Desert Aquatics Steward-AmeriCorps

Position Title:  Desert Aquatics Steward - AmeriCorps

Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements- BIA WaterCorps Program

Site Location: 1661 South 4^th Street, El Centro, CA, 92243.

Application Timeline: Preference given to applicants that submit application by February 1, 2025

Terms of Service:

• Ideal Start Date: April 7, 2025 (contingent upon completion of background checks)
• End Date: October 3, 2025
• AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 900 hour, 26 weeks

Purpose:

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. Stewards partners with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to facilitate the WaterCorps Program to provide opportunities to Tribal Members seeking to gain experience in the water resources field. This WaterCorps position will be hosted at the Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office.

The Desert Aquatic Steward is an AmeriCorps position that will:

• Assist in updating ECFO’s wildlife guzzler inventory database and conduct condition and use assessments of wildlife guzzlers to ensure adequate maintenance and repairs of systems,
• Assist in monitoring known spring/riparian systems and identify and locate unknown springs and riparian systems to be targeted for future monitoring, protection and restoration.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of hydrological data for submission of ECFO water right applications to the State Water Resource Control Board to protect priority streams and recreation sites.

Background Information:

The BLM ECFO has over a hundred wildlife guzzlers, half a dozen water rights, and dozens of spring and riparian systems spread throughout its jurisdiction that have not been assessed for functionality and use for a number of years due to reduced funding and staffing availability. The BLM oversees these aquatic resources under our land use plans’ management objectives and goals which ensures the BLM is proactively protecting, enhancing and conserving these resources for current and future generations as well as for the benefit of various sensitive species.

The Desert Aquatic Steward will help ECFO biologists target high priority wildlife guzzlers for assessments and write a report summarizing maintenance needs to our partners at California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). They will coordinate with CDFW in sharing data and updating any survey forms to ensure consistent data collection across the California Desert District (CDD). The Desert Aquatic Steward will help ECFO manage its’ reporting responsibilities to the State of California Water Resource Control Board (CWRCB) for FY 2025 and coordinate with CDFW on dedicating water sources to sensitive species habitat projects. The Desert Aquatic Steward will help ECFO assess and monitor known spring and riparian systems while locating new systems for future monitoring and protection. The BLM ECFO is looking for an enthusiastic individual who would like to be part of our aquatics program and help us manage these sensitive resources.

Description of Duties:

Water Rights:

• Coordinate with ECFO Natural Resource Specialist (NRS) on submitting water right documentation to State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB)
• Coordinate with SWRCB, CDFW and BLM CA Aquatics Lead on instream riparian dedication process
• Update ECFO water rights GIS database in coordination with District GIS specialists and BLM CA Aquatics Lead
• Collect ground water well monitoring data utilizing Heron software from priority riparian systems
• Coordinate with the BLM CA Hydrologist and Aquatics lead on groundwater well monitoring data analysis
• Collect hydrological flow data from priority riparian systems
• Utilize Survey123 and/or Field Maps to collect information on water rights
• Write a report summarizing the use and history of ECFO’s water rights to ECFO managers

Wildlife Guzzler:

• Conduct field inventory of wildlife guzzlers in remote areas and wilderness
• Utilize Survey123 forms and/or Field Maps to collect information on wildlife guzzlers
• Conduct condition and use assessments of priority wildlife guzzlers
• Update BLM geographic information system database of wildlife guzzlers in the office
• Update BLM guzzler monitoring forms in coordination with CDFW and District GIS specialist
• Coordinate with BLM California Desert District Wilderness Coordinator and CDFW to identify high priority guzzler repairs
• Summarize wildlife guzzler use and conditions in an end of season report to BLM and CDFW.

Spring/Riparian Systems:

• Conduct field inventory of known spring and riparian systems in remote areas and wilderness
• Conduct photo monitoring of known spring and riparian systems
• Utilize Survey123 forms and/or Field Maps to collect information on springs/riparian systems
• Collect water quality measurements (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, etc..) from springs and riparian systems utilizing water quality sampling meters
• Perform basic riparian Proper Function Condition (PFC) Assessments in coordination with ECFO NRS and aquatic specialists
• Locate unknown spring and riparian systems utilizing current GIS data sets, coordinating with local stakeholders and field verifying potential sites
• Coordinate with BLM CA Hydrologist and Aquatics lead on water quality measurement data analysis
• Summarize findings in an end of season report to BLM

Other Possible Duties based on time and schedule:

• Assist the BLM CA Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) Lotic and Riparian technician teams when in ECFO
• Assist in conducting indicator reviews for BLM AIM Lotic/Riparian sites
• Assist in Desert Pupfish population surveys with BLM and CDFW
• Assist other California Desert District (CDD) BLM Offices with specific aquatic projects in their field offices.

Qualifications:

• Must be a member of a Federally recognized Indian Tribe, Band, or Village; Alaska Native; or meet one of the following descriptions: 
• • Persons who possess at least one-half degree Indian blood derived from Tribes Indigenous to the United States. 
  •  Descendants of Members of Federally recognized Indian Tribes, Bands or Communities who were residing on any Indian Reservation on June 1, 1934 – shown by completing BIA Form 4432.

• A valid state driver’s license
• Ability to withstand rigorous physical conditions and inclement weather, particularly in desert ecosystems where temperatures are regularly above 115 degrees Fahrenheit in the Summer

• United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
• Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of 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.
• Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check for Conservation Legacy.
• Agree to a federal background check and pass for the host site.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Someone studying or interested in ecology, hydrology, aquatics, water rights, riparian systems, botany, environmental science or some similar program
• Ability to operate four-wheel drive vehicles in rough and uneven conditions
• Ability to work independently in the field with minimal supervision
• Ability to navigate in remote areas and self-rescue with available tools
• Ability to create work schedules and juggle multiple competing priorities
• Ability to work in teams and coordinate with multiple partners
• Ability to summarize and analyze data and write scientific reports
• Ability to conduct independent research on protocols and current hydrological literature.
• Someone who is familiar with water right applications and/or law, specifically California water right law
• Someone who is familiar with BLM technical protocols: Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring; Proper Functioning Condition; Multiple Indicator Monitoring

Additional Position and Community Information:

The Office:

• The Bureau of Land Management, El Centro Field Office (ECFO) manages approximately 1.4 million acres of public lands spread across two counties: Imperial and San Diego. Approximately 95% of the public lands lie within Imperial County.
  • Imperial Valley Chamber of Commerce: https://www.ivregionalchamber.com/
  • City of El Centro: https://cityofelcentro.org/
• The area is bordered by the U.S./Mexico International border to the south and the Riverside County line to the north.
• The public land within this area includes several diverse habitats and ecotypes with equally diverse land uses. Uses include recreation, mining, renewable energy development, and filming, among many others.

Temperature:

• We are in the Colorado Desert (a sub desert of the Sonoran Desert) where extreme temperatures, ranging from freezing in the winter to 120 degrees in the summer a few days of the year are normal.
  • High temperatures require use of sun protection and constant hydration by field staff and anyone working outside 6-8 months of the years.
• Part of the Field Office encompasses Eastern San Diego County which has higher elevations and is substantially cooler and wetter than the deserts of the Imperial Valley.
  • Pack accordingly when traveling to field site locations and be prepared to conduct field work in the low desert for part of the day and transition to the mountains for the other part.

Amenities/Services:

• Housing is not provided; however, previous interns have utilized Airbnb, Furnished Finder, FB Marketplace, Craigslist and other websites to find temporary housing.
  • Single rooms in Airbnbs in Imperial County can range from $700-$1000/month (based on previous intern’s testimony) so plan accordingly.
• We have access to multiple grocery stores such as Aldi’s, Costco, Food 4 Less, WIC, and many more.
• We have two general hospitals with multiple urgent care centers located throughout the county.
• Public transportation is available and the ECFO building is located down the street from the closest bus stop. However, timetable for buses can vary.
  • Please look at the Imperial Valley Transit website for more information.
• Imperial County has an airport that is serviced by Southern Airways that flies directly to LAX and Phoenix International Airport daily.
• Imperial County is serviced by two charter bus companies: Greyhound and Flixbus
• The closest Amtrak stations are located in Yuma, AZ; San Diego, CA and Palm Springs, CA
• Member is not required to have a personal vehicle; however, it does make getting around the area quicker and the participant will be able to visit public lands and other interesting spots.

Benefits:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697 awarded upon successful completion of position.
• Living Allowance of $600.00 per week.
• Additional Benefit of $100.00 per week.
• Professional Development fund of $2,255.00 for entire term.
• Option to choose Healthcare Coverage and Childcare Coverage
• Student Loan forbearance if Eligible (administered by MyAmeriCorps, directly)
• Interest Payments if Eligible (administered through MyAmeriCorps, directly)

How to Apply:

Apply on-line at: https://stewardslegacy.org/open-positions.  In addition to your resume, you must upload a copy of your Tribal ID proving you are enrolled in a federally recognized Tribe, Band, or village. Please also submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.

Application Timeline: Preference given to applicants who submit applications by February 1^st. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:

• Program Contact information: Ali Jones, ajones@conservationlegacy.org
• Service Site Contact information: Ismael Ramirez, iramirez@blm.gov

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply. This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with AmeriCorps requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Additional Details

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. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Time Requirements:

• This position is expected to serve 40 hours each week, but exact service schedules may vary.
• Lunch breaks 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.
• Position may work weekends depending on the season.

Orientation and Training:

• Member will receive an orientation that includes program expectations and AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Member will be trained to utilize four-wheel drive vehicles, handheld radio communication devices, and GPS safety devices
• Member will receive a BLM new employee orientation that includes expectations, benefits, prohibited and unallowable activities.
• Member will be required to take mandatory trainings upon start: No FEAR Act, POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment), Defensive Driving (GSA) and FISSA.
• Members will be trained to utilize Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) protocols and Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) protocols
• Member will be trained to utilize water quality measurement devices
• Member may be sent to AIM training in Spring depending on start date

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.

BLM site supervisor will create an individual development plan with the member that outlines the objectives and goals of the project to ensure member meets expectations successfully.

Salary : $700 - $1,000