Habitat Monitoring Crew Member

Habitat Monitoring Crew Member

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is seeking two Habitat Monitoring Crew Members (AIM) to contribute to the New Mexico BLM Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) of public lands across the state.

Start Date: Early April 2026
Estimated End Date: October 2026
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 field-based position is 100% outdoor. Field teams will work 10‑hour days, camp for 8‑day hitches followed by 6 days off. Travel to the field sites is provided.

• Successfully identify all plants to species in sampling areas
• Collect vegetation data using line‑point intercept and species inventory methods
• Measure shrub density, foliar cover, canopy gap, and vegetation heights
• Identify and describe soil horizons
• Use GPS to navigate to off‑trail sampling sites
• Drive 4x4 vehicles in a backcountry setting
• Use electronic data collection with a tablet and an ArcGIS geo‑database

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

Living Allowance: $725 per week (disbursed bi‑weekly). Housing assistance up to $250 per week for approved expenses. Relocation assistance up to $500. Gear assistance up to $200 for approved gear. Training:
Orientation, ACE policies, and BLM Aquatic (Lotic) AIM methods.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:
Members may be eligible for federal hiring authority after completing the term and 640 service hours. Eligibility may combine terms and includes age and citizenship requirements.

• Authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship)
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic representation of ACE and partner organization
• Self‑directed or effective group member
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record
• 21+ years of age to drive due to insurance requirements
• Pass required criminal history checks
• Perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation
• Complete required administrative tasks (timesheets, evaluations)
• Hike up to 3 miles and lift up to 50 lbs daily
• Familiar with Leave No Trace, field safety, outdoor work
• Flexible and willing to work irregular schedule with travel
• Work alone or in a small group with minimal supervision

• Degree in natural or physical sciences or related field
• Experience with plant surveys using monitoring protocols
• Field identification of plants or soils using dichotomous keys; knowledge of Southwest US flora helpful
• Read, interpret, and navigate GPS unit and topographic maps
• Use electronic tablets for data recording and management
• Safely operate 4x4 vehicles on rough, unpaved roads
• Basic tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance knowledge

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying heavy equipment, using hands, reaching, talking, hearing
• Manual dexterity required for tools; stoop, kneel, climb stairs, crouch
• Carry up to 50 pounds
• Outdoor and indoor conditions, variable climate and weather
• Regular domestic travel
• Potential hazards: extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, wetland conditions, biting insects, wildlife

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to ACE’s online application page. Early consideration will be given as applications are received, and the position may close at any time. Contact Project Manager Allison Finch at  with any questions.

Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job‑related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, and general treatment. The organization will not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. ACE participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I‑9 information when hired to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Employment follows applicable local, state, and federal law.

Salary: $725 per week