Wildland Fire Ecology, Effects, and Fuels Technician

Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos, New Mexico

The Wildland Fire Ecology, Effects, and Fuels Technician positions are part of the Fire Ecology Program stationed at Bandelier National Monument in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico. The program focuses on implementation of fuel treatments, such as thinning and prescribed fire, wildfire response, and fire ecology monitoring, data collection, and research. Both short- and long-term data are collected on permanent vegetation and fuel plots. The data are used to provide information about the composition and structure of vegetation and surface fuels prior to and after fuel treatments, with an emphasis on threatened and endangered species habitat. The data are also used to evaluate if objectives are met, measure the effectiveness of thinning and fire prescriptions, document wildfire effects, and determine if further research is needed. In addition, monitoring data can reveal significant trends to guide fire management planning and decision making.

Position Description

We are seeking motivated and hard-working individuals interested in wildland fire, fire ecology, GIS, botany, forest ecology, forestry, and public outreach. Technicians will be part of a field crew, responsible for collecting data on vegetation and fuel plots located at Bandelier National Monument, El Malpais National Monument, El Morro National Monument, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, and Valles Caldera National Preserve. The vegetation communities range from lower elevation piñon and juniper woodlands to mid elevation ponderosa pine forests, and upper elevation mixed conifer and spruce forests. Primary duties include collecting ecological data on vegetation and fuel plots, plant identification using taxonomic keys and field guides, participating in fuel treatment implementation, responding to wildfires, and data management and entry. Other opportunities may include data analysis and graphing, threatened and endangered species projects, and participating in public outreach events. Technicians may complete an individual project. Past projects include using GIS to produce plot location maps and creating data reports, newsletters, and posters to represent and communicate data collected during the field season.

Location

Technicians will be provided housing in Bandelier National Monument, New Mexico, or in the nearby town of Los Alamos. A personal vehicle is highly recommended. Bandelier is located 1 hour from Santa Fe and 1.5 hours from Albuquerque in northern New Mexico. This 34,000-acre park, situated on the slopes of the Jemez Mountains, spans an elevational gradient from 5,500 ft. to 10,200 ft. and contains extensive ancestral Native American sites, rugged canyon country, and a diverse assemblage of plant and animal life. Fieldwork will be conducted in Bandelier, El Malpais, El Morro, Salinas Pueblo, and Valles Caldera. Approximately two weeks of overnight trips to different parks is required. Recreational opportunities include backpacking, climbing, biking, kayaking, hiking, and skiing.

Duration

We are seeking up to two 12-week (3-month) positions and up to two 26-week (6.5-month) positions. The duration for the 12-week positions is June 15 to August 28, 2026; and the duration for the 26-week positions is June 15 to December 11, 2026.

Duties May Include

• Participating in safety briefings detailing local potential safety issues and hazards (e.g., lightning, rattlesnakes, dehydration)
• Working collaboratively on a field crew to install vegetation and fuel plots and collect ecological field data
• Using ArcGIS Field Maps and Avenza for location and navigation
• Learning local plants, using plant identification guides, and contributing to fire ecology program plant guides
• Driving on dirt roads and hiking to field sites in uneven terrain in sometimes inclement weather
• Managing, entering, checking, and analyzing field data
• Using ArcGIS Pro for GIS projects (e.g., creating plot location maps)
• Communicating data analysis results with park staff
• Traveling to work sites: El Malpais, El Morro, Salinas Pueblo, and Valles Caldera
• Working on forest thinning projects (e.g., building slash and wood piles)
• Implementing prescribed fires and collecting data related to fire spread rate, flame length, flame height, smoke, and other fire behavior elements
• Responding to wildfires
• Monitoring weather and collecting weather data (e.g., temperature) for prescribed fires and/or wildfires
• Contributing to the development of fire ecology materials and participating in public outreach events
• Working with Resource Management programs in parks to complete natural resources projects (e.g., wetland and forest surveys, Jemez Mountains salamander surveys, beaver re-introductions)

Desired Qualifications

• BS/BA and/or interest in fire ecology, GIS, wildland fire, botany, forest or fire sciences, forestry, ecology, biology, wildlife, climate-related fields, or other related field of study
• Related coursework: fire ecology, GIS, wildland fire, ecology, forestry, botany, statistics, biology, soils, natural history, wildlife, climate, or similar
• Ability to use or quickly learn ArcGIS Pro for mapping and spatial analysis
• Ability to use or quickly learn to use taxonomic (dichotomous) keys for plant identification
• Ability to quickly learn to identify plants (grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees) specific to the Southwest region of the United States
• Ability to work in an office setting to manage, enter, error check, and analyze ecological field data
• Ability to hike long distances in rugged terrain, carrying heavy loads, in sometimes inclement weather
• Willingness to camp in rural or backcountry settings
• Must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid driver’s license

Benefits

• Weekly stipend of $575
• Free housing (and utilities) in Bandelier National Monument (no Wi-Fi in housing) or Los Alamos
• AmeriCorps education award upon completion of service hours, $1,956.35 for 12-week positions and $3,697.50.00 for 26-week positions
• Exposure to a variety of fire ecology, forestry, and vegetation sampling techniques, helping to obtain future employment in environmental fieldwork
• Opportunity to analyze, report, and present ecological field data
• Exposure to a diversity of vegetation communities in New Mexico
• Opportunity to learn plants of the Southwest and how to use a dichotomous key
• Opportunity to learn about the National Park Service Fire Management and Fire Ecology Programs and how these programs contribute to the restoration of natural areas
• Opportunity to learn about prescribed fire, wildfire, and the fire ecology of Southwestern ecosystems
• Learn to work cooperatively on a field crew and create both personal and professional relationships
• Multiple training opportunities (e.g., First Aid/CPR, wildland firefighter qualifications)
• Opportunity to live, work, and explore National Parks and mountain towns with access to outdoor adventures and spectacular views in the Southwest