OVERVIEW
The University of Montana’s Ecological Mapping, Monitoring, and Analysis Group (EMMA) is a regional studies and public education program of the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. In 2021, we will again partner with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Aquatic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy, which is targeted at collecting standardized data from streams across BLM Districts in the western U.S. Work will focus on wadeable streams and rivers in the Twin Falls District in southwestern Idaho. Aquatic data collection will follow the AIM National Aquatic Monitoring Framework, specifically: 1) site evaluation, 2) water quality, 3) physical habitat and canopy cover, 4) macroinvertebrates, 5) photos, and 6) human influences. Field crews will consist of a crew lead, technician, and riparian botanist. Crews will be supported by Aquatic Field Specialists and other professional EMMA staff.
All positions are field-based and require primitive camping. Crews typically work eight consecutive 10- hour days, followed by a 6-day break. EMMA will supply all necessary equipment, including vehicles, to carry out the work. We provide some group camping gear (stoves, coolers) but employees are responsible for their personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags).
Work will begin June 6th and continue through mid to late September, with the exact end date being flexible to accommodate sampling requirements and applicants with academic commitments.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Hydrology, Water Resources or related subject;
- A minimum of one full year or two full seasons of fish, macroinvertebrate, hydrology or water quality field data collection. A completed M.S. degree with field work can satisfy this requirement;
- Experience characterizing aquatic habitats in the field using standardized protocols, including macroinvertebrate collection and water quality sampling; establishing transects and thalweg profiles, determinations of bankfull width, stream classification (Rosgen or other), habitat complexity, and riparian vegetation;
- Experience supervising technicians, volunteers or undergraduate students. Leadership in a volunteer or community organization, or in the military, can satisfy this requirement;
- Experience managing gear and equipment for a crew, lab class, team, or other organizational unit.
- Experience with data entry and management;
- Experience navigating and collecting coordinates with hand-held GPS units;
- Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access);
- Valid driver’s license and xperience driving and maintaining 4WD trucks and other vehicles, especially in off-road situations
- Demonstrated ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and to work independently as required;
- Experience in and willingness to spend multiple days camping in the field where multiple hazards (snakes, bears, deadfall, lightning, poison ivy, fires, etc.) may be encountered;
- Willingness to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather, and carry 40-50 pounds in a backpack over uneven terrain
COMPENSATION
Aquatic Monitoring Crew Leads will make $18 an hour, plus a tax-free $30 per diem for each field day. While the University of Montana does not provide health insurance to seasonal employees, we do offer Worker’s Compensation coverage and other benefits. Crew members will be responsible for arranging their own housing.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, CV, and three professional references to Heidi Anderson (heidi.anderson@mso.umt.edu).