Aquatic Field Ecologist
Golden, CO
Consulting Services – Engineering and Science /
Seasonal /
On-site
ERG is a research and consulting firm that provides a wide range of support to federal, state, and commercial clients. ERG offers multidisciplinary teams with nationally recognized skills in engineering, science, economics, public health, informational technology, and communications. We hire people with the best minds and then provide them with a vibrant and flexible environment in which to develop their careers. The qualified individual must be highly motivated with the skills to prioritize, perform, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
ERG seeks candidates to support the United States Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Lotic Assessment, Inventory, & Monitoring (AIM) efforts during the spring and summer of 2024. More information on the BLM’s AIM strategy can be found on the AIM website: https://www.blm.gov/aim. This position will be based out of Golden, Colorado, and include travel across Colorado and Arizona. Crews consist of two to three individuals: Usually one crew technician (Field Ecologist) and one crew lead, sometimes accompanied by a botanist. Together, they will assess the health of rivers and streams located on BLM lands across Arizona and Colorado using AIM methodology.
ERG is currently soliciting one crew technician to join our team as an Aquatic Field Ecologist.
The anticipated start date is currently April 1, 2024. ERG anticipates most crews finishing up work by mid to end of August with the potential of staying on through the end of September (dependent on assigned work location, performance, and need). There may be other opportunities within ERG to continue onto other projects based on work performance and skill. The crew will be based out of our Golden, Colorado location. Out-of-state travel to Arizona via driving and flying is required.
During periods of fieldwork, camping will be required, typically on a rotating 8-9 days on 6 days off schedule throughout the summer. However, depending on plot completion and goals, you must be willing to stay in the field for up to 10 days at a time.
Job Description:
- Following established ecological monitoring field protocols to collect standardized and reproducible data
- Classification of abiotic and biotic characteristics of streams including stream morphology classification, hydrologic characterization, aquatic invertebrate sampling, and vegetation and human influence characterization
- Collection of water samples, benthic macroinvertebrate samples, and collecting data via the Survey123 application utilizing iPads.
- Sample tracking and chain of custody documentation
- Participate in pre- and post-hitch activities, including hitch planning and logistics, plot tracking, data submission, data QA/QC, cleaning and maintenance of trucks and gear, and reporting
- Drive and navigate to remote sites in a 4WD vehicle, often on unpaved and unimproved roads for extended periods of time (2-3 hours)
- Camp for up to eight days at a time (a ‘Hitch’), often on remote BLM land, with little to no amenities (i.e., not a designated campsite) Backcountry camping/backpacking is not required; crews will car camp next to the work vehicle. One hotel night may be offered per hitch for crews to refresh and submit data
- Hike on rough, uneven terrain (up to 6 miles day) in variable weather conditions, carrying sampling gear weighing up to 40 lbs
- Backcountry navigation and GPS operation
- Wading through standing and swift flowing waters to access and sample sites
Qualifications and Skills:
- B.S. or working toward a degree in a natural sciences field
- A flexible summer schedule is required, as crews will need to schedule trips adaptively due to weather conditions and staff availability over the course of the entire spring and summer
- One full year of field experience, ideally working in streams or other aquatic systems with familiarity of aquatic systems in the West, including how to “read” water and make ecological observations
- Other field experience, including the ability to work in and respond to adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time including extreme heat, monsoonal rains, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions)
- Experience and willingness to spend multiple days (up to 10 days at a time) car-camping in remote areas; familiarity or willingness to learn and adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles
- Excellent communication skills, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Positive attitude and attention to detail
- Valid US driver's license and insurable driving record
- Ability to pass background checks (federal, state, education, criminal and driving record)
- Experience collecting field samples for laboratory testing and adhering to chain of custody guidelines
- Willingness to spend several hours per day and/or per week riding in, navigating, and driving a 4WD vehicle on paved and unpaved roads, often in remote areas on unimproved roads and driving for extended periods of time (2-3 hours at a time)
- Physically capable of standing and walking (some sites may require several miles of hiking to access on rough, uneven terrain), bending and crouching for long periods of time, and lifting/carrying items that weigh up to 40 pounds, in variable weather conditions, including heat upwards of 100-degrees (F), and wading through flowing waters
- Passionate about learning the world of plants, hydrology, and riparian ecology
Ideal Candidates will have the following:
- College Graduate (Bachelor’s, at minimum) with a degree in ecology, environmental science, botany, geology, hydrology, agriculture, range, plant ecology, natural resource management, or a related field
- Current or ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, and Defensive Driver Training certificates
- Familiarity with Arizona flora
- Experience or education conducting stream or river surveys
- UTV and trailer towing experience
- Please highlight if you have this experience
$20 - $20 an hour
Compensation & Benefits:
· $20/ hour with opportunity for overtime for technicians (overtime is paid at time and a half)
· $30 Camping per diem per every night camped while in the field
· $15 Meals and Incidental (M&IE) per diem while in the field
· Medical insurance offered and accrued sick leave (amount dependent on length of employment)
This position is eligible for health insurance, overtime, accrued sick leave and 401k participation after four months of employment.
ERG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC and affirmative action regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. As such, successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse and inclusive teams.
Please be aware, the only authentic corporate domain for ERG is https://www.erg.com. ERG may, on occasion, screen applicants via telephone or video interviews via Skype, Teams, GoToMeeting, or another type of video platform. However, any candidate extended a job offer might be asked to meet in person with an ERG employee before providing confidential personal information associated with new employment.
If you’re a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ERG’s online application process as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, please contact Human Resources via email at Resumes-Lex@erg.com or call (781) 674-7293.
As ERG is a friendly, flexible, inclusive environment and has clients who are committed to making the world a better place, ERGers are incredibly dedicated. We promote and recognize principles of fairness, equity, and social justice in the work we do, the partnerships we foster, and the culture we value both within and outside of our organization.
