ERG Field Ecologists- Ecological Monitoring Positions

ERG, is seeking field ecologists to support the United States Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, & Monitoring (AIM) efforts during the 2026 field season. The AIM Program is a critical initiative focused on collecting high-quality ecological data to guide natural resource management decisions across public lands. More information on the BLM’s AIM strategy can be found on the AIM website: http://aim.landscapetoolbox.org/.

Positions Available: Multiple Field Ecologists (Crew Leads and Technicians)

Base Locations: Salt Lake City, UT

** You do not have to live in Salt Lake City, but you must start and end your hitches at our office located there.

Sampling Locations: Throughout Utah and Nevada

Start Dates (tentative):

• March 2, 2026
• March 30, 2026

End Date: All positions go through end of August/Early Sept, with potential extension into September based on location, performance, and need.

Position Overview:

This is a field-based position that operates on a hitch schedule. The schedule is 8 days on (Tues-Tues) followed by 6 days off throughout the season.  During field work, camping will be required. Camping is in remote locations, typically not at established campsites. Crews will consist of three individuals: one crew lead and two technicians.  This job is ideal for someone passionate about learning the world of plants, soils, and rangeland ecology.

Basic responsibilities include:

• Follow field protocols to identify vegetation to species level
• Gather species cover and composition data
• Collect soil stability and soil profile descriptions
• Use ruggedized tablets for data collection
• Assess special sage grouse habitat

Crew Lead (additional responsibilities):

• Create Hitch Plans: evaluate sample locations, plan routes, and identify access concerns
• Communicate with local BLM Field Office staff and ERG Crew Managers
• Oversee management of gear & sampling equipment
• Lead and manage a 3-person crew, ensuring health and safety protocols are followed

The crew may also assist with other public land management projects involving wildlife, range, and forestry. Crew members will continuously learn the local flora and build botanical knowledge of common species.

Qualified crew member candidates must possess the following skills:

• S. or working toward a degree in a natural sciences field.
• Field experience, including the ability to work in and respond to adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time including extreme heat, monsoonal rains, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions).
• Experience and willingness to spend multiple days (up to 8 days at a time) car-camping in remote areas; familiarity or willingness to learn and adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles.
• Excellent communication skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Positive attitude and attention to detail.
• Willingness to spend several hours per day and/or per week riding in, navigating, and driving a 4WD vehicle on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote areas on unimproved roads and driving for extended periods of time (2-3 hours at a time).
• Physically capable of standing and walking (up to 6 miles/day on rough, uneven terrain), bending and crouching for long periods of time, and lifting/carrying items that weigh up to 40 pounds, in variable weather conditions, including heat upwards of 100-degrees (F).
• Valid US driver's license and insurable driving record.
• Ability to pass background checks (federal, state, education, criminal and driving record).
• Passionate about learning the world of plants, soils, and rangeland ecology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• UTV and trailer towing experience. Please highlight this if you have this experience.
• College Graduate (Bachelor’s, at minimum) with degree in ecology, botany, soil science, agriculture, range, plant ecology, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Minimum one year of experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species in the field, from photos, and from pressed specimens.
• Familiarity with Utah and Wyoming flora (generally sagebrush steppe, Great Basin, and Colorado Plateau).
• Experience or education using taxonomic soil keys or equivalent mechanism to identify ecological sites and using soil series descriptions or equivalent soil datasets.
• Experience digging soil pits to characterize and document soil horizons and hand texturing various types of soils.
• Experience with collecting data via tablets using FieldMaps and Survey123
• Crew Leads should have experience managing field crews or several seasons of conducting field work. Ideal candidates would have strong plant identification skills.

Benefits package:

• Base pay for Crew Leads starts at $24/hour; and Technicians at $21/hour

          + frequent overtime paid at time and a half, including Crew Leads

          + $45/day per diem, untaxed (Approximately $315 per hitch or $630 per month)

• Accrued Sick Leave & medical insurance offered
• Wilderness First Aid reimbursement

Why ERG?

Former employees shared their experience working as a Field Ecologist at ERG:

 “Of all my field jobs, ERG was by far the best at coordination!”

“The most logistical support I've received in a field position.”

“I really liked the field work, the community, and I felt like ERG really valued its employees and cared about our wellbeing.”

“All of the direct managers were more than willing to help and answer any questions I had. I always felt comfortable reaching out for any support needed while in the field.”

“I felt supported in learning new skills and enjoyed spending so much time outside!”

“I liked the community and the welcoming environment that ERG created. Everyone was extremely accepting, and the management staff created a fun and positive environment. They always made us feel valued and appreciative of our work.”