American Conservation Experience
Riparian and Wetland Monitoring Crew Member (AIM)
American Conservation Experience, Santa Fe, New Mexico, us, 87503
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.
Position Overview 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
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
Schedule 8‑day camping in the field, followed by 6 days off.
Position Benefits
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.
Qualifications Required:
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.
Preferred:
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 to identify plants down to species.
Ability to read, interpret, and navigate using a GPS unit and topographic maps.
Ability to use electronic tablets to record and manage data.
Ability to safely operate 4x4 vehicles on rough, unpaved conditions.
Basic tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance knowledge.
Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions
Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying heavy equipment, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity is required. Ability to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under a range of field conditions.
Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move and carry up to 50 pounds.
Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
Travel: The position will require regular domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards The ACE member(s) may encounter extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties safely and in an orderly manner to avoid endangering self, fellow staff/members, or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of duties, one will be provided. Any tools required will be provided by BLM and ACE. PPE, typically provided by BLM, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.
To Apply Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Project Manager, Allison Finch, at afinch at usaconservation dot org.
Eligibility If you meet at least 70% of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
EEO Statement ACE participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
Salary: $725 per week
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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.
Position Overview 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
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
Schedule 8‑day camping in the field, followed by 6 days off.
Position Benefits
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.
Qualifications Required:
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.
Preferred:
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 to identify plants down to species.
Ability to read, interpret, and navigate using a GPS unit and topographic maps.
Ability to use electronic tablets to record and manage data.
Ability to safely operate 4x4 vehicles on rough, unpaved conditions.
Basic tool, equipment, and vehicle maintenance knowledge.
Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions
Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying heavy equipment, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. Manual dexterity is required. Ability to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under a range of field conditions.
Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move and carry up to 50 pounds.
Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
Travel: The position will require regular domestic travel.
Environmental Conditions/Hazards The ACE member(s) may encounter extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties safely and in an orderly manner to avoid endangering self, fellow staff/members, or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of duties, one will be provided. Any tools required will be provided by BLM and ACE. PPE, typically provided by BLM, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to BLM and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.
To Apply Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Project Manager, Allison Finch, at afinch at usaconservation dot org.
Eligibility If you meet at least 70% of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!
EEO Statement ACE participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
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, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.
Salary: $725 per week
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