Biological Resources Technician

EPIC • Ridgecrest, CA

5d • $875 - $875 • Onsite

About The Position

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is seeking two Biological Resource Technicians to contribute to natural resources management and conservation projects alongside BLM staff. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic professionals with a background in Natural Resource Management, Biology, Botany, Recreation, or a closely related field, with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in the public sector outdoor recreation profession. The ACE members will maintain close interaction with the BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner and Natural Resource Staff to monitor sensitive species and their habitat within and adjacent to Off-Highway Vehicle recreation areas. This position monitors species and habitats outlined in a Habitat Management Plan and requires both a large amount of fieldwork and organizing the data collected in the field. Fieldwork consists of driving throughout the Field Office on a variety of 4WD routes, hiking to sensitive plant populations and sensitive species habitats, using a tablet for data collection, and identifying sensitive plant species. There will also be opportunities to work with the restoration crews, coordinate volunteer events, and give educational talks to Off-Highway Vehicle recreationists. The ACE members will be mentored by BLM staff and will coordinate work regularly with the Outdoor Recreation Planner, but the monitoring work will be carried out independently with little supervision. The member will work mostly from specific instructions, with work reviewed for accuracy and completeness upon completion of assignments. This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Requirements

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability and willingness to hike long distances and work alone/in a small group with minimal supervision.
• Ability and willingness to perform plant identification (fieldwork may require the collection of threatened and endangered plant species).
• Ability and willingness to safely operate a 4X4 vehicle in rugged terrain.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning-of-term feedback forms, end-of-term evaluations, and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Must meet the PLC Eligibility requirements to be considered for this position.
• Must be between the ages of 16 and 30 (or up to 35 for veterans).

Nice To Haves

• Hold or be pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Management, Recreation Management, or related disciplines appropriate to the position and/or have relevant experience in those subject areas.
• Knowledge of general computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Previous GIS experience, including but not limited to data collection in the field using mobile GIS applications and data analysis and stewardship at a desktop computer using GIS software.
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged and welcome.
• Deep interest in backcountry/remote hiking.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring sensitive species and habitats
• Collecting data on the survival of species used in restoration
• Monitoring the effectiveness of restoration
• Maintaining a GIS database
• Organizing outreach events and training for restoration crews
• Assisting with other resource-related projects, as assigned
• Completing inventories
• Prioritizing and coordinating work with staff
• Initiating NEPA as needed
• Coordinating and completing projects on the ground
• Preserving and enhancing recreational opportunities by curbing problems before they become unmanageable and subject possibly to new restrictions and closures.

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $875.00/week
• Housing Assistance: up to $225 per week (reimbursable)
• Gear Assistance: up to $150 for eligible gear purchases
• Training Assistance: up to $350 for training, personal development-related expenses
• Public Land Corps Hiring Authority eligibility upon completion of term and 640 hours of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree