Riparian and Wetland Monitoring Crew Lead Member; AIM

Riparian and Wetland Monitoring Crew Lead Member (AIM)

Join to apply for the Riparian and Wetland Monitoring Crew Lead Member (AIM) role at American Conservation Experience

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is seeking one (1) Riparian and Wetland Monitoring Crew Lead Member (AIM) to contribute to the 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 3 individuals (one Crew Leader, two Crew Technicians) and collect data according to standardized methodologies and protocols.

The AIM data is used by various resource specialists and land managers across the Western United States to help inform decisions regarding adaptive range management techniques, habitat protection, and other land management issues and strategies.

Start Date:

April 2026
Estimated End Date:
Late November 2026

A 34-week minimum commitment is required.

Location:

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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.

• Monitoring the safety and morale of the crew
• Delineating surface water characteristics
• Collecting vegetation data using line‑point intercept and species inventory methods
• Measuring shrub density, foliar cover, canopy gap, and vegetation heights
• 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
• Communication with ACE and BLM staff
• Quality control of all data collected

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 $800.00/week, dispersed bi‑weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
Members may be eligible for federal hiring authority upon completion of term of service and 640 hours of service. Eligibility requirements apply.

Housing Assistance: ACE Members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $200.00/week.

Relocation Assistance:
Up to $500.00 for eligible relocation expenses.

Gear Assistance:
Up to $200.00 for eligible gear purchases.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive orientation outlining ACE policies, procedures, and networks. Specific training from BLM will include comprehensive training in Riparian and Wetland AIM methods.

• 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 be both self‑directed/work alone, and to be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation provided upon request).
• Must be 21+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the 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…