Summary

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests, is seeking four Ecological Monitoring Technicians to support the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration (CFLRP) Program. The technicians will work closely with Ecology program staff across both forests to help collect and review ecological monitoring data related to forest health, sensitive and cultural plants, invasive species, wildlife, and fire effects. The technicians will primarily be responsible for assisting in data collection for monitoring efforts and will be expected to plan and carry out the assignments independently.

The work will occur almost entirely in the field and will require travel from the duty station to field sites up to 5 hours away. Camping may be required for field sites that are further away. When in the field, there may be regular and recurring exposure to inclement weather conditions. Work may require special safety precautions and/or protective clothing and equipment. The ecological monitoring technicians will primarily be working with one other intern but may be required to work as a member of a larger crew of ACE interns, volunteers, and/or other partner organizations.

Start Date: Ideally May 4, 2026, though some flexibility may be possible upon request

Estimated End Date: Mid-late October (24 weeks after start date)

Location Details/Description: Wenatchee, WA. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Colville, WA. Colville National Forest.

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest covers a large portion of central Washington along the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains up to the border of Canada encompassing over 3.8 million acres. The Colville National Forest is in the northeastern corner of the state with the Canadian border to the north and Idaho border to the east encompassing over 1.1 million acres. Both forests are very diverse with a plethora of recreational opportunities, wildlife to see and scenic vistas to enjoy.

Position Overview: These positions will assist the Eastern Washington Ecology Program and other Forest Service programs and research entities, as appropriate, in collecting monitoring data to support the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forest's Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) projects. This includes stand-level vegetation monitoring of trees, understory vegetation, and fuels along with deploying of acoustic recording units (ARUs) and carrying out habitat monitoring for bird and mammal species of interests. Monitoring work may also include whitebark pine surveys, cultural plant monitoring and investigating the impacts of wildfire and/or past fuels treatments across the CFLRP landscape.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies providing opportunities to network with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups on the forests.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $760/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the USFS and ACE and is not flexible.

Housing: US Forest Service bunkhouse lodging may be provided to candidates, pending availability. If available, technicians would be responsible for paying for housing at US Forest Service bunkhouse facilities for the duration of their term at the USFS housing rate (typically < $15/day). If US Forest Service bunkhouse lodging is not available or refused, housing will be the responsibility of the ACE member.

Gear Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $200 to be used for eligible project gear expenses. Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Field Per Diem: Available for qualifying work hours at a rate of $50/night.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online at ACE's website.

Qualifications

Required:

• Some college education (or currently enrolled in) in Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Natural Resources or a related program of study and/or experience in forestry, rangeland, or other ecological data collection techniques.
• Ability to navigate over rough and steep terrain while visiting project field sites, including considerable hiking, stooping, bending, and potentially climbing. Position may also require lifting and carrying of moderately heavy items, such as equipment and samples that weigh less than 50 pounds.
• Willingness to camp or sleep in remote locations and/or basic accommodations for up to 8 days at a time.
• Willingness to travel from duty station to locations up to 5 hours away for work.
• 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 two-part criminal history check.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• 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.
• Members may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website

Preferred:

• Recent completion of a bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental science, ecology, forestry, or a similar program, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of tree, plant, and wildlife identification.
• Familiarity with or experience in common forestry, range, botany, or other ecological data collection methods.
• Some experience with field data collection applications and/or programs such as Avenza, Survey 123, and ArcGIS Field Maps.
• Experience with GPS or compass and map navigation to remote "off-trail" locations.
• Experience driving a 4WD vehicle on rough, narrow dirt or gravel roads.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including working on a diverse team of members with different levels of experience and background knowledge.
• Adaptability to rapidly changing situations, including inclement weather, team dynamics, and schedules.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact BLM/USFS Associate Director, Jack Hall at jhall@usaconservation.org 

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.