Field Ecologist

We are seeking highly motivated Field Ecologists to support our ongoing ecological monitoring work with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) program during the 2024 field season.

• Conduct field work consisting of vegetation sampling, plant identification, and soil classification at sites located throughout Arizona, Wyoming, and/or Utah
• 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
• Hike on rough, uneven terrain (up to 6 miles day) in variable weather conditions, carrying sampling gear weighing up to 40 lbs

• B.S. or working toward a degree in a natural science field
• Field experience, including the ability to work in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time, including extreme heat and monsoonal rains, with the possibility of encountering 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
• Be physically capable of standing and walking (up to 6 miles/day 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)
• Must love the outdoors and be passionate about learning the world of botany, soils, and rangeland ecology
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and adapt to changing conditions
• Quality data collection skills 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 with and knowledge of Microsoft Suite Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

• Bachelor's degree, at minimum, with degree in ecology, botany, soil science, 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
• At least one year of experience using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species in the field, from photos, and from pressed specimens
• Familiarity with Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming flora (generally sagebrush steppe, Great Basin, Colorado Plateau, and Sonoran Desert)
• Experience or education using taxonomic soil keys or equivalent mechanism to identify ecological sites and using soil series descriptions or equivalent soil datasets
• Experience digging quality soil pits to characterize and document soil horizons and hand texturing various types of soils
• Crew Leads should have experience managing field crews or several seasons of conducting field work. Ideal candidates would have strong plant identification skills
• UTV and trailer towing experience. Please highlight if you have this experience

* $24/ hour for Crew Leads and $20/ hour for Technicians (overtime is paid at time and a half for both technicians and crew leads) * $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.