Aquatic Monitoring Riparian Botanists  

O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West 
   
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 Riparian Botanist Technicians with experience in hydrology, ecology, and/or botany for data collection in Nevada, from April through August/September (exact dates vary by project, see below).  

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 crew will consist of a Crew Lead, Technician, and Riparian Botanist Technician. All crews will be supported by Crew Managers and other professional OCRMW 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 Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer.  UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodation is provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.  

Position Details 

• Position is full time, temporary (< 6 months). 
• Compensation is based on qualifications and experience. 
• Crew Leads earn $22-24/hour 
• Monitoring Technicians earn $19-20/hour 
• Riparian Botanist Technicians earn $21-23/hour 
• All positions include (tax-free): 
• $352.80 meal per diem per 8-day hitch (tax free). 
• Waders and boots (kept by employee on completion of the season, a ~$300 value) 
• Field/camping equipment (kept by employee upon completion of field season, ~$300 value) 
• Benefits include Worker’s Compensation coverage, paid holidays, and accrual of sick leave (sick leave). 

Projects 

Nevada State Project: Crews that are hired for the state project in Nevada will be working closely with local BLM field offices around the state.  

Base Locations 

Carson City, NV: Nevada state crews will be working out of Carson City, NV. Work will begin in late April or early May with the BLM Lotic Aim Training and continue until all points are completed, which is estimated to be late August. Crew consists of one Lead, one Technician, and One Riparian Botanist Technician per crew.  

 Basic Qualifications 

We encourage individuals with relevant skills and a strong desire to learn to apply for these positions, even if you do not fully meet all listed qualifications. These positions are an excellent opportunity to develop skills, and significant training is provided. 

Riparian Botanist Technician 

• Coursework in Botany, Ecology, Range Science, Wetland Ecology, Plant Taxonomy or closely related subject. A completed B.S. or B.A. degree in a related subject preferred. Herbarium, horticultural, restoration or other related field experience may substitute for academic qualifications.  
• Ability to identify riparian graminoids, forbs, shrubs and trees to species using dichotomous keys. Knowledge of wetland and riparian plants of the Rocky Mountains and/or Intermountain West is preferred although those without wide experience in the West or in riparian environments are still encouraged to apply.  

Additional Qualifications- All Positions 

• A basic understanding of how field protocols are used to conduct sampling and field data collection at assessment and monitoring sites.  
• Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather and carry 40-50 pounds in a backpack over uneven terrain for at least 8 miles.   
• 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. 
• 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. 
• Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and to work independently as required.  
• Valid driver’s license. 

Training 

These positions are ideal for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development. You will receive paid training on AIM protocols and associated methodology. The BLM hosts AIM trainings across multiple western states each year and participation is required by everyone who plans to collect AIM data during that calendar year and before any data ae collected. UM ecologists will also provide additional training on protocols for the area in which you will be working and you will have ongoing field-based support and training from specialists during the field season. You also can interact with seasoned staff scientists from both the BLM and UM throughout training and field work.  

About UM and O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West  

The University of Montana is a flagship research institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West, a regional studies and public education program. OCRMW staff are engaged in mapping wetlands across the western US and in carrying out inventory and monitoring projects for federal, state and tribal agencies.  

To learn more about the University of Montana, please visit the link below.  

University of Montana OCRMW Home Page 

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment. In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. 

ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9)