Habitat Monitoring Technician Member

Overview

The American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, is seeking two Habitat Monitoring Technician Members to contribute to the BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) of public lands out of St. George, UT. The technician will work on a field team alongside a BLM employee and collect data according to standardized methodologies and protocols. AIM data informs resource specialists and land managers across the Western United States to help inform decisions regarding adaptive range management, Greater Sage-Grouse habitat protection, and other land management strategies.

Location:
St. George, UT. Start date and end date are described below.

• Collect vegetation data using line-point intercept and species inventory methods
• Measure shrub density, foliar cover, canopy gap, and vegetation heights
• Identify and describe soil horizons
• Use GPS to navigate to off-trail sampling sites
• Drive 4x4 vehicles in a backcountry setting
• Perform electronic data collection using a tablet and an ArcGIS geodatabase

Start Date:
March 30, 2026

Estimated End Date:
October 31, 2026

Commitment: A 31-week minimum commitment is required.

Schedule:
Schedule will vary by site locations. Expect Monday through Thursday with occasional work on Fridays. Field work is 90% outdoors with 10-hour days.

The BLM Arizona Strip Field Office oversees wilderness areas and multiple environmental areas across over 1.6 million acres of public land. For more information about the BLM Arizona Strip District Office, please visit their website.

• Living Allowance:
  Approximately 40 hours/week with a living allowance of $825.00 per week, dispersed bi-weekly. The rate is fixed and not flexible.
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
  Eligibility may apply upon completion of term and 640 hours of service; terms may be combined with other PLC-eligible terms. Additional eligibility requirements apply.
• Housing Assistance:
  Reimbursable housing assistance up to $220.00/week for approved expenses.
• Training/Orientation:
  Orientation to ACE policies and BLM AIM methods training.

Required (selected):

• Authorized to work in the United States (ACE does not provide visa sponsorship).
• Professional, positive representation of ACE and partner organization.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a group.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record (documentation provided upon request). Must be 21+ to drive due to insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and pass required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Bi-weekly timesheets and term evaluations; mid-term evaluation for longer terms.
• Ability to hike up to 3 miles and lift up to 50 lbs daily.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles and field safety; ability to work outdoors in varied conditions.
• Willingness to work irregular schedules with travel.
• Ability to work alone or in small groups with minimal supervision in rugged conditions.
• Professional communication with team members and resource professionals.

Preferred:

• Degree in natural or physical sciences or related field; at least 1 year of field experience identifying plants or soil horizons, preferably with AIM protocols.
• Experience conducting ecological monitoring in the field.
• Experience with electronic tablets for data recording.
• Ability to operate 4x4 vehicles on rough, unpaved roads.

• Physical Demands:
  Frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying heavy equipment, manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and camping overnight in field conditions.
• Vision Requirements:
  Close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception; ability to focus.
• Weight/Force:
  Ability to move and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Environment:
  Outdoor and indoor conditions; variable weather and climates; regular domestic travel.

The ACE member(s) may encounter extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, wetland conditions, biting insects, and wildlife. Duties should be performed safely to avoid endangering self or others.