Crew Leads – Riparian and Wetland Monitoring

The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Riparian and Wetland Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy. This protocol is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term hydrological, vegetation, and soils data to monitor wetland and riparian areas at multiple scales in BLM Districts in the Western U.S.

We are currently recruiting Crew Leads with experience in botany, ecology, or soil science for data collection in Idaho based out of Missoula, MT or Boise, ID from May through August/September.

Crews will work as a team of three with a Crew Lead, Botanist, and Technician to collect vegetation, soils, hydrology, and disturbance data in wetland and riparian ecosystems. Crews work eight-day hitches: 10-hours/day, from Tuesday-Tuesday, with a six-day break between hitches. All positions are field-based and require working and camping in isolated locations. We ask seasonal staff to commit to the entire field season, practice safety awareness, safe driving policies, and contribute to building a healthy, productive, and enjoyable work environment.

Applicants should understand that this is a physically demanding position. Crews often work and camp in inclement weather conditions, frequently navigating rough, unpaved roads in 4×4 vehicles, and carry heavy loads (40 lbs.) by foot over rugged desert and mountainous terrain. Sampling locations are occasionally near small towns, but these towns often have few amenities. Primitive camping is required. Cell phone service is limited.

UM supplies all necessary monitoring equipment, including vehicles, to carry out the work. We provide some group camping gear (stoves, coolers). Individuals are responsible for their personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags) but UM has camping gear available to borrow.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, ability, and perspectives are encouraged to apply.

Position Details 

• Position is full time, temporary (< 4 months). 
• Compensation is based on position, qualifications, and experience: 
  • Crew Leads earn $20-22 per hour  
•  All positions include (tax-free): 
  • $268 meal per diem per 8-day hitch 
  • Field/Camping Equipment (kept by employee upon completion of field season, up to $600 value) 
  • Benefits include Worker’s Compensation coverage, paid holidays, and accrual of sick leave. 
• Base Location: Missoula, MT or Boise, ID

Qualifications

Education and Experience 

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, soil science, range ecology, natural resources management, or related subject. 
• At least two full seasons collecting scientific data in the field. A completed master’s degree with field work can satisfy this requirement.  
• Experience/knowledge of vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data collection is preferred, but not required. 
• Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas is preferred, but not required. 

Preferred Technical Skills 

• Careful attention to detail. 
• Experience following established field protocols to conduct sampling and field data collection. 
• Experience with data entry and management using electronic devices. 
• Experience navigating off-trail with compass and GPS. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and preferably with Field Maps and Survey123. 
• Experience driving 4WD trucks, especially on rough and unmaintained roads. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (DUI or other serious convictions need not apply).  
• Certification in CPR and Wilderness First Aid. 
• Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora is preferred, but not required.  

Professional Skills 

• Experience supervising technicians, volunteers or undergraduate students. Leadership in a volunteer or community organization, or in the military, can satisfy this requirement. 
• Demonstrated ability to resolve interpersonal conflict during stressful situations. 
• Ability to interact with stakeholders and partners in a professional manner. 
• Experience managing gear and equipment for a crew, lab class, team, etc. 
• Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and work independently as required. 
• Commitment to an entire field season. 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to carry 40 pounds in a backpack over rugged mountainous terrain, off-trail, for up to eight (8) miles a day, gaining up to 2000 ft. of elevation per day. 
• Ability to dig soil pits in rocky and dense soils (50 cm deep). 
• Willingness and ability to maintain a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, hot or cold weather (20°F–110°F), rugged terrain, mosquitos, venomous snakes, bears and other wildlife, lightning, wildfire, etc., all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required. 
• Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather conditions. 

Training 
These positions are ideal for people who are committed to ongoing learning and professional development. You will receive two full weeks of paid training on AIM protocols and associated methodology. UM ecologists will also provide additional training on protocols, soil assessment, and plant identification for the area in which you will be working, and ongoing field-based support and training from specialists during the field season. You will have the chance to interact with seasoned staff scientists from the BLM and UM throughout training and field work.