Biological Technician

Summary

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nationwide Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, Arizona, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Utah (UT), St. George Field Office (SGFO) is seeking 1 ACE EPIC Biological Technician to dedicate 12 weeks to assist wildlife and habitat monitoring/management projects involving Mojave desert tortoise populations, and other federally listed and BLM Sensitive species in the Red Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Areas (NCA), Utah. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals, recent graduates, and students with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in leadership, public land management, particularly in wildlife biology and natural resource management. Applicants with a degree in Biology, Wildlife, Zoology, Ecology, Natural Resources, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position are strongly encouraged to apply. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable.

Start Date: February 02, 2026 (flexible for the right candidate).End Date: April 30, 2026 (flexible for the right candidate).

Location: St. George, Utah. The BLM UT SGFO administers approximately 629,000 acres of public land and is located in the transition zone between the Mojave Desert, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau ecoregions that hosts a rich array of plant communities and wildlife, including unique species, some found nowhere else on earth. Important evidence of earth's geologic history and past human cultures is also preserved on public land in Washington County, making these some of the most sensitive land managed by the agency.

Position Overview:

The NCA biologist will mentor and train the ACE EPIC Biological Technician in natural resources management, with a strong focus on the monitoring/management of threatened, endangered, and BLM Sensitive species populations and their habitats.

Examples of specific tasks include:

• Conduct weed surveys to map infestation sites and pull/bag noxious/invasive weeds suchas Sahara mustard and Russian thistle.
• The rehabilitation of fire-damaged critical habitat by out-planting or seeding native plant species (e.g., globemallow, white bursage, brittlebush) that provide shade, cover, and forage for the Mojave desert tortoise.
• Provide supplemental water and survivorship monitoring of outplanted plants.
• Survey and construct and repair tortoise-exclusion fencing along the NCA boundary andinterior roads.
• Conduct 10-m belt transect surveys to locate, photograph, document, and map the spatialdistribution of live, dead, or injured Mojave desert tortoise, their sign (e.g., burrows,scat), and the location of key habitat features in designated critical habitat.
• Conduct population/occupancy surveys for BLM Sensitve species (e.g., Gila monster, kitfox), to locate, photograph, document, and map their spatial distribution and key habitatFeatures.
• Conduct raven nest surveys and assist population management efforts.

Schedule: Work is partly in a field setting and in the office. The ACE EPIC intern may be required to work in remote areas managed by the SGFO. This may include driving four-wheel drive vehicles, and spending all day walking and working in rough, rocky, and/or uneven terrain while lifting up to 50 pounds of gear. Interns are expected to work 40 hours/week and must be willing to work varied schedules, including nights, throughout the internship.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM and ACE and is not flexible.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or California State Parks.

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.

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• 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). Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.

• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• 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.

Preferred:

• Genuine interest and knowledge in wildlife, botany, and/or range management and basic knowledge of methods
• Knowledge and experience with GPS units and GIS software.
• Wildlife survey and GPS mapping skills
• Plant identification skills
• Experience with different field data collection methods and following protocols.
• Ability to work independently in remote areas.
• Experience driving four-wheel and/or all-terrain vehicles over rugged roads.
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional.
• Applicants must have a degree in Biology, Wildlife, Zoology, Ecology, NaturalResources, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position or a combination of relevanteducation and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enoughinformation to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the internshipannouncement. We are seeking determined, strong, and developing natural resource managerswho are looking for experience working with land management agencies.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Moderate to high noise such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position may require domestic travel within the region.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Southern Utah gets extremely hot in the summer and has a monsoon season. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the BLM or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM and ACE equipment training, certification and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on the usaconservation website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact Member Manager, Sheana Ward.

ACE values an inclusive workforce - if you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Current Openings for Biological Technician Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC