National Wetland Condition Assessment Lead and Field Technicians
About The Position
The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced field technicians to collect wetland assessment data for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Wetland Condition Assessment (NWCA), which is conducted every five years. Successful applicants will be trained in data collection methods by Wetland Ecologists from CNHP and the EPA and will spend the summer applying the protocol in wetlands throughout Colorado and Wyoming. One team of four technicians will be hired. Crews will spend 4 to 8 days in a row in the field traveling to randomly selected sites across Colorado, often camping in the field. Sites will be in both the front and back county and on public and private land. The team will collect data on wetland vegetation, soils, hydrology, water quality, and the condition of buffers. Two technicians will focus on vegetation, and two technicians will focus on wetland soil and water quality. Sampling will follow rigorous protocols used by field teams across the country. Information on NWCA is available at: https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/nwca
Requirements
- Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field.
- Field experience collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data.
- Experience interpreting aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS.
- Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, share living quarters, car camp, and potentially backpack and hike long distances (up to 10 miles / day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs).
- Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (30–110° F), mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety.
- Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms.
- Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with land managers and private landowners.
- A valid driver’s license.
Nice To Haves
- B.S. degree botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field.
- Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas.
- Experience with the National Wetland Condition Assessment or other similar large-scale monitoring program (e.g., BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring Program)
- Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora and/or wetland species.
- Experience describing upland or wetland soil profiles and/or experience with hydric soil indicators.
- Experience with ArcGIS Pro or ArcGIS Online.
- Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices.
- Experience driving 4x4 vehicles on rough roads.
- Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training.
Responsibilities
- Plan logistics for two-week data collection trips (hitches).
- Travel to randomly selected wetland sites across Colorado.
- Collect data on wetland vegetation, wetland soil, water quality, and the condition of buffers.
- Collect soil and water quality samples and prepare them for shipping to national labs.
- Review all collected data for completeness and accuracy before submission.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement
- Paid federal holidays
- Sick leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
