Aquatics Resources / Watershed Management Specialist

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: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO) is responsible for managing approximately 620,000 acres of federal surface and over one million acres of federal mineral estate in Colorado.  The field office is bounded by the continental divide and the top of the Sangre DE Christo mountain range to the west, and borders Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico to the north, east and south.  Ecological settings vary from shortgrass prairie to alpine forest, and many different settings in between.  BLM policy is to manage land for multiple use and sustained yield.  The RGFO is a busy office with many active programs, including aquatics (fisheries, riparian, wetlands, hydrology), wildlife and T&E, archeology, fire and fuels, oil and gas, mining, cadastral survey, recreation, forestry, recreation and rangeland management (permitted grazing).

Service position Summary: This position is under the aquatics program, primarily performing duties related to riparian/wetlands, fisheries and hydrology, although duties related to other programs such as weeds, wildlife and range may be performed. These programs work closely with the aquatics program, as these uses and projects related to these programs (and others) overlap with and impact aquatic resources.  This is primarily a field position with a wide variety of duties in a wide range of settings, often performed solo, however some of the work will be performed as part of a team.

Essential Functions (Primary Responsibilities):

• Perform and document monitoring of riparian and wetland vegetation, including livestock utilization.
• Assist with aquatic wildlife surveys (fish and amphibians).
• Perform water resources monitoring and data collection, sometimes using electronic loggers.
• Monitor livestock use in riparian areas.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team to assist with proper functioning condition assessments of riparian and wetland areas.
• Assist with the implementation, monitoring and maintenance of riparian and wetland improvement projects (including processed based restoration), vegetation treatments (including herbicide Application), livestock fencing, travel management infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, etc.

Marginal Functions (Secondary Responsibilities):

• Survey and monitor for invasive species.
• Assist other programs within the RGFO.  Opportunities exist to cross train with other programs.
• Assist other agencies (CPW, USFS) and other partners with aquatics related work.
• Data processing and reporting.

Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:

• Ability to routinely lift and carry over 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work in remote, backcountry settings, with hazards such as insects, wildlife, deep and moving water.
• Ability to work long hours.
• Ability to hike moderately long distances.

 Qualifications:

Knowledge:

• Basic computer / tablet / mobile device proficiency.  Ability to learn apps for monitoring, data collection and documentation.
• Basic knowledge of HOBO Ware and GIS software is a plus.
• Navigation skills using mobile devices / GPS instruments / maps.
• Basic knowledge and/or interest in the natural resource management.

Skills:

• General construction / maintenance skills, and general knowledge of common tools.
• Valid drivers license and ability to drive long distances.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, as well as work with others.
• General backcountry skills.

Abilities:

• Willingness to learn a variety of new skills and learn about a variety of land management issues, primarily through on the job training.
• Ability to perform tasks without close supervision.
• Candidate must be self motivated.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Candidate must be at least 18 years of age.

AmeriCorps Required Qualifications:

• At least 17 years old at start of service [may adjust to 18 years old per program design]
• Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during the term of service. Members must obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award.
• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202

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 Aaron Richter, Fisheries Biologist, arichter@blm.gov

, 719-429-5802, as well as by Allison Palmasano, 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: This position is based at BLM Royal Gorge Field Office, 3028 E Main St, Canon City, CO 81212 and will involve work in the field throughout the field office area.

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.

Bureau of Land Management 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