POSITION TITLE: Vegetation Monitoring (AIM) Data Collector
STATUS: Seasonal (May to mid-August 2025) full-time, Non-exempt.  
REPORTS TO: Crew Lead and Spatial Ecologist
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None
LOCATION: Topaz Ranch Estates, NV
PAY RANGE: $19-20/hr, plus $40/day per diem while on hitch 

Description: The Walker Basin Conservancy partners with the Bureau of Land Management to implement Assessment Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) surveys in western Nevada and eastern California. The AIM strategy is designed to collect standardized inventory and long-term vegetation and soils data to monitor habitat at multiple scales across the Western U.S. The Vegetation Monitoring Technicians will work in teams of three (two technicians and a Crew Lead) to conduct vegetation and ecological monitoring surveys within western Nevada, primarily within the Carson City District, or eastern California within the Bishop Field Office (two crews in NV and one in CA). Crews will work on eight-day hitches, from Wednesday to Wednesday (10hr/day), with six days off in-between hitches. 

The ideal candidate will 

• Possess experience, knowledge and skills related to natural resources sampling, and data management.
• Comfortable performing repetitive tasks with high accuracy and precision.
• Be organized and efficient in the field and work well in a team both leading and taking direction. 
• Comfortable working outside in remote settings and camping in the field. 

Expectations and Core Accountabilities

• Conduct vegetation monitoring activities utilizing terrestrial Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) and wetland Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) protocols.
• Collect vegetation and soil data (i.e. species richness, canopy cover, soil texture). 
• Utilize dichotomous keys to identify plants to species. 
• Extensive 4x4 driving on unmaintained roads with 4WD trucks or UTVs.
• Perform data management, including ensuring proper and complete data collection in the field utilizing Survey123 and Field Maps. 
• Foster a positive and productive team by fostering a cooperative and supportive environment. 
• Demonstrate Conservancy’s Core Values: Make a Difference, Ensure Excellence, and Own It.

Requirements

• Ability to keep organized and capture detailed data records utilizing ESRI applications (Survey123 and FieldMaps).
• Ability to collaborate and communicate in a small team setting and work individually when necessary.
• Working knowledge of plant identification, soil identification, as well as experience with habitat monitoring, particularly Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) methods preferred but not required.
• Ability to work outside in remote locations, sometimes independently and in extreme weather conditions.  
• Navigate to field sites on rough roads with 4x4 trucks or UTVs.

Physical and Mental/Intellectual Requirements
Strength, dexterity, coordination, and vision to use tools and equipment for prolonged periods.  Strength and stamina to bend, stoop, sit, and stand for long periods of time.  Strength and dexterity hike several miles to work locations carrying heavy loads (40 lbs).  Strength and stamina to endure standing and working for long periods of time and in extreme weather conditions.  Dexterity and vision to observe oncoming hazards and react quickly to emergency situations.  Dexterity, coordination, and vision to use tablets to enter data in the field for prolonged periods of time.

In compliance with applicable disability laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with a disability who require and request such accommodations.  Applicants and incumbents are encouraged to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Working Conditions
This positions functions in an outdoor setting with varying weather conditions, including, but not limited to, extreme heat, dry conditions, rain, snow or hail, and extreme cold. Work sites but may require extensive off trail hiking on uneven terrain while carrying up to 50 pounds. Crews will generally work eight 10-hours day hitches, Wednesday-Wednesday 6am-4:30pm followed by 6 days off. Crews will be required to camp in the field for the duration of the hitch. Camping and worksites will generally be in areas with at least primitive road access for crew vehicles. Both camp and project sites will generally not have access to potable water, restroom facilities, or cellphone signals, and members will be expected to follow Leave-No-Trace principles in camp and on project.

Some group camping materials will be provided (stoves, coolers, etc.), however staff are responsible for providing their own personal camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.).