DUTIES:
Accompanies scientists, cavers, and others into park caves, ensures projects are completed, park policies are adhered to, and resources impacts are kept to a minimum. Identifies research needs, prepares requests for proposals, and provides oversight for research projects. Provides technical support to the recreational caving program and makes frequent contact with the public to issue permits, explain policies, and outline safety guidelines. Serves as a technically skilled member of the park Search and Rescue (SAR) team and helps instruct employees and outside groups in vertical rescue skills, vertical caving skills, and caving techniques. Assists in preparing Environmental Assessments (EAs) and other management and scientific reports. Inputs cave survey and inventory data into digital form and uses computer applications for data analysis, manipulation, and presentation. Applicants may contact Kent Schwarzkopf (575-785-3022) for additional information regarding this position.
.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be in excellent physical condition. Extremely strenuous activity is required, such as, caving and SAR.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Cave related duties require underground work in cramped, maze passages with only artificial light and some exposure to areas in excess of 300 vertical feet; unusual work hours and camping in caves; hikes, and operates vehicles on extremely rough mountain terrains, roads, and trails (desert temperatures sometimes exceed 100 degrees). Possible exposure to spiny and/or poisonous desert flora and fauna.
AREA INFORMATION/HOUSING INFORMATION: Park housing is not available. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located 27 miles from the city of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The park, at an elevation of 4400 feet, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers, mild winters, abundant sunshine, low humidity, and approximately 10 inches of rainfall per year. Carlsbad (population 30,000) has all amenities and services including medical and dental facilities, motels, banks, restaurants, churches, grocery stores, and department stores. Other services can be found in Albuquerque (275 miles), El Paso, Texas (170 miles), Lubbock, Texas (180 miles) or Midland/Odessa, Texas (140 miles). A government van pool provides services between Carlsbad, NM and Carlsbad Caverns National Park for staff on 8:00am – 4:30 pm shifts. Riders pay a per ride rate of $1.50. Employees are responsible for their own transportation for shifts that extend beyond these hours. For more information please visit the following website: http://www.nps.gov/cave/