Utah and Nevada BLM Riparian and Wetland AIM Monitoring Crew Lead and Technicians

Title:                             Utah and Nevada BLM Riparian & Wetland AIM Monitoring Crew Lead and Technicians 

position Type:               Full-time, temporary

Number Of Positions:    9 in total, 3 Crew Leads and 6 Technicians

Work Locations:             Based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Travel throughout Utah and Nevada.

Pay Rate:                        Crew leads: $22-24/hr. Technicians: $20-21/hr. Depending on experience.  $60.00/day per diem & gear reimbursement when traveling beyond base location.

Total travel reimbursement = $395-455 per hitch (tax exempt). *Travel per diem adds approximately $5/hr. to the hourly pay rate Health insurance (monthly Premiums paid by CSU), retirement, paid federal holidays, and sick leave provided.  

Duration:                        April –August/September, 2026. Crew Leads starts March 30. Dates are approximate.

In partnership with the Utah Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) is seeking experienced field technicians to collect wetland monitoring data through BLM’s Riparian & Wetland Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) Program. Successful applicants will be trained in the methods by Wetland Ecologists from CNHP and BLM’s National Operations Center and will spend the summer applying the protocol in wetlands and riparian areas on BLM lands throughout Utah and Nevada. Quantitative vegetation data will be collected using the line-point-intercept (LPI) method. Additional data collection will include soils, hydrology, water quality, and surrounding land use. All technicians must be available for the weeklong training in April, 2026.

Three 3-person field teams will be hired (3 Crew Leads and 6 Technicians). The typical hitch schedule during the field season is 8 days on with 6 days off. Crews will camp on BLM land and typically work 10-hour days. All teams will travel extensively across Utah or Nevada, collecting data in a wide variety of settings. Field Protocol can be found here: DRAFT Field Protocol for Lentic Riparian and Wetland Systems.

Crew Lead positions may start up to 3 weeks in advance of the field season (estimated start date is March 30) to plan field season logistics. The Crew Lead will be responsible for supporting and managing crew safety and wellbeing, coordinating field logistics and scheduling, managing the crew’s equipment, and completing administrative paperwork. Before, during, and after field data collection, the Crew Lead will be responsible for the organization and quality control of all data collected using iPad tablets and occasional paper forms.    

CNHP is interested in finding the best candidates for these positions. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t think you meet every one of our preferred qualifications – use your Application to let us know what excites you about this role and what transferable skills or other qualities you would bring.

Qualifications for All Positions

• Coursework in botany, ecology, natural resources, range management, or related field preferred for all positions. A completed B.S. degree is preferred for all positions and required for Lead Technicians.
• Field experience collecting scientific data, specifically vegetation sampling, soil profile descriptions, water quality sampling, and/or other environmental data preferred for all positions. Knowledge of wetland ecology and experience working in wetlands and/or riparian areas is a plus.
• Previous experience working on a BLM Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) crew, either Terrestrial or Aquatic AIM, preferred.
• Experience using dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, familiarity with the major plant families, and knowledge of western flora and/or wetland species preferred.
• Experience interpreting aerial photography (Google Earth), navigating with a topographic map, and use of GPS preferred for all positions and required for Lead Technicians. Experience with ArcGIS preferred for Lead Technicians.
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and unusual schedules, travel extensively during the field season, share living quarters, car camp, and potentially backpack and hike long distances (up to 10 miles / day) while carrying a heavy pack (up to 40 lbs) required for all positions.
• Willingness and ability to work with a positive attitude in field conditions that include exposure to inclement weather, rugged terrain, hot or cold weather (30–110° F), mosquitos, and poisonous plants, all while maintaining a strong commitment to team safety required for all positions.
• Careful attention to detail and strong written and organizational skills to complete lengthy field forms required for all positions. Experience collecting data electronically using tablets or other devices preferred for all positions.
• Strong oral communication skills for professional interactions with BLM staff and private landowners required for all positions.
• A valid driver’s license required for all positions. Experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough roads preferred.
• Wilderness First Aid or other field safety training preferred for all positions.