Sierra Nevada Field Technician

Each year, the Sierra Nevada Alliance places 25 AmeriCorps members with partner conservation organizations throughout the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. During their terms of service, members restore and monitor impaired Sierra watersheds, educate local residents and visitors on environmental issues, and recruit and manage volunteers for various programs. SNAP members gain skills and technical training, are mentored by outstanding environmental leaders, and provide a meaningful contribution to the communities of the Sierra Nevada.

Organizational Background: Trout Unlimited (TU) is North America’s leading Coldwater fisheries conservation organization. TU’s vision is that, by the next generation, trout and salmon will be restored throughout their native range. To accomplish this vision, TU works to protect, reconnect, and restore fish habitat and then sustain this work by building a diverse movement of businesses, people, and communities to support saving trout, salmon, and steelhead. The organization has more than 170,000 members in 400 chapters across America, including more than 14,000 members in California. 

Position Description: Are you passionate about conservation and excited to serve in the beautiful Sierra Nevada region? Trout Unlimited (TU), in partnership with the Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership, is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual for a half-time/term AmeriCorps position based in our Truckee, California office. As part of TU’s Inland Trout program, the AmeriCorps member will join an interdisciplinary team to support science-driven, partner-based initiatives aimed at restoring streamflow and enhancing habitats in the Sierra Nevada headwater.

Position Overview: This field-based role is ideal for individuals who thrive in outdoor environments and enjoy collecting high-quality data in remote locations. The position involves regular field service, including streamflow monitoring, equipment maintenance, landowner outreach, and data management. Extensive travel across northern, central, and eastern California is required, often involving long drives and multi-day trips to remote areas. Field days may occasionally exceed eight hours, including travel time.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct site visits to measure streamflow and groundwater levels.
• Lead or assist in wet/dry mapping and stream channel surveys.
• Perform monthly multi-day trips to remote areas for streamflow and groundwater assessments.
• Participate in snorkel surveys and photo documentation of site conditions.
• Maintain strict data collection and assessment protocols.
• Assist with the installation, repair, and maintenance of streamflow monitoring equipment.
• Update databases with field data following monitoring trips.
• Maintain field equipment and report maintenance needs to the TU Inland Trout Team.
• Assist with the planning, implementation, and reporting of project-related outreach and engagement activities across the region, as needed.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in environmental science, hydrology, or related fields and a passion for conservation. Candidates must be comfortable serving outdoors in varying conditions and traveling extensively.

Site Specific Training Provided: TU will train the SNAP member in field work protocol, event planning, restoration project management, and inland trout surveying and monitoring. Additional training will be provided that fits with the SNAP member’s career and professional goals. 

Qualifications:

• Must be 18+ years of age and high school graduates or GED recipients (or minimum of 17 and working toward a high school diploma or GED); members must agree to obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award; meeting full list of member eligibility requirements in 45 CFR §2522.200(a).
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident.
• Must participate in a national criminal history background check pursuant to 45 CFR §2540.200-206.
• Organized, responsible, motivated, professional.
• Demonstrates initiative, follow-through, and reliability.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and public speaking skills.
• Interest or education in marketing or communications a plus.

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of $2,500 per month.
• Standard health insurance.
• Up to 170 hours of technical, ecological, and skills-development training.
• Professional experience and networking- $250 Individual Training Budget.
• AmeriCorps members that successfully complete a 900-hour service term will earn a $3,447.50 Segal Educational Award for use on existing qualied student loans or future higher education expenses.
• Student loan forbearance during service term if Member qualifies.

Things to Note and Desired Qualifications:

• Passion for the environmental field.
• A love for spending time outdoors.
• Ability to serve long days in strenuous outdoor conditions until tasks are completed.
• Ability to serve consecutive field days that may require overnight stays for multiple days.
• Ability to hike and transport heavy objects and equipment through rough terrain.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel long distances frequently.
• Ability to drive to remote locations. TU staff and interns may need to drive their personal cars to field sites and are reimbursed based on the federal standard mileage rate.
• Must be able to serve non-standard hours to fulfill job requirements, including some weekends. Ability to serve independently and make decisions in the field while alone.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative.
• Ability to engage well with a diverse team.
• Ability to serve variable hours per week based on field schedule.