledge of environmental compliance, administer first aid/CPR and emergency procedures.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment