Utah BLM Riparian & Wetland AIM Monitoring Crew Lead and Technicians

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program is hiring a Crew Lead and Technicians for the Utah BLM Riparian & Wetland AIM Monitoring. The team will collect wetland monitoring data across Utah, requiring field experience in ecology and data collection. The role includes training, managing crew logistics, and ensuring data quality. Positions are based in Salt Lake City, UT, with extensive travel and outdoor work involved.
In partnership with the Utah Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced field technicians to collect wetland monitoring data through BLM’s Riparian & Wetland Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Program. Successful applicants will be trained in the methods by Wetland Ecologists from CNHP and BLM’s National Operations Center and will spend the summer applying the protocol in wetlands and riparian areas on BLM lands throughout the state of Utah. Quantitative vegetation data will be collected using the line-point intercept (LPI) method. Additional data collection will include soils, hydrology, water quality, and surrounding land use. All technicians must be available for the weeklong training April 21-26, 2025, in Cedar City, UT.

One field team of three technicians will be hired (1 Crew Lead and 2 Technicians). The team will be stationed out of the Salt Lake BLM Field Office. The typical hitch schedule during the field season is 8 days on with 6 days off. All teams will travel extensively across Utah, collecting data in a wide variety of settings. Field Protocol can be found here: DRAFT Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems.

Crew Lead positions may start up to 3 weeks in advance of the field season (estimated start date is March 31) to plan field season logistics. The Crew Lead will be responsible for supporting and managing crew safety and wellbeing, coordinating field logistics and scheduling, managing the crew’s equipment, and completing administrative paperwork. Before, during, and after field data collection, the Crew Lead will be responsible for the organization and quality control of all data collected using iPad tablets and occasional paper forms.

Qualifications for All Positions:
• Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field preferred for all positions. A completed B.S. degree is preferred for all positions and required for Lead Technicians.
• Field experience collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data preferred for all positions. Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas is a plus.
• Previous experience working on a BLM Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) crew, either Terrestrial or Aquatic AIM, preferred.
• Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora and/or wetland species preferred.
• Experience interpreting aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS preferred for all positions and required for Lead Technicians. Experience with ArcGIS preferred for Lead Technicians.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, share living quarters, car camp, and potentially backpack and hike long distances (up to 10 miles/day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs) required for all positions.
• Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (30–110° F), mosquitoes, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required for all positions.
• Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms required for all positions. Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices preferred for all positions.
• Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with BLM staff and private landowners required for all positions.
• A valid driver’s license required for all positions. Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions.

CNHP is interested in finding the best candidates for these positions. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications – use your application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.

CNHP and CSU are committed to building diversity and inclusion in natural resources; candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

To apply, email resume, cover letter, and three references (please include both phone number and email) to Katrina Castro atKatrina.Castro@colostate.edu . Please mention how you found out about this position. Please indicate if you would like to be considered for the Crew Lead or Technician position and which state you would prefer to work in. In addition to Utah, CNHP will be managing crews in Colorado and Wyoming.

Position descriptions can be found here: Employment – Colorado Natural Heritage Program.

Please note that you do not need to submit separate applications; just be sure to clearly indicate which positions/locations you are interested in being considered for.

First consideration of applicants will begin January 6, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted until all positions are filled or until April 14, 2025, whichever comes first. Applicants for the Lead Technician Position are encouraged to apply early.

Colorado State University is an EO/EA/AA employer.
Colorado State University conducts background checks on all final candidates.
Employee Benefit information can be found on HR’s Website at: Benefits | Human Resources | Colorado State University.