Riparian and Wetland Monitoring Crew Member; AIM

Riparian and Wetland Monitoring Crew Member (AIM)

Join to apply for the Riparian and Wetland Monitoring Crew Member (AIM) role at American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Start Date:

Early April 2026

Estimated End Date:
October 2026

A 30‑week minimum commitment is required*.

Location:

Santa Fe, New Mexico

BLM employees in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas care for 13.5 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.

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.

• Delineating surface water characteristics
• Collecting vegetation data using line‑point intercept and species inventory methods
• Identifying and describing soil horizons
• 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

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 $700.00/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. The program may combine hours from multiple terms to meet the 640‑hour requirement and includes specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship.
• Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $200.00/week. Reimbursement is limited to approved and demonstrated housing expenses.
• Relocation Assistance: ACE members will have access to up to $500.00 to be used for eligible relocation expenses.
• Gear Assistance: ACE members will have up to $200.00 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear 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. BLM will provide comprehensive training in Aquatic (Lotic) AIM methods.

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to work independently and as a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation provided upon request).
• Members must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi‑weekly timesheets, beginning‑of‑term feedback forms, end‑of‑term evaluations, and, for longer terms, a mid‑term evaluation.
• Ability and willingness to hike up to 3 miles and lift up to 50 lbs each day.
• Familiarity with Leave No Trace principles, attention to field safety, and an overall intuitive nature for working in an outdoor setting.
• Willingness and flexibility to work an irregular schedule with multiple days of travel.
• Ability to work alone or in a small group with minimal supervision.

• A degree in natural or physical sciences or a related field.
• Experience conducting plant surveys using various monitoring protocols.
• Understanding basic hydrology and surface water characteristics.
• Ability…