Habitat Monitoring Crew Lead (AIM) - American Conservation Experience - EPIC

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, is seeking 1 Habitat Monitoring Crew Leader to contribute to New Mexico BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) of our public lands in Las Cruces, NM. Each technician will work on a field team comprised of 3 individuals (one Crew Leader, two Crew Technicians) and collect data according to standardized methodologies and protocols. The AIM data is used by various resource specialists and land managers across the Western United States to help inform decisions regarding adaptive range management techniques, Greater Sage-Grouse habitat protection, and other land management issues and strategies.

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

*Note: We have multiple AIM positions available. You do not need to apply to each one individually. Please just specify if you are interested in being considered for the other positions in your application.

Start Date: Late April 2025

Estimated End Date: January 2026

Location Details/Description: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Position Overview: This is a field based position with approximately 100% of the work taking place in an outdoor environment where the climate, weather and terrain can be demanding. Field teams will be expected to work 10 hour days and will be required to camp for 8 day hitches in the field, followed by 6 days off. Travel will be provided from Las Cruces to field sites and back.

Field work duties include:

• Monitoring safety and moral of crew
• Collecting vegetation data using line-point intercept and species inventory methods
• Measuring shrub density, foliar cover, canopy gap and vegetation heights
• Identifying and describing soil horizons
• Using GPS to navigate to off-trail sampling sites
• Driving 4x4 vehicles in a backcountry setting
• Electronic data collection using a tablet and ArcGIS geo-database
• Communication with ACE and BLM Staff
• Quality control of all data collected

For more information about the AIM program, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/aim/strategy

Schedule: 8 day camping in the field from Wednesday to Wednesday (hitch), and 6 days off from Thursday to Tuesday.

Position Benefits

Wage: The member will receive $800 per week, plus a camping per diem for each night out. Note that each 8 day hitch counts as two weeks of work for $1600.

Housing: Housing is not provided by ACE. However, we do offer a housing reimbursement of up to $200 per week.

Relocation Allowance: A relocation reimbursement up to $500 is available.

Provided Training/Orientation: Crew Leads and members will need to attend a 4 day comprehensive training in AIM methods in Santa Fe in May.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have degree in ecology, botany, soil science range science, wildlife biology, natural resource management, biology, conservation biology, or related field and a minimum of 1 year experience identifying plants or soil horizons in the field, preferable working with AIM protocols.

Technical Requirements:

• Experience identifying plants or soils in the field using a dichotomous key
• Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols
• Ability to read, interpret and navigate using a GPS unit and topographic maps
• Ability to use electronic tablets to record and manage data
• Ability to safely operate 4x4 vehicles on rough, unpaved road conditions
• Must have a valid driver's license, clean driving record and be at least 21 year of age to operate company vehicles.
• Ability and willingness to undergo a federal criminal background check and driving history check

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work alone or in a small group with minimal supervision
• Must be able to communicate clearly with team members, resource professionals and the general public
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles, attention to field safety, and an overall intuitive nature for working in an outdoor setting
• Basic tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance knowledge
• Willingness and flexibility to work an irregular schedule with multiple days of travel
• Must be capable of hiking up to 3 miles and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Individuals must be willing to represent ACE in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner.

Even if you do not meet all qualifications listed above, we still encourage you to apply if you have a strong interest in habitat monitoring or natural resource management. Also, please be aware that we are happy to provide any reasonable accommodation necessary to perform the essential duties.

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/1164325. 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 Special Projects Manager Josh Haussler at jhaussler@usaconservation.org or 385-226-0080

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.