Water Resources Inventory Technician

Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Coconino National Forest is seeking a Water Resources Inventory Technician for 27 weeks. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals with a background in Water Resource Management or a related field, with a deep interest in jointly advancing their career goals and the stewardship of Arizona's natural resources through purposeful fieldwork and research.

Start Date: Early June, 2023

End Date: 27 weeks after start date

Location: Coconino National Forest, Sedona, AZ

Some of the finest and most diverse scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.8 million acres covered by the Coconino National Forest. Elevations rise from the iconic desert red rocks at 2,600 feet to 12,633 feet at Humphrey's Peak, the highest in Arizona. Our objective is to maintain that natural beauty.

The Coconino National Forest manages a large array of important water resources. These include natural features, like perennial streams and springs, as well as manmade infrastructure, like water troughs, pipelines, and earthen tanks. The Coconino National Forest would like to increase its awareness of the presence and condition of its water resources. This awareness will aid the Forest Service in land management decisions and the overall understanding of how developed and natural waters are used across the forest.

Project Websites: For more information regarding Coconino National Forest, please click here.

For more information regarding the ACE EPIC program, please click here.

Position Overview:

Participant will assist Coconino National Forest watershed staff and ACE field lead in identifying and inventorying water resources and documenting their uses across forest:

• Determine location of water sources using GIS analysis, aerial imagery, historic maps, archival documents, field notes and surveys, and the knowledge of forest staff and volunteers
• Work with field lead, forest staff, and volunteers to safely accomplish fieldwork across the forest
• Complete robust field surveys of water resources, including documenting their volume, flow, condition, evidence of use, and other important parameters
• Use data and observations from field surveys to inform recommendations for needed updates, maintenance, and restoration
• Help to update existing or file new Arizona state water rights claims
• Help to ensure that data from spatial analyses, field surveys, and other related work is filed for use by other forest staff

Work Schedule: Work schedules are flexible through the season and may be greater than 40 hours during a seven-day work week, not to exceed 80 hours over a two week pay period. Members should generally expect to work 8-10-hour days.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The member should anticipate serving 40 hours/wk and will receive a living allowance of $600/wk for food and incidentals, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: A housing allowance of up to $600/month will be allocated to the ACE member.

Training Provided: The watershed technician will have the opportunity to be mentored by Forest Service permanent staff in a variety of disciplines related to this role. They can expect training and mentorship in landscape level planning, field inspection of water resources, the Arizona water rights system, GIS analysis, and data collection and reporting, among other things.

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 https://www.usaconservation.org/epic/#eligibility-requirements.

Project Objectives:

Assist Coconino National Forest watershed staff in identifying and inventorying water resources and documenting their uses across forest:

• Determine location of water resources across the forest, including natural features and man-made infrastructure
• Survey water resources and document their capacity, condition (including maintenance and restoration needs), and uses
• Update existing and/or file new Arizona state water rights claims as needed
• Help to develop a well-organized structure for maintaining documentation of spatial analyses, field notes and survey data, methods and protocols, water rights filings, and other work relevant to water resources on the forest

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Experience using ArcGIS (desktop or Pro) to perform geospatial analysis
• Experience using AGOL and related mobile apps (Arc Field Maps and Survey 123) to create field survey forms and collect field data
• Ability to perform quality control/quality assurance on large datasets to ensure data integrity and consistency
• Data management experience
• Ability to develop (and write/document) methods for workflows and protocols
• Experience with basic field survey techniques (e.g., tape measure, range finder, clinometer)
• Desert fieldwork experience
• Northern Arizona community member

Required:

• Educational background in the physical sciences (e.g., hydrology, geology, Earth and environmental science) or a related field
• Member must have high fitness level, be able and will to work outdoors, and be capable of lifting 50 lbs Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
• Proven ability to be both self-directed/work independently and be a positive, contributing member of a team
• Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely with resource professionals
• Proficient in English
• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request)
• Ability to pass a federal criminal background check
• ACE is a drug free workplace and reserves the right to drug test at any time
• Members must be at least 21 to apply for any ACE position that requires or anticipates operation of agency/ACE vehicles for duties.

To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references using the APPLY NOW section located in the upper right-hand corner of the position listing on our website here: https://usaconservationepic.applicantpool.com/jobs/

Note: 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 ACE USFS Member Manager, Jack Hall at jhall@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 Water Resources Inventory Technician Jobs at American Conservation Experience - EPIC