Utah BLM Riparian & Wetland AIM Monitoring Crew Lead and Technicians

TITLE: Utah BLM Riparian & Wetland AIM Monitoring Crew Leads and Technicians
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, temporary
NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 3 in total, 1 Crew Lead and 2 Technicians
WORK LOCATIONS: Based in Salt Lake City, UT. Travel throughout Utah.
PAY RATE: Crew leads: $20-23/hr. Technicians $18-19/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:  April 22–August 30, 2024. Crew Lead starts April 8. Dates are approximate, with potential to extend into September.

Summary of Positions
In partnership with the Utah 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 Utah. Quantitative vegetation data will be collected using the line-pointintercept (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 29-May 4, 2024 in Carson City, NV.

One field team of three technicians will be hired (1 Crew Lead and 2 Technicians). The team will be stationed out of the Salt Lake BLM Field Office. The typical hitch schedule during the field season is 8 days on with 6 days off. The crew will travel extensively across Utah, collecting data in a wide variety of settings. Field Protocol can be found here: DRAFT Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems.

Crew Lead positions may start up to 3 weeks in advance of the field season (estimated start date is April 8) 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 (Terrestrial, Lotic, or Riparian & Wetland AIM) preferred, especially for Crew Leads.
• Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora and/or wetland species preferred
• Experience with aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS preferred for all positions and required for Crew Leads. Experience with ArcGIS preferred for Crew Leads, but not required.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, car camp, and hike long distances (up to 10+ 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 (30–110° 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 is required for all positions. Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions.

 CNHP and CSU are committed to building diversity and inclusion in natural resources; candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.