Field Crew Lead-Aquatic Monitoring (Streams & Rivers)

Description: The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Aquatic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy. This protocol is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term hydrologic and biological data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S.  

We are currently recruiting Crew Leads with experience in fisheries, hydrology, ecology, and/or botany for data collection in Idaho, Nevada, Montana, and Regional Western US from April through August/September (exact dates vary by project, see below).  

Responsibilities: Data collection will follow the AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework, specifically: 1) site evaluation, 2) water quality, 3) physical habitat and canopy cover, 4) macroinvertebrates, 5) photos, and 6) human influences. We will also implement vegetation assessment elements of the Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) protocol. The field crews will consist of a Crew Lead, Technician, and Riparian Botanist.  All crews will be supported by Crew Managers and other professional EMMA staff. We ask seasonal staff to commit to the entire field season, practice safety awareness, and contribute to building a healthy, productive, and enjoyable work environment. 

All positions are field-based and require primitive camping. Sampling sites may sometimes be near a town, but often the towns will have few amenities or entertainment, and crew members should plan to bring all their food with them each hitch. Expect that cell phone service from any carrier is poor to non-existent in many areas. Applicants should also understand that this is physically demanding work. Crews typically work eight consecutive 10-hour days, followed by a 6-day break, in all kinds of weather, and frequently must navigate sketchy roads or carry awkward and heavy equipment across uneven terrain to access a site. The wadeable streams sampled range from a few inches deep to fast-flowing small rivers that require good balance and a willingness to be waist or chest deep in water.  

UM supplies all necessary monitoring equipment, including vehicles, to carry out the work. We provide some group camping gear (stoves, coolers); however, individuals are responsible for their personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags). We can lend camping gear on a case-by-case basis.  

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, ability, and perspectives are encouraged to apply. 

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Hydrology, Water Resources or related subject. 

A minimum of one full year or two full seasons of fish, macroinvertebrate, hydrology, or water quality field data collection. A completed M.S. degree with field work can satisfy this requirement.  

Experience characterizing aquatic habitats in the field using standardized protocols, including establishing transects and thalweg profiles, determinations of bankfull width, stream classification (Rosgen or other), habitat complexity, and riparian vegetation. 

Experience with macroinvertebrate collection and water quality sampling. 

Experience supervising technicians, volunteers or undergraduate students. Leadership in a volunteer or community organization, or in the military, can satisfy this requirement. 

Experience managing gear and equipment for a crew, lab class, team, or other organizational unit.  

A basic understanding of how field protocols are used to conduct sampling and field data collection at assessment and monitoring sites. 

Experience with data entry and management using personal computers or tablets. Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and preferably with ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123. 

Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units.  

Experience with using Google Earth or GIS to examine aerial imagery. 

Experience driving and maintaining 4WD trucks and other vehicles, especially on rough and unmaintained roads. Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (DUI or other serious convictions need not apply). 

Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and to work independently as required. 

Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field where multiple hazards (snakes, bears, deadfall, lightning, poison ivy, fires, etc.) may be encountered. 

Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather and carry 40-50 pounds in a backpack over uneven terrain. 

Learn more and apply here.