Utah and Nevada BLM Riparian & Wetland AIM Monitoring Crew Leads and Technicians

Overview

Job Title:

Utah and Nevada BLM Riparian & Wetland AIM Monitoring Crew Lead and Technicians
Position Type:
Full-time, temporary
Locations:
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Travel throughout Utah and Nevada.
Number of Positions: 9 total (3 Crew Leads and 6 Technicians)
Pay Rate:
Crew Leads $22-24/hr;
Technicians $20-21/hr (depending on experience). Per diem: $60.00/day and gear reimbursement when traveling beyond base location; total travel reimbursement $395-455 per hitch (tax exempt). Health insurance, retirement, paid Federal holidays, and sick leave provided.
Duration:
April–August/September 2026. Crew Leads start March 23. Dates are approximate.

In partnership with the Utah and Nevada 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 AIM (Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring) Program. Successful applicants will be trained by Wetland Ecologists from CNHP and BLM’s National Operations Center and will apply the protocol in wetlands and riparian areas on BLM lands across Utah and Nevada.

Data collection includes quantitative vegetation data using the line-point-intercept (LPI) method, as well as soils, hydrology, water quality, and surrounding land use. All technicians must be available for the weeklong field training April 13–18, 2026.

• Participate in field data collection on BLM lands across Utah and Nevada, including vegetation (LPI method), soils, hydrology, and water quality data.
• Assist with field logistics, safety, equipment management, and data organization.
• Support Crew Leads in coordinating field logistics, scheduling, and data quality control using iPad tablets and paper forms as needed.
• Adhere to field protocols and work under the typical hitch schedule (8 days on, 6 days off) with camping on BLM land and 10-hour days.
• Travel extensively and work in diverse field settings; manage long hikes and heavy packs when required.

• Preferred:
  Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field; a completed B.S. degree is preferred and required for Lead Technicians.
• Field experience collecting scientific data (vegetation, soils, water quality) and knowledge of wetland ecology; experience in wetlands/riparian areas is a plus.
• Experience on a BLM AIM crew (Terrestrial or Aquatic) preferred; familiarity with dichotomous keys, plant families, and western flora or wetland species preferred.
• Experience interpreting aerial imagery (Google Earth), map navigation, and GPS;
  ArcGIS experience preferred for Lead Technicians.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours, travel extensively, share living quarters, camp, and hike up to 10 miles/day while carrying up to 40 lbs per position.
• Ability to work in field conditions with inclement weather, rugged terrain, and exposure to insects and plants; strong commitment to team safety required.
• Strong attention to detail, written and organizational skills for lengthy field forms; experience collecting data electronically preferred.
• Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with BLM staff and private landowners.
• Valid driver’s license required; 4x4 vehicle experience preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred.

To apply, include a resume, cover letter, and three references (with phone numbers and emails). First consideration of applicants will begin January 12, 2026. Applications accepted until all positions are filled or until April 1, 2026, whichever comes first.

$20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Applicants should upload the following documents:
Cover Letter, Resume/CV. Materials should address the required and preferred qualifications. Applicants may redact information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation as appropriate.

Colorado State University offers a robust benefits package and supportive work environment. Details and additional perks can be found here:

• Benefits information: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-
• Total compensation calculator: /
• Information about Fort Collins and CSU perks: /

CSU conducts background checks for finalists as required by law or contract. CSU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any protected characteristic.