Seasonal Watershed Survey Technician

  POSITION SUMMARY

Trout Unlimited’s Mid Atlantic Coldwater Habitat Program in West Virginia is looking for energetic, intelligent, and motivated individuals to join our growing staff for seasonal employment in 2023. We are looking to hire several entry-level, seasonal Watershed Survey Technician positions with negotiable spring/early summer 2023 start dates. These seasonal positions have flexible end dates with maximum performance periods of 6 months or 1,000 hours. Lead positions are available. Successful candidates will receive training and experience conducting watershed scale surveys of stream habitat and stream condition, stream crossings, road conditions, and other conditions affecting watershed conditions. Surveys will take on both public and private lands in focal watersheds including but not limited to:  Upper South Branch Potomac, Williams River, and Upper Shavers-Tygart Valley Watersheds. This is a paid position with optional, shared crew housing available.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Assist with watershed survey activities including: stream morphology, aquatic habitat, riparian condition, road condition, and stream crossings. 

· Navigate to remote stream sites, often hiking several miles, carrying survey equipment, using GPS and topographic maps. 

· Operate with no cellular service

· Maintain rigorous data collection and assessment protocols

· Identify and report any concerns to TU supervisor and coordinate with appropriate Forest Service personnel on a regular basis

· Wade streams and rivers in a variety of flow regimes and weather conditions. 

· Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to supervisor. 

· Occasionally camp for one or more nights when survey sites are far from the base location

· Maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism while on the job.

· Additional duties in support of the watershed program may be required and include, but are not limited to: tree planting, restoring streams with large woody material, assisting road decommissioning activities, supporting culvert replacement projects, water temperature monitoring, and education/outreach. 

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. 

  QUALIFICATIONS

· Demonstrable experience with physically demanding work. 

· Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques. 

· Willing to work long days in challenging environments. 

· Possess strong communication skills. 

· Working knowledge of watershed health and function. 

· A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background checks for employment. 

· A strong passion for native fishes and the watersheds upon which they rely. 

· Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities and perspectives. 

· Ability to think creatively, keep an open mind, and take constructive criticism. 

· Patience to deal with bugs, snakes, mud, rain, cold, and hot weather. 

· Ability to drive large, off-road vehicles.

Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following:  

Knowledge of fish habitat 

Field Experience 

Exposure to aquatic habitat surveys  

GPS/GIS experience

Laser level Survey experience 

First Aid/CPR training 

Experience collecting data on electronic data sheets and tablets

Experience navigating in remote locations 

Experience living and working in teams 

  POSITION SUMMARY

Trout Unlimited’s Mid Atlantic Coldwater Habitat Program in West Virginia is looking for energetic, intelligent, and motivated individuals to join our growing staff for seasonal employment in 2023. We are looking to hire several entry-level, seasonal Watershed Survey Technician positions with negotiable spring/early summer 2023 start dates. These seasonal positions have flexible end dates with maximum performance periods of 6 months or 1,000 hours. Lead positions are available. Successful candidates will receive training and experience conducting watershed scale surveys of stream habitat and stream condition, stream crossings, road conditions, and other conditions affecting watershed conditions. Surveys will take on both public and private lands in focal watersheds including but not limited to:  Upper South Branch Potomac, Williams River, and Upper Shavers-Tygart Valley Watersheds. This is a paid position with optional, shared crew housing available.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Assist with watershed survey activities including: stream morphology, aquatic habitat, riparian condition, road condition, and stream crossings. 

· Navigate to remote stream sites, often hiking several miles, carrying survey equipment, using GPS and topographic maps. 

· Operate with no cellular service

· Maintain rigorous data collection and assessment protocols

· Identify and report any concerns to TU supervisor and coordinate with appropriate Forest Service personnel on a regular basis

· Wade streams and rivers in a variety of flow regimes and weather conditions. 

· Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to supervisor. 

· Occasionally camp for one or more nights when survey sites are far from the base location

· Maintain a high level of integrity and professionalism while on the job.

· Additional duties in support of the watershed program may be required and include, but are not limited to: tree planting, restoring streams with large woody material, assisting road decommissioning activities, supporting culvert replacement projects, water temperature monitoring, and education/outreach. 

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. 

  QUALIFICATIONS

· Demonstrable experience with physically demanding work. 

· Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques. 

· Willing to work long days in challenging environments. 

· Possess strong communication skills. 

· Working knowledge of watershed health and function. 

· A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background checks for employment. 

· A strong passion for native fishes and the watersheds upon which they rely. 

· Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities and perspectives. 

· Ability to think creatively, keep an open mind, and take constructive criticism. 

· Patience to deal with bugs, snakes, mud, rain, cold, and hot weather. 

· Ability to drive large, off-road vehicles.

Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following:  

Knowledge of fish habitat 

Field Experience 

Exposure to aquatic habitat surveys  

GPS/GIS experience

Laser level Survey experience 

First Aid/CPR training 

Experience collecting data on electronic data sheets and tablets

Experience navigating in remote locations 

Experience living and working in teams