Aquatic Resource Technician

Summary American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE), is seeking ONE AQUATIC RESOURCE MEMBER to work directly alongside LAKE Aquatic Resource Management staff to assist with water quality monitoring at popular recreation sites within the park.
Start Date: Summer, 2024
Estimated End Date 13 weeks after start date
* A 13-week minimum commitment is required * Location Details/Description: Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City, Nevada
Lake Mead National Recreation Area is headquartered in Boulder City in the arid environment of Southern Nevada. Swim, boat, hike, cycle, camp and fish at America's first and largest national recreation area. With striking landscapes and brilliant blue waters, this year-round playground spreads across 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes. See the Hoover Dam from the waters of Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, or find solitude in one of the park's nine wilderness areas.
For more information regarding Lake Mead National Recreation Area, please visit the NPS website:
Position Overview: The Aquatic Resources Technician will primarily work on monitoring water quality at popular recreation sites within Lake Mead National Recreation Area to support interagency partnerships and emerging issues related to ongoing drought in the Southwestern United States. Secondary duties will include assisting in surveys and monitoring of aquatic invasive species to address prevention and containment goals for these species. This is a 3-year, full-time position headquartered in Boulder City, NV.
Primary duties include collecting water quality data at strategic lake locations in collaboration with interagency partners to track changes with fluctuating lake levels, collection of water bacterial samples at high use beaches and hot springs to protect public health and monitor for hazardous algae blooms. Additional duties may include assisting other personnel with survey, monitoring, and/or management of aquatic invasive species, including plants and animals. There will also be opportunities to aid with other wildlife and vegetation monitoring projects for the park and to interact with staff from multiple agencies, including federal, state, and local.
The ACE Fellow will collaborate with NPS staff in planning work activities, working with all natural resource branches (wildlife, aquatics, and vegetation). This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.
Schedule: Work will be 40 hours a week. Daily schedule is flexible based on sampling requirements and team preferences. Field work days may require longer days or early starts.
Position Benefits Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $924/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
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. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility, or view general information online:
Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or Lake Mead NRA
Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support.
Qualifications Required: Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner. Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group. A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Willing to undergo and must pass the required federal background check. Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with reasonable accommodation if required. 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. Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website . Preferred: Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelor's and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as biology, ecology, environmental science, public health or related fields. Knowledge of water quality parameters, common laboratory practices, aquatic species, and scientific instruments. Ability and willingness to drive 4 X 4 vehicle and/or motor boat Ability to use Microsoft Office Programs Motivated to learn about the park's resources Ability to communicate with park staff in an appropriate manner in written and verbal form Deep interest in natural resource management Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: Physical Demands
Physical Demands : Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking and hearing. Manual dexterity required for use of field sampling equipment, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch near water bodies while collecting samples. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions. Comfort riding in off road vehicle travel and boats. Weight Lifted or Force Exerted : Frequently moves up to 30 lbs.. Environmental: Office conditions are pretty standard and controlled. Outdoor environmental conditions can vary greatly with high temperatures (120 F) likely in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter. Wind and rough water are also likely. Most sampling sites are high use areas with good access, but there may be an occasional need to hike over rough terrain or access remote areas. Noise Environment : Moderate to high noise such as motor boats. Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.Some areas may have high crowds of vacationers. Travel: This position does not require unique travel, but there may be some overnight field work requiring camping within the park. Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE Member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The Member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/Members or resources.
Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the NPS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the NPS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the NPS will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to NPS 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 the online application page for this position at the ACE Epic Job board. Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact EPIC NPS Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, Emanuel Aragon Cruz at ecruz(at)usaconservation(dot)org.
EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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, creed, sex, gender, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information (including of a family member), veteran or military status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, 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.