Aquatic Monitoring Field Crew Member

The American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is seeking Aquatic Monitoring Field Crew Member to contribute to New Mexico BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) of our public lands across the state. Each technician will work on a field team comprised of 2 individuals (one Crew Leader and one Crew Member) and collect data according to Assessment, Inventory & Monitoring (AIM) standardized methodologies and protocols.

AIM data are used by resource specialists and land managers across the Western United States to help inform land management decisions.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date:

Early April 2026

Estimated End Date:
Mid-October 2026

A 29-week minimum commitment is required.

Location Details/

Description:

Santa Fe, New Mexico

BLM employees in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas care for 13.5 million acres of public lands plus 42 million acres of public lands guided by the principles of multiple use and sustained yield, and a recognized need to protect and enhance the natural and human environment.

For more information about the BLM New Mexico State Office, please visit their website.

This is a field-based position with approximately 100% of the work taking place in an outdoor environment where the climate, weather, and terrain can be demanding. Field teams will be expected to work 10-hour days and will be required to camp for 8-day hitches in the field, followed by 6 days off. Travel will be provided from Santa Fe to the field sites and back.

Field work duties include:

• Measure indicators of water quality, including pH, Specific Conductance, total N and P, and Turbidity
• Sample Benthic macroinvertebrates
• Measure physical characteristics of waterways
• Using GPS to navigate to off-trail sampling sites
• Driving 4x4 vehicles in a backcountry setting
• Electronic data collection using a tablet and an ArcGIS geo-database

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

8-day camping in the field, followed by 6 days off.

Living Allowance:
The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $725.00/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the BLM and ACE and is not flexible.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement.

PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please see the ACE website for more information on PLC eligibility.

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $200.00/wk. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.

Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $850.00 to be used for eligible relocation expenses. Further details regarding the distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.

Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $200.00 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear for this position includes camping gear and working clothing gear, and must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive an orientation outlining ACE policies, procedures, and networks for support. Specific training from the BLM will include comprehensive training in Aquatic (Lotic) AIM methods.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:
The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards, including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members, or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety:
If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the BLM and ACE. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the BLM, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.

Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact…