Position Title:

Bureau of Land Management Aquatics & Watershed Technician

• AmeriCorps Conservation Legacy Program:

  Southwest Conservation Corps

• Los Valles, Salida CO Site Location:

  Royal Gorge Field Office
• 3028 E.

Main St. Cañon City, CO 81212

Terms of Service:

Start Date:

10/19/26

End Date:

1/22/26

AmeriCorps Slot Classification :

450 Hours Position dependent on grant funding

Purpose:

This AmeriCorps program partners with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO) in Canon City Colorado. This AmeriCorps position is under direct mentorship and technical guidance of the BLM with additional management, support, and administration from Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC). The BLM's mission is to sustain the health and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The RGFO has the responsibility of managing approximately 620,000 acres of federal surface and over one million acres of federal mineral estate in Colorado. This field office is bounded by the continental divide and the top of the Sange DE Christo mountain range to the west, and borders Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Newmexico. The ecological settings vary from shortgrass prairie to alpine forests and a myriad of different settings in between. The BLMs policy is to manage land for multiple use and sustained yield. The RGFO is quite a busy field office with many active programs including aquatics (fisheries, riparian, wetlands, hydrology), wildlife and T&E archeology, fires and fuels, oil and gas, mining, cadastral survey, recreation, forestry, recreation and rangeland management (permitted grazing). This AmeriCorps position will primarily assist the BLM Aquatics Program, which includes fisheries, riparian and water management. This program is important because it is responsible for the protection of water quality, water rights, aquatic wildlife habitat and populations and riparian vegetation health. The Individual Placements (IP) service across all aspects of watershed management is essential to protect vital aquatic resources. Through everyday activities that the IP will perform will allow for improved monitoring and management of aquatic resources via better monitoring and maintenance of existing infrastructure. The local communities, public, and future generations benefit from improved water quality, aquatic habitats, access to sport fishing and hunting opportunities as well as wildlife populations.

Description of Duties:

Perform and document monitoring of riparian and wetland vegetation, including livestock utilization Assist with aquatic wildlife surveys (fish and amphibians). Perform water resources monitoring and data collection, sometimes using electronic loggers. Monitor livestock use in riparian areas. Work with an interdisciplinary team to assist with proper functioning condition assessments of riparian and wetland areas. Assist with the implementation, monitoring and maintenance of riparian and wetland improvement projects (including processed based restoration), vegetation treatments (including herbicide application), livestock fencing, travel management infrastructure, ditch infrastructure, etc. Survey and monitor for invasive species. Data processing and reporting. Opportunities exist to cross train with other programs and agencies

Potential Environmental/Human Risks:

Hiking and driving in rough terrain, serving in remote areas, sometimes alone, wildlife and weather hazards, hazards associated with light construction and maintenance of infrastructure

Qualifications:

United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check. Valid U.S. Driver's License Per grand funding requirements, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to routinely lift and carry over 50 pounds. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions. Ability to work in remote, backcountry settings, with hazards such as insects, wildlife, deep and moving water. Ability to work long hours. Ability to hike moderately long distances. Degree or experience in natural resource management related field, or equivalent work experience. Basic computer / tablet / mobile device proficiency. Ability to learn apps for monitoring, data collection and documentation. Basic knowledge of HOBO Ware and GIS software is a plus. Navigation skills using mobile devices / GPS instruments / maps. Basic knowledge and/or interest in the natural resource management General construction / maintenance skills, and general knowledge of common tools. Ability to work independently with little supervision, as well as work with others. General backcountry skills Willingness to learn a variety of new skills and learn about a variety of land management issues, primarily through on the job training. Ability to perform tasks without close supervision. Candidate must be self motivated. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Our Commitment:

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

Typically, this position is expected to serve [blank-day] to [blank-day], but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:

Member will receive an in-depth orientation provided by Southwest Conservation Corps that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities. Partner will provide appropriate orientation and training(s) for field activities

Benefits:

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,956.35 Living Allowance of $600 per week paid on a bi-weekly basis Additional Benefit of $325 per week paid on a bi-weekly basis Loan forbearance if Eligible Interest Payments if Eligible One SCC field shirt and sweatshirt

Evaluation and Reporting:

As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service. Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

Individual Placement Program Manager:

Niki Antonio Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.