BLM NM offices have multiple opportunities to introduce interns to careers in the BLM under the various natural and cultural resource programs

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) awarded a $615,057.78 Cooperative Agreement under the Youth Conservation Opportunities on Public Lands program (CFDA 15.243) to American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit organization. The agreement, with a performance period from September 2024 to July 2027, will provide approximately seven 52-week internships to support BLM's minerals and natural resource management efforts in New Mexico.

The ACE interns will contribute to various aspects of fluid and solid mineral management, including conducting field-based activities such as inspections, compliance monitoring, and inventory development. They will also assist with data management and analysis responsibilities, support the NEPA process through document preparation and environmental impact assessment, and help with solid minerals management tasks like community pit inventory, data compilation, and GIS-related projects. The program aims to provide youth with hands-on experience in natural resource management, environmental stewardship, and public lands preservation, while expanding the pool of future public lands managers.

These opportunities provide work experience to youth for their careers and educational benefits. This will be accomplished by providing youth with opportunities to gain experience, learn about public lands, and further their understanding and appreciation of natural resources. From this they will gain an increased appreciation and understanding of our public lands and of the value of public service and are likely to become life-long advocates for those values. The projects will be especially appropriate for students studying natural and cultural resources and will provide opportunities to enhance basic career skills such as organization, writing, detail, and communication, well as field skills.under this agreement, ACE interns, approximately seven for 52 week internships, will support BLM minerals and natural resource management staff in new mexico by contributing to various aspects of fluid and solid mineral management. Specifically, they will assist with field-based activities such as inspections, compliance monitoring, and inventory development. Data management and analysis responsibilities include data input, record maintenance, and utilizing GIS to create and update geospatial products. In addition, ACE members will support the nepa process by assisting in document preparation and environmental impact assessment. Their role also encompasses supporting solid minerals management through tasks such as community PIT inventory, data compilation, and GIS-related projects.public benefit(s):1.provides youth opportunities learn technical skills and broaden their knowledge of natural resource management techniques and gain an understanding of environmental issues that prepares them to become more active, engaged citizens who can share their knowledge and experience with the public.2.provides youth with an introduction to careers with the bureau of land management and other land management agencies under various natural and cultural resource programs. 3.provides a broad knowledge of environmental issues through meaningful, hands-on conservation projects.4.engages young people in conservation services that expand the capacity of land management agencies to protect and preserve public lands, while stimulating interest in conservation careers.5.cultivates a conservation workforce, expanding the employment pool for the next generation of public lands managers.6.provides youth with employment that will enhance basic career skills such as organization, writing, leadership, communication, well as field skills. The opportunity to gain work experience.