Aquatics Technician - Eldorado National Forest

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Eldorado National Forest, is seeking 3 Aquatic Technicians [one 21-week commitment and two 15-week commitments] to work alongside Forest Service staff.

Local candidates are encouraged to apply!

Start Date: 21-week starts on 04/03/2023, 15-week starts on 05/15/2023

Estimated End Date: 08/25/23

*a 15 or 21-week minimum commitment is desired *

Location Details/Description: Placerville, CA Eldorado National Forest, Supervisors Office

The Eldorado National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada region within California and encompasses a total of 798,279 acres, which includes 193,027 acres of private ownership.

The Eldorado National Forest is bordered on the north by the Tahoe National Forest, on the east by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Humboldt-Toiyabe, and to the south by the Stanislaus National Forest. The Eldorado is within 3 - 4 hours of the San Francisco Bay Area and about 1 - 1 1/2 hours from Sacramento. It ranges in elevation from 1,000 feet in the foothills to more than 10,000 feet above sea level along the Sierra crest. The mountainous topography is broken by the steep canyons of the Mokelumne, Cosumnes, American, and Rubicon rivers. Plateaus of generally moderate relief are located between these steep canyons.

The forest is also home to 297 lakes and reservoirs (including both public and private acreage), which total 11,994 surface acres. 11 large reservoirs account for 9,000 acres. The rest are mostly small, high mountain lakes. Both the rivers and lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities. The Eldorado National Forest provides diverse recreational opportunities to the public. The Forest offers every visitor the chance to enjoy nature and be outdoors. In addition to two popular wilderness areas (Desolation Wilderness and Mokelumne Wilderness), the forest offers more than 70-day use and overnight developed recreation facilities across the forest for the individual, families and groups.

For more information on the Eldorado National Forest, please click here.

Position Overview:

• The individual(s) will work with aquatics staff and conduct field work for a variety of species (California red-legged frog, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, Yosemite toad and Western pond turtle). As opportunities arise, 10-20% of the technician's time may be scheduled to assist in other program areas, in order to accomplish high priority project needs and provide cross-training opportunities.
• The work requires physical exertion, such as navigating steep and uneven terrain to approach remote field sites and wading in rivers with unstable footing. In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of the workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job.
• Complete surveys (including night surveys) to protocol and providing accurate and timely documentation
• Some work will occur in a recent burn area, the 2021 Caldor Fire, and will require adherence to strict safety protocols.
• GIS and data entry associated with field survey work
• Support other projects and responsibilities as needed by the Ranger District

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: Mon-Thurs, 7:00am - 6:00pm

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $795/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided USFS Barracks depending on availability. Each member will receive reimbursement for housing costs up to a weekly rate not to exceed $100 per week.

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 Forest Service will strive to provide members the opportunity to shadow conservation professionals to learn about biology and related disciplines, but a foundational knowledge of biology and/or management is required for these positions.

Qualifications

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.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• 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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's degree in a natural resource field and have field experience.
• Ability to work independently at day or night including hiking, driving, following survey protocol
• Experience driving 4x4 and/or all-wheel drive vehicles safely in off-road conditions
• Experience hiking over remote, steep, and rocky terrain in adverse weather conditions (cold/hot temps, light rain, etc.)
• Experience surveying for amphibians
• Skill using compass, aerial photos, topographic maps and GPS units to locate survey areas in remote setting
• Flexibility in switching between day and night survey work (maintaining appropriate work/rest ratio)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and GIS
• Competency with data entry, summarizing and compiling data

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 USFS/BLM Recruitment and Member Manager, Caris Hill at chill@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 Aquatics Technician Eldorado National Forest Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC