Bureau of Land Management Biological Science, Wetlands Technician-AmeriCorps

Position Title:  Bureau of Land Management Biological Science, Wetlands Technician – AmeriCorps          

Conservation Legacy Program: Southwest Conservation Corps – Los Valles, Salida CO 

Site Location: San Luis Valley Field Office 1313 US-160 Monte Vista, CO 81144 

Terms of Service:         

• Start Date: 05/20/2025    

• End Date: 08/09/2025      

• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 450 Hours  

• Position is dependent on grant funding            

Purpose:         

This AmeriCorps program partners with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) staff at field offices across southwest 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 San Luis Valley Field Office manages more than 22,000 acres of public wetlands that serve as vital sources of water and wildlife habitat. The Wetlands/Wildlife program at this field office has a goal of protecting and enhancing wetland and wildlife habitat, while also providing high quality wetland and wildlife habitats on diverse BLM lands for the use and enjoyment of the public. It is essential to conserve these vital resources for current and future generations to enjoy. 

This AmeriCorps position will primarily assist the Wetlands/Wildlife program with habitat improvement and invasive aquatic species mitigation projects by collecting valuable data that will help the BLM make informed decisions regarding potential effects on wetland/wildlife resources across nearly 10,000 acres. This AmeriCorps position will help under-served San Luis Valley community members by meeting their basic needs through hunting and fishing opportunities and these improvements to the local wetland ecosystem will directly benefit individuals and families who need it most. 

Description of Duties:         

• Support wetland projects across four wetland properties (Blanca Wetlands, McIntire-Simpson property, Treasure Pass ditch and La Garita Wetlands) by setting up and maintaining irrigation structures, monitoring habitat conditions and wildlife and waterbird response to conditions 
• Recreation structure maintenance at Blanca Wetlands 
• Riparian exclosure construction on the Rio Grande Natural Area 
• Support environmental education programs at wetland sites 
• Well maintenance and certification; reading, compiling, and reporting well information at 47 wetland wells in the San Luis Valley 
• Collect wetland and wildlife data including plant data, water quality monitoring, and species surveys 
• Implement invasive American bullfrog trapping/treatments  

Potential Environmental/Human Risks:        

• Slips, trips, falls with uneven and varied terrain     
• Variable weather ranging from freezing cold temperatures to hot temperatures        

Required Qualifications:         

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident       
• At least 17 years of age         
• 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         
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License         
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check       
• Per grant funding, candidate must be 18-30 years of age, up to 35 years of age if veteran status

Preferred Qualifications:        

• College student pursuing a degree in Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, or related area of study 
• Preference given to applicants who are willing to relocate or are local to the San Luis Valley 

Physical Requirements:         

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional 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 on a four-day ten-hour schedule, Monday through Thursday, 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, distributed bi-weekly        
• Additional Benefit of $400 per week, distributed bi-weekly  
• Healthcare Coverage if Eligible          
• Professional development opportunities with both SCC and BLM     
• Two SCC field shirts        
• Childcare Coverage if Eligible         
• Loan forbearance if Eligible         
• Interest Payments if Eligible         

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 Coordinator – Niki Antonio (she/her)        

Contact Information: nantonio@conservationlegacy.org       

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. 

Salary : $400 - $600