Stream Survey Technician Team Members, Corvallis OR

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with with the Bureau of Land Management, the US Forest Service, and the National Park Service, is seeking 4 Stream Survey Technician Team Members to contribute to Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP) based out of Corvallis, Oregon. project alongside the Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Park Service (NPS) lands in northern California, Oregon, and Washington, west of the Cascade Mountains, the field projects will take place in various locations.

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

Start Date: May 22, 2023

Estimated End Date: September 20, 2023 *18 week commitment is required *

Location Details/Description: Corvallis, Oregon

Field projects will take place in various locations on Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Park Service (NPS) lands in northern California, Oregon, and Washington, west of the Cascade Mountains.

For more information about the Aquatic and Riparian Effectiveness Monitoring Program (AREMP), please visit their website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r6/reo/monitoring/watersheds.php

Position Overview: The ACE Team Members will work with BLM and Forest Service Fish Biologists and Biological Technicians to monitor watershed conditions on USFS, BLM, and NPS lands. Members will work on a crew with two to three other BLM Biological Technicians and/or Members. Crews conduct stream habitat surveys including channel morphology (bankfull width, bankfull cross sections and stream gradient),, substrate measurements, pools, large wood, water chemistry, eDNA, benthic macroinvertebrate collection, while identifying invasive species and amphibians encountered at sites. Members will have two weeks of training in Corvallis and then work and camp for 8 days, followed by 6 days off.

One eight day stint involves downloading and deploying in-stream and air temperature sensors in watersheds while moving camp each day and visiting up to 20 watersheds during the eight days - mapping routes, navigating to remote sites and occasional backpacking trips. Members will spend 95% of their time in the field during their service term.

During this time crews will camp in rustic dispersed campsites (no bathrooms or running water) and occasionally campgrounds in remote areas. A few sites will require backpacking into watersheds to set up a remote camp where surveys will be conducted. Field surveys will involve extensive hiking and bushwhacking off-trail on steep slopes to reach survey sites in streams. Hiking to sites may involve hiking up to 10 miles in a day. Once at the stream Members will work in cold water, walk on uneven surfaces, and climb over logs while carrying field equipment. Members can expect to work in variable weather conditions including cold, rain and 90+ degree days throughout the summer and may even see some snow at the beginning of the season. This is a physically demanding position.

Due to the increasing prevalence of forest fires over the last few years and the smoke that comes with it - there are periods of work involving exposure to Unhealthy or Very Unhealthy (based on US Air Quality index) air quality. AREMP staff try to plan around these conditions but due to the nature of shifting winds, 100% avoidance isn't always possible.

While working, Members will be provided with camping gear including tents, sleeping pads, and cooking gear. Members will be responsible for providing their own sleeping bag and rain gear. Wading boots and waders will be provided. Members will be responsible for buying their own food prior to leaving for field stints. During work, Federal vehicles will be used. Members will take defensive driver training so that they can drive federal vehicles as needed. A valid state driver's license is also required for this position.

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: ACE Members will work and camp for 8 days, followed by 6 days off to conduct surveys in the field.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $700/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. Members will camp during their 8 days on, while conducting field surveys. However an Housing Allowance will be provided of up to $50/week.

Travel Allowance: Funds for overnights will be available at a flat rate of $38/day, more info will be provided in the interview process.

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.

Members will receive two weeks of training prior to heading out into the field to conduct surveys including technical aspects of completing AREMP surveys and comprehensive safety training. You will participate in wilderness first aid training and have in-depth practice in small teams learning the field protocols on streams via day trips from Corvallis.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a degree in ecology, wildlife biology, fisheries and wildlife management, natural resource management, biology or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable. Resumes must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience as defined in the position announcement. We are looking for determined, strong and developing natural resource managers who are looking for experience working with land management agencies.

ACE Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required byU.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.

Agency Required:

• Effective communication skills with resource specialists, colleagues, and the public
• Able and willing to work in a group
• Able and willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor
• Interest and knowledge of fisheries and/or wildlife management
• Knowledge, interest and/or experience in riparian ecosystems
• Knowledge, interest and/or experience conducting aquatic field work
• Experience in various field data collection methods using standard protocols
• Experience in backcountry hiking and navigation in steep terrain
• Experience driving 4 WD trucks/SUVs on freeways, highways and minimally maintained roads
• Must have camping experience and be willing to camp for several days in remote areas
• Interest and ability to work in remote field areas
• Strong leader and equally strong team player
• Strong desire to enter the conservation field as a natural resource professional

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 Stream Survey Technician Team Members, Corvallis OR Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC