Aquatic Monitoring Field Crew Lead (AIM)

American Conservation Experience - EPIC • Full-time • Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States • $41.60k / year • 17h ago

Aquatic Monitoring Field Crew Lead (AIM)

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, is seeking 1 Aquatic Monitoring Crew Leader to contribute to New Mexico BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) of our public lands across the state. Each technician will work on a field team comprised of 2 individuals (one Crew Leader and one Crew Technician) and collect data according to standardized methodologies and protocols. The AIM data is used by various resource specialists and land managers across the Western United States to help inform decisions regarding adaptive range management techniques, wetland ecosystem protection, and other land management issues and strategies.

For more information about ACE, please visit: .

Start Date: March 10th 2025

Estimated End Date: October 2025

Location Details/Description: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Position Overview: This is a field based position with approximately 100% of the work taking place in an outdoor environment where the climate, weather and terrain can be demanding. Field teams will be expected to work 10 hour days and will be required to camp for 8 day hitches in the field, followed by 6 days off. Travel will be provided from Santa Fe to field sites and back.

Field work duties include:

Monitoring safety and moral of crew
Measure indicators of water quality including pH, Specific Conductance, total N and P, and Turbidity
Sample Benthic macroinvertebrates
Measure physical characteristics of waterways
Using GPS to navigate to off-trail sampling sites
Driving 4x4 vehicles in a backcountry setting
Electronic data collection using a tablet and ArcGIS geo-database
Communication with ACE and BLM Staff
Quality control of all data collected

For more information about the AIM program, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/aim/strategy

Schedule: 8 day camping in the field from Wednesday to Wednesday (hitch), and 6 days off from Thursday to Tuesday.

Position Benefits

Wage: The member will receive $800 per week, plus a camping per diem for each night out. Note that each 8 day hitch counts as two weeks of work for $1600.

Housing: Housing is not provided by ACE and is the responsibility of the employee.

Relocation Allowance: A relocation reimbursement up to $500 is available.

Provided Training/Orientation: Crew Leads and members will need to attend a comprehensive training in Lotic AIM methods. This is provided by the BLM.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have degree natural or physical sciences, or related field and a minimum of 1 year experience identifying plants or soil horizons in the field, preferable working with AIM protocols.

Technical Requirements:

Understanding of basic hydrologic principles
Experience measuring indicators of water quality in the field
Ability to read, interpret and navigate using a GPS unit and topographic maps
Ability to use electronic tablets to record and manage data
Ability to safely operate 4x4 vehicles on rough, unpaved road conditions
Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and be at least 21 year of age to operate company vehicles.
Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check and driving history check

Additional Requirements:

Ability to work alone or in a small group with minimal supervision
Must be able to communicate clearly with team members, resource professionals and the general public
Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles, attention to field safety, and an overall intuitive nature for working in an outdoor setting
Basic tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance knowledge
Willingness and flexibility to work an irregular schedule with multiple days of travel
Must be capable of hiking up to 3 miles and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Individuals must be willing to represent ACE in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.

Even if you do not meet all qualifications listed above, we still encourage you to apply if you have a strong interest in habitat monitoring or natural resource management. Also, please be aware that we are happy to provide any reasonable accommodation necessary to perform the essential duties.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1164297. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to Special Projects Manager Josh Haussler at jhaussler@usaconservation.org or 385-226-0080

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.