Individual Placement- Habitat Management Technician at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge Student Conservation Association, Inc - 4.4 Yuma, AZ Job Details Full-time $980 a week 1 day ago Benefits Paid housing Qualifications Surface water Weed control Plant identification Equipment repair Invasive species management Restoration Pump operation Personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence Company vehicle operation Driver's License GPS surveying Vegetation management Invasive plant management Water systems Wildlife habitats Irrigation system repair projects GPS devices Water pump maintenance Safety equipment Productivity software Wildlife habitat management Field data collection Riparian ecology Native plants Mechanical systems repair Full Job Description Position Summary The Habitat Management Technician Position will assist the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge with the management of the Martinez Lake Management/ Imperial Ponds Conservation Area. The program is funded through an Interagency Agreement with the USFWS and Bureau of Reclamation, Multi Species Conservation Program (MSCP). The technician would be responsible for water delivery and management (30%), infrastructure operation and maintenance (30%), vegetation management and invasive species control (30%), and monitoring and technical data collection (10%). The refuge will provide training (Tier 1) for the technician to safely operate tractors, excavators and UTVs. Housing is provided on refuge at the bunkhouse at no cost to the technician. Hosting Organization Imperial National Wildlife Refuge Location Yuma, AZ This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available. This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available. Schedule September 28, 2026 - March 26, 2027 Note that this position's duration is 52 weeks (with an end date of September 24, 2027), split into 26 week positions. The technician would be eligible for rehire into the second position, pending successful completion of the first position. Key Duties and Responsibilities Water Delivery and Habitat Water Management (30%) Independently operate pumps, irrigation canals, jack gates, slide gates, and other water control structures supporting

LCR MSCP

conservation areas. Deliver irrigation water to backwater ponds, marsh habitat, and riparian habitat following approved irrigation schedules. Monitor water elevations, flows, and habitat conditions and make operational adjustments to meet habitat objectives. Troubleshoot irrigation system malfunctions and recommend repairs or operational improvements. Maintain detailed records of water deliveries, infrastructure operations, and equipment performance. Coordinate daily water management activities with refuge staff and Bureau of Reclamation personnel. Vegetation and Invasive Species Management (30%) Implement habitat restoration projects, including native vegetation establishment, irrigation, maintenance, and site improvements. Conduct invasive plant management using mechanical, chemical, and manual treatment methods in accordance with approved management plans. Assist in developing annual treatment priorities based on field observations and monitoring results. Maintain vegetation clearance along roads, canals, rights-of-way, and boat ramps. Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance (30%) Operate tractors, excavators, skid steers, UTVs, boats, trailers, mowers, pumps, and other specialized equipment. Inspect irrigation canals, pumps, pipelines, culverts, roads, boat ramps, and water control structures. Perform preventative maintenance and repairs. Identify deficiencies exceeding maintenance standards and recommend corrective actions. Maintain equipment service records and coordinate scheduled maintenance. Marginal Duties Monitoring and Technical Data Collection (10%) Conduct routine monitoring of water levels, habitat conditions, vegetation response, and infrastructure. Assist with annual marsh bird surveys and other biological monitoring projects. Collect GPS data and maintain field records using electronic data collection systems. Prepare technical summaries, inspection reports, and monitoring documentation. Identify changing habitat conditions and communicate recommendations to supervisors. Required Qualifications Knowledge Required The incumbent must possess knowledge of or willingness to learn: Wetland, riparian, marsh, and desert habitat management principles. Irrigation systems, pumps, canals, water control structures, and water management techniques. Habitat restoration and native plant establishment. Invasive plant identification and integrated vegetation management practices. Equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and minor mechanical repair. Biological monitoring techniques and field data collection methods. GPS equipment, electronic data collection systems, and Microsoft Office applications. Minimum Qualifications One year of specialized experience in habitat management, irrigation system operation, water management, natural resource maintenance, agriculture, or closely related technical work. OR Bachelor's degree in Biology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Range Management, Ecology, Agriculture, Hydrology, or a closely related field, supplemented by specialized field experience. Valid driver's license Preferred Qualifications Experience operating and maintaining irrigation systems and pumps or willingness to learn Experience with wetland or riparian habitat restoration. Experience operating heavy equipment including tractors, excavators, and UTVs. Herbicide Applicator Certification or ability to obtain certification. General Physical Requirements Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies. Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program. Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.

Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others. Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time. Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others. Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions. Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time. If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection. Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks. Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others. Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet. If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device. Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion. Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat's safety procedures and safety equipment. Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet. If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device. Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion. Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat's safety procedures and safety equipment. Working Conditions Work schedules and project assignments may change on short notice and can occasionally be ambiguous. The position requires the ability to work collaboratively and interact professionally with people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. Work is conducted in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land, wildlife, and local communities. Fieldwork may occur in inclement or severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, fog, reduced visibility, lightning, and poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke or smog. This position may also require working in extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 110°F or higher in some locations. Fieldwork may involve exposure to natural hazards, including poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes, stinging insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife. Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Housing is provided on refuge at the Bunkhouse Compensation $980/week Living Allowance $650 Travel Allowance $1500 Duty Travel Reimbursement Housing Provided All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Personal Vehicle Information Recommended Driving Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position. To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must: Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.

Additional Benefits Off-Road Vehicle Safety Defensive Driving Training AmeriCorps:

Not Eligible Equal Opportunity Statement The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.