Aquatic Nuisance Species Technician

Program Overview: River Science is the lead organization for River Corps and is a 501c(3) nonprofit located in Canon City, CO. The River Corps program places AmeriCorps Members at organizations and agencies throughout Colorado to focus on helping the efficiency, efficacy, and scale or healthy rivers and watersheds. To thrive in these technical positions, Members will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support in low-tech process-based river restoration (LTPBR), water quality sampling, in-stream flow (ISF), on-the-ground project monitoring, and essential watershed coordination techniques to ensure they are adding valuable capacity to watershed actions and initiatives across Colorado.

Service Site Overview: Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) mission is to perpetuate the wildlife resources of the state, to provide a quality state parks system, and to provide enjoyable and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that educate and inspire current and future generations to serve as active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources.

The mission of CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Program is to protect wildlife, recreation, natural resources, infrastructure and the economy by preventing the introduction of Zebra & Quagga Mussels, and other Invasive Species, by containing current infestations and stopping the spread into new waters.

Service position Summary: The three Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Technicians will be trained in various species surveys and identification as well as public outreach and education to help expand the ANS program capacity. The duties of this technician will be to assist the ANS team with:

• ANS Surveys & Species Identification
• GIS Data Collection & Database Management
• Public Outreach and Education

Positions are anticipated to be approximately 50% ANS Monitoring and 50% Education / Outreach with a Thursday – Monday schedule on a weekly basis.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

• Conduct ANS surveys using standardized scientific protocols.
• Detailed record keeping and data collection.
• Public education and outreach to non-motorized water recreation groups.
• Surveys of recreators regarding knowledge of invasive species and gear cleaning habits.

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):      

• Native aquatic species inventories.
• Watercraft Inspection & Decontamination.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Outgoing and able to engage with recreationists and other members of the public on a routine basis.
• Ability to work independently in the field conducting surveys in possibly inclement weather.
• Willingness to adapt to changing protocols and assist with any rapid response efforts if needed.

 Qualifications:

• Current driver’s license, your own reliable vehicle, and proof of auto insurance is required.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work most weekends for the purpose of public education.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.

Term of Service / Time Commitment: This is a Three Quarter Time (TQT) national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 1200 hours during the year (approximately 37-40 hours per week). The position begins February 16, 2026 and ends September 30, 2026. While the position service will occur mostly between Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, flexible hours may be required including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Within these hours, there will be sufficient opportunity to fulfill the full term of 1200 hours, including holidays, time off, and missed hours to makeup.

Training and Support Provided: River Corps members receive significant training and experience in technical skillsets (e.g. water quality data collection, assessment with GIS) and community engagement (e.g. watershed coordination, stakeholder communication). Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by the following CPW staff:

Site 1 – Kremmling, CO

Supervisor – Conor O’Connell, Invasive Species Specialist

Conor.OConnell@state.co.us 

Site 2 – Glenwood, CO

Supervisor – Madeline (Maddie) Baker, Invasive Species Specialist

Madeline.Baker@state.co.us 

Site 3 – Denver, CO

Supervisor – Jennifer Murray / Morgan Hoffmann, Invasive Species Specialists

Jennifer.Murray@state.co.us , Morgan.Hoffmann@state.co.us 

Members will also be supervised by Allison Palmasano who is the River Corps Program Director ( allison@river.science / 719.429.3707). The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other. 

Location and Service Conditions: These positions are based at:

Site 1 – Kremmling, Colorado and will serve the Colorado River from Granby to Dotsero

Site 2 – Glenwood Springs, Colorado and will serve the Colorado River from Dotsero to Rifle

Site 3 – Denver, Colorado and will serve the Platte River in CPW’s Northeast Region

Benefits:

• A living allowance of $17,500 will be made every other week (on Fridays) payments of $1060.61. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.
• An education award of $5,176.50 upon successful completion of term of service
• Training certificates in Water Quality & Ecology, and Hydrology Technician 1
• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
• Mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service
• Non-tangible benefits including valuable hands-on experiences, networking, opportunity to help river and watershed health in a local community.
• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

River jobshiringnearme.org Corps (RCC) recognizes the value of diversity and inclusiveness to advance environmental education. RCC defines diversity in its broadest sense and welcomes everyone including but not limited to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, national origins, socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, languages, and heritages.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife shall not discriminate against any employee, volunteer or program participant on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital, parental, veteran or military status, political service, or membership, participation or association with any employee organization. We provide equal employment and volunteer opportunities to all individuals based on relevant qualifications and abilities.