California BLM Riparian & Wetland AIM Monitoring Crew Leads and Technicians @ Colorado Natural Heritage Program

Application Info

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Description

Please see full job announcementhere.

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 6 in total, 2 Crew Leads and 4 Technicians

WORK LOCATIONS: Based in Reno, NV. Travel throughout California and portions of Nevada.

PAY RATE: Crew leads: $20-22/hr. Technicians: $17-19/hr. Depending on experience and position. ~$60.00/day per diem & gear reimbursement when traveling beyond base location. Total reimbursement = $395-455/two-week hitch. Health insurance, retirement, paid federal holidays, and sick leave provided.

DURATION: March 27–August 19, 2023. Crew Leads start March 20. Dates are approximate.

Summary of Positions:

In partnership with the California Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced field technicians to collect wetland monitoring data through BLM’s Riparian & Wetland Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Program. Successful applicants will be trained in the methods by Wetland Ecologists from CNHP and BLM’s National Operations Center and will spend the summer applying the protocol in wetlands and riparian areas on BLM lands throughout the state of California. The initial month of sampling will take place in southeastern California and the remainder of the field season will be spent in northeastern California (Eagle Lake and Applegate Field Offices). Quantitative vegetation data will be collected using the line-point-intercept (LPI) method. Additional data collection will include soils, hydrology, water quality, and surrounding land use. All technicians must be available for the weeklong training April 3-8, 2023 in Las Vegas, NV.

Two field teams of three technicians each will be hired (1 Crew Lead and 2 Technicians). Both teams will be stationed in Reno, NV (flexibility to be stationed in the surrounding Carson City/Tahoe/Truckee area). Crews will spend 4 to 8 days in a row in the field, often camping on BLM land away from their base location. Both teams will travel extensively across California BLM lands, from the Mojave Desert to northern CA, collecting data in a wide variety of settings.

Crew Lead positions may start up to 2 weeks in advance of the field season (estimated start date is March 20) to plan field season logistics. The Crew Lead will be responsible for supporting and managing crew safety and wellbeing, coordinating field logistics and scheduling, managing the crew’s equipment, and completing administrative paperwork. Before, during, and after field data collection, the Crew Lead will be responsible for the organization and quality control of all data collected using iPad tablets and occasional paper forms.

Qualifications for All Positions:

• Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field preferred for all positions. A completed B.S. degree is preferred for all positions and required for Crew Leads
• Field experience collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data preferred for all positions. Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas is a plus.
• Previous experience working on a BLM Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) crew, either Terrestrial or Aquatic AIM, preferred, especially for Crew Leads.
• Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of California flora and/or wetland species preferred.
• Experience with interpreting aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS preferred for all positions and required for Lead Technicians. Experience with ArcGIS preferred for Lead Technicians, but not required. 6. Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, car camping, and hiking long distances (up to 6 miles / day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs) required for all positions.
• Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (average temperatures can exceed 110° F), mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required for all positions.
• Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms required for all positions. Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices preferred for all positions.
• Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with BLM staff and private landowners required for all positions.
• A valid driver’s license required for all positions. Experience driving 4x4 vehicles on rough roads preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions

Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply email resume, cover letter, and three references (please include both phone number and email) to Katrina Castro at Katrina.Castro@colostate.edu.

In addition to California, CNHP will be managing crews in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. Position descriptions can be found here: Employment - Colorado Natural Heritage Program

Applications will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled or until March 31, 2023, whichever comes first. Applicants for the Lead Technician Position are encouraged to apply early.

Crew leads: $20-22/hr. Technicians: $17-19/hr. Depending on Experience

Location

Reno, NV, USA

Category

External

Posted

2023-01-30 00:00