Stream Habitat Assessment Technician Agency: Bureau of Land Management/Utah State University
Locations: Craig, CO; Montrose, CO; Alamosa, CO; Rawlins, WY; Moab, UT; Salt Lake City, UT; Vernal, UT; Boise, ID; Taos, NM; Fairbanks, AK. Job Category: Temporary/Seasonal Positions Website: http://www.usu.edu/buglab/ Salary $12-15 per hour depending on experience and/or education, plus per diem while in the field Start Date During the week of May 9th, or May 16th at the latest Application Deadline March 1st Job Description: The National Aquatic Monitoring Center is seeking several stream habitat assessment technicians to assist in the implementation of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aquatic Assessment, Inventory, Monitoring (AIM) initiative. The AIM initiative seeks standardized the collection of quantitative data that can be used at multiple scales to assist the BLM in making land management decisions. More information about AIM and AIM implementation can be found at http://aim.landscapetoolbox.org/. Technicians will sample streams and rivers on BLM land using the BLM’s aquatic AIM protocol. Data collection involves measuring a variety of stream attributes including water chemistry and instream habitat, collecting aquatic macroinvertebrates, and conducting ocular estimates in the riparian zone. Successful applicants will be required to work and camp in the field for up to 8 days in a row. Some streams will be near a road while others may require hiking several miles to access. Applicants should be prepared to encounter strenuous working conditions including: hiking 5 to 6 miles off trail while carrying a heavy pack, bushwhacking, working in the water and in all types of weather, and primitive camping without access to bathrooms or running water. Camping gear including tent, sleeping pad, and camp kitchen items will be provided. Crews will consist of 2-3 people depending on the location, thus applicants must have the ability to work and communicate effectively in a small group setting. Each crew will have a designated crew lead with additional responsibilities such as submitting data, planning field work, and interacting with landowners and natural resource specialists to coordinate sampling efforts. Crew leaders should have prior field work experience as well as leadership skills and will be chosen at the end of training. Pay rate is $12-$15/hr depending on experience. Positions will begin May16th and extend to through the end of September. If arranged prior to hiring, end dates may be able accommodate academic calendars. Locations: Aquatic AIM technicians will be employed by the National Aquatic Monitoring Center (NAMC) a joint partnership between the BLM and Utah State University located in Logan, UT (http://www.usu.edu/buglab/), but will be based out of the following locations: Craig, CO; Montrose, CO; Alamosa, CO; Rawlins, WY; Moab, UT; Salt Lake City, UT; Vernal, UT; Boise, ID; Taos, NM; Fairbanks, AK. Qualified applicants must have: • An excellent attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn • Course work in natural resources/ecology or other scientific fields • Field experience collecting scientific data • Critical thinking and problem solving skills • The ability to read, interpret and navigate using topographic maps • The ability to work in the field in harsh weather conditions, with little contact with the outside world for up to 8 days in a row. • The ability to work closely and amicably with 1-2 other field technician(s) for several days at a time with little to no contact with other people. • The ability to interact and communicate professionally with multiple stakeholders including: landowners, recreationalists, hunters, anglers, and BLM employees. • A high degree of comfort wading in all types of streams including those with slick rocks, boulders, fast water, cold water, mud, and large obstructions (log jams). • A willingness to work long days (10-12hrs). • Experience with primitive camping • Experience driving 4X4 vehicles on rough roads (or a willingness to learn) • A valid driver’s license Additional qualifications desired (not required): • Backcountry travel experience and solid navigational skills • Wilderness first aid certification • Leadership skills and experience • Coursework in stream ecology, hydrology, or geomorphology • Experience working in stream and river systems Application instructions: To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to: usubug...@gmail.com. In your cover letter, explain your field experience and knowledge of stream and river systems. Also, identify your top 3 desired duty locations (or state no preference). Application materials are due by March 1st.
