Seasonal Stream Habitat Technician

Trout Unlimited • Brattleboro, VT

318d • $14 - $18

About The Position

The Seasonal Stream Habitat Technician position involves working on projects that benefit cold-water fisheries and local communities by improving aquatic habitat, water quality, and biodiversity. The technician will be part of a restoration team focused on instream habitat improvement, streambank stabilization, and aquatic organism passage projects. The role includes restoring remote streams using strategic wood additions, beaver dam analogs, and post-assisted logjams. The technician will also assist in small dam removals, stream assessments, and documenting project successes. The position requires physical stamina for hiking and handling heavy equipment in various weather conditions.

Requirements

• Ability to hike & carry heavy gear (up to 50lbs) through rough terrain off trail
• Valid driver's license and own vehicle required
• Ability to work with others on a small team
• Passion for protecting and restoring trout populations and their watersheds

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the field during tree felling and/or trail building
• Saw experience (specifically with directional felling) or sawyer training (certification is a major plus)
• Familiarity with hand tools (e.g. axes, shovels, chainsaws, etc.)
• Familiarity with data collection/navigation applications (ESRI Field Maps)
• CPR and First Aid training
• Knowledge of natural stream design techniques
• Ability and willingness to travel long distances

Responsibilities

• Working safely and productively in remote field settings within the stream under adverse and rapidly changing conditions
• Assisting team sawyer with the safe felling of trees
• Team lifting/orienting felled trees or moving with rock bars within the stream channel
• Utilizing a post pounder to drive posts that will pin wood in specific configurations within the stream channel
• Operating hand-powered equipment (e.g. winches, axes, rock bars, etc.)
• Maintaining field equipment
• Assisting with stream habitat assessment and/or culvert assessments
• Collecting data with a provided phone and collection application (ArcGIS Field Maps) for current and all past project sites

Benefits

• Pay will be $14-18/hr based on qualifications
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from sites each week
• A work truck is provided for travel to the work site from weekly housing
• Food and housing provided (typically in the form of Airbnbs) during the work week
• Work boots and all PPE provided

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations