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Ecological Restoration Specialist

Peace
Corps

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COUNTRY
Mexico
REGION
Central America and Mexico
SECTOR
Environment
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
None

POSITIONS AVAILABLE
1
DURATION
12 months

DEPART BY
Sept. 5, 2017

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Before You Apply

Peace Corps Response positions are open to returned Volunteers or U.S. citizens with
significant professional and technical experience.

Project Description
A Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) is needed to serve as an Ecological Restoration
Specialist for the Jardn Botnico Regional de Cadereyta Ing. Manuel Gonzlez de Coso
Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnologa del Estado de Quertaro in Cadereyta de Montes, Queretaro,
Mexico. The state of Queretaro has in its central region phytosociological areas and diverse
landscapes hosting a large number of species at risk of extinction, even more, as a whole is
threatened. This profoundly affects the evolutionary processes of species, and decreases the
chances of a good-quality life for the urban and rural population which depends on this natural
infrastructure and its ecosystem services. The Botanical Regional Garden of Cadereyta has
been strengthening its technical processes for the reproduction of species in order to work on
the ecological restoration of disturbed sites. It has even begun to theorize and build models for
the assembly of plant communities (novel ecosystems) that would reinstate the natural
infrastructure where it has been lost or damaged through the optimization of the relationship
between biodiversity and functionality.

An Ecological Restoration Specialist, with a degree and 5-10 years experience in ecological
restoration, is needed to participate in the installation of agroforestry cells, a system which
integrates native species with plants used in potentially abandoned multiproduct orchards,
with the intent to create spaces for nucleation to boost the restoration of degraded sites. The
PCRV will be part of a scientific-technological (eco) system focusing on planning and
implementing paths for the ecological restoration of phytosociological systems common to
this part of the stat of Queretaro such as xeric scrub and regional tropical deciduous forest.
He/she will provide technical support and help strengthen the groups skills and knowledge
necessary for the planning and implementation of ecological restoration actions. The PCRV
will also actively participate in field activities, both within and outside the botanical garden, for
the installation and management of ensembles intended for the restoration, train the research
team on field techniques necessary for the establishment of statistical procedures for the
monitoring and evaluation of the restoration activities, and collaborate (co-author) in the
writing of scientific papers and manuals for the dissemination of the knowledge and
techniques developed through such proven procedures. The goal of this assignment is to build
the local counterparts capacity to research, implement, and evaluate best practices for
effective conservation of flora and landscapes.

Please note these are approximate departure dates and might change.

Volunteer safety is of paramount importance, and the protections of U.S. citizenship promote
volunteer safety. Under Mexican law, anyone born in Mexico who became a U.S. citizen after
1998 or anyone holding dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship is considered a citizen of Mexico, and
not of the United States. If such an individual faced a legal, safety or other emergency
situation in Mexico, the Peace Corps' ability to intervene could be limited. Therefore, the PC
will not place in Mexico individuals who are either dual citizens of Mexico and the U.S. or who
were born in Mexico and became U.S. citizens after 1998. If you fit either of these categories,
we encourage you to look at other opportunities with PC Response.

Partner

Jardn Botnico Regional de Cadereyta Ing. Manuel Gonzlez de Coso

Required Skills
A degree in natural science, biology, ecology, natural resources management, or related field
with at least 10 years of experienced in the area of ecological restoration with proven
practical-experimental research focus, a Masters or PhD degree preferred with at least 5 years
of professional experience
Flexibility, adaptability, proactivity, and tolerance for ambiguity
Knowledgeable about semi-desert areas
Spanish language skills are desired, but not required

The Peace Corps embraces and leverages the diversity of its volunteers as a reflection of
America's diversity. Peace Corps Response is committed to reflecting the diversity of the
United States in the professionals we send into the field to support the mission of world peace
and friendship. Applicants with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Medical Considerations in Mexico

Mexico may not be able to support Volunteers with the following medical conditions: none
identified.

The following medication(s) are not permitted for legal or cultural reasons: Adderall.

Volunteers who should avoid the following food(s) may not be able to serve: none identified.

After arrival in Mexico, Peace Corps provides and applicants are required to have an annual
flu shot and to receive mandatory immunizations.

Before you apply, please also review Important Medical Information for Applicants [PDF] to
learn about other health conditions typically not supported in Peace Corps service.

Does this sound like the position for you?

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 Learn what it's like to serve in Mexico

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