Aquatic and Riparian Monitoring Team Members, Winnemucca District Office

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Bureau of Land Management Winnemucca District Office, is seeking Two Aquatic and Riparian Monitoring Team Member(s) to contribute to the Aquatic and Riparian Monitoring project alongside BLM Staff.

This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals with a background in biology, hydrology, or a closely related field, with a deep interest in jointly advancing their career goals and the stewardship of Nevada's natural resources through purposeful fieldwork and research.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: Mid May 2023

Estimated End Date: 20 weeks commitment *Dependent on start date

Location Details/Description: Winnemucca, NV.

The Winnemucca District Office manages approximately 8 million acres of public lands in northwest Nevada for multiple uses, including: mining, grazing, geothermal and solar energy production, and dispersed recreation. The area is typical of the Great Basin, with large desert valleys surrounding numerous mountain ranges up to 9,000 feet in elevation. The vast, sparsely populated area provides many do-it-yourself outdoor opportunities for recreation. This position is based in Winnemucca, which is by far the largest town in the district and has a wide range of amenities, including: rental housing, grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, a Walmart, and entertainment offerings.

For more information on the BLM, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/

Position Overview: At least 50% of the Members' time will be spent in the field monitoring springs, streams, and riparian areas. Field work will be carried out by a team of two in remote areas during all weather conditions. Between monitoring trips Members will enter data into databases, report findings to BLM staff, and prepare for upcoming fieldwork.

ACE Members working in this project will support proper management of limited water resources by monitoring springs and riparian areas throughout the Winnemucca District. Data collected will include water quantity and quality, streambank stability, vegetation composition, and utilization of riparian vegetation.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Because much of the fieldwork requires long drives to and from each site, members typically work a schedule of four 10-hour days each week. Schedule flexibility, self-management, and coordination with teammates and supervisor is expected.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $600/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online here.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or BLM.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. The BLM will train Members in the springs and Multiple Indicator Monitoring protocols. Hands-on training in the duties of resource managers including field techniques, GIS, database management, and plant identification will also be provided to all Members.

Qualifications

Applicants should have or be working towards a degree in biology, hydrology, fisheries, environmental studies, or related fields. Candidates with Master's Degrees and an interest in a career in public lands management are strongly encouraged to apply. Resumes and cover letters must show detailed key project experiences.

ACE Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required [two-part criminal history check].
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members must verify that they are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 or have requested and been granted a medical or religious exemption to vaccination by the time they start their term.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website here.

BLM Requirements

• Ability to work as a member of a small group with minimal supervision.
• Physically capable of hiking up to 5 miles across rough terrain while carrying field gear.
• Knowledge of riparian ecosystems.
• Ability to work long days and camp occasionally to accomplish fieldwork.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and participate in collaborative efforts.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• Pass a federal background check.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience collecting water quality measurements
• Knowledge of riparian and wetland plants in the Great Basin
• Experience using ArcGIS
• Experience navigating and driving in remote areas on unimproved roads
• Experience using handheld GPS devices

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Member Manager, Celia Demers at cdemers@usaconservation.org

EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

Current Openings for Aquatic and Riparian Monitoring Team Members, Winnemucca District Office Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC