Natural Resource Technician Individual Placement
Job Description
Title: Bureau of Land Management - Natural Resource Technician Individual Placement
Start/End Date: April 6th, 2020 - September 11th, 2020
Stipend: $500/week (+Education Award)
Term: 23 weeks
Reports To: Bureau of Land Management - San Luis Valley Field Office
Location: 1313 HWY 160 East, Monte Vista, CO 81144
Status: 900-hour AmeriCorps Service Term
Benefits: AmeriCorps Education Award $3,047.50 after successful completion
Southwest Conservation Corps’ Mission
It is the mission of the Southwest Conservation Corps to empower individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment.
Program Overview:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages public lands to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations; including the management and protection of our nation's wild horses and burros on 26.9 million acres of public lands across 10 western states.
The San Luis Valley Field Office (SLVFO) Soil, Water, Riparian, and Wetland Program has several projects scheduled for the 2020 field season. On-going inventory, monitoring, and assessment of natural resources within the SLVFO are identified. Springs, seeps, wetlands, fens, streams, soil erosion, and road/culvert conditions will be recorded using GPS units, field tablets and cameras. Location, condition and other basic information will be recorded and entered into a GIS database. Steam temperature, pH, Conductivity, channel cross-section data throughout the watersheds located in SLVO will be assessed. Groundwater level, temperature, and weather data need to be downloaded from existing field sensors. Monthly collection of sediment samplers and process the data to input into the National Wind Erosion Research Network (NWERN) website. Troubleshooting and assist with maintenance of NWERN automated data collection devices as needed. Monthly rain gauge data collection at 33 sites. This data is part of an on-going multi-year projects. Finally, various watershed protection and restoration projects will need to be implemented. This may include erosion control, wetland irrigation, streambank stabilization and riparian corridor improvement.
All work will occur individually or with SLVFO staff depending on various projects. This job will offer a tremendous opportunity to do fieldwork in a wide variety of terrain and locations across the BLM, SLVFO. The intern will learn about surveying techniques, water quality sampling, and small-scale natural resource restoration/protection work.
Desired Skills/Qualifications:
- Desire to work outdoors in all weather conditions; long days on foot will be expected
- Some experience and/or course work in basic field survey and monitoring methods
- Basic map reading skills, GPS, collector apps, and GIS knowledge preferred
- Strong background in the sciences and/or natural resources
- Completion or work towards a degree in hydrology, geology, water resource management, natural resources management, aquatic biology, or similar.
- Clean driving record for operation of government vehicles
- A reliable personal vehicle is required
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to carry out and accomplish order in a timely manner
- Ability to be flexible and willingness to jump in to help as needed
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age
The successful applicant must be self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after the initial training period. The applicant must be able to maneuver and operate in a mixture of office and field work. This can include long periods of standing or walking on rough, uneven ground, bending, crouching, and stooping. Prior to starting this position a government security background clearance will be required.
Training Provided:
BLM personnel will train the interns on data collection and reporting methodology. Outdoor field skills and safety, introduction to natural resources in the San Luis Valley Field Office, scientific and professional communications.
Housing:
Rental affordable housing is available throughout the San Luis Valley.
Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- U.S. Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card, INS form I-551
- Alien Registration Card, INS form I-551
- A passport indicating that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
- A departure record ( INS 194) indication that the INS has approved it as temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence
- Driver's License
Apply Now!
To apply, please submit an updated resume and letter of interest along with the online application.
Accepting applications until position is filled.
Contact Clara at cmoulton@conservationlegacy.org with any questions.