Job Type: Temporary
Salary Details: $20-24 per hour, based on qualifications and experience

The University of Montana (UM) O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West (OCRMW) is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to implement their Terrestrial Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy. This protocol is targeted at collecting standardized inventory and long-term vegetation and soils data at multiple scales across BLM Districts in the Western U.S.

We are currently recruiting Ecological Monitoring Crew Leads/Botanists with experience in botany, ecology, and soil science for data collection in Boise, Idaho. Positions start in May and will continue through August/September.

The Crew Lead/Botanist will lead 1-2 technicians to collect vegetation and soils data in desert, sagebrush-steppe, and grassland ecosystems. Crews work eight-day hitches: 10-hours/day, from Tuesday-Tuesday, with a six-day break between hitches. All positions are field-based and require working and camping in isolated regions. We ask seasonal staff to commit to the entire field season, practice safety awareness, safe driving policies, and contribute to building a healthy, productive, and enjoyable work environment.

Applicants should understand that this is physically demanding work. Crews often work and camp in inclement weather conditions, frequently navigating rough, unpaved roads in 4×4 vehicles, and carrying heavy loads (40 lbs.) by foot over rugged desert and mountainous terrain. Sampling locations are occasionally near a small town, but these towns often have few amenities. Primitive camping is required. Cell phone service is limited.

UM supplies all necessary monitoring equipment, including vehicles, to carry out the work. We provide some group camping gear (stoves, coolers). Individuals are responsible for their personal camping gear (tents, sleeping bags) but UM has camping gear available to borrow.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. Applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, ability and perspectives are encouraged to apply.

POSITION DETAILS

  • Position is full time, temporary (< 4 months).
  • Compensation is $20-24 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.
  • All positions include (tax-free):
    • $268 meal per diem per 8-day hitch
    • $600 equipment reimbursement
  • Benefits include Worker’s Compensation coverage, three paid holidays and accrual of sick leave.
  • Latest in-person start date is May 22.

HOW TO APPLY
Applications review is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled.

Full job listing: https://www.umt.edu/center-rocky-mountain-west/images/2023-job-announcement-terrestrial-aim_crewlead_11232022.pdf 

Please submit the following documents to Lauren Sinclair (lauren.sinclair@mso.umt.edu). The subject line of the email should read “2023 Terrestrial AIM Application”.

Please combine all application materials into 2-3 documents.

  • Letter of Interest – Please ensure it addresses the following:
    • Your ability to meet the stated required skills for the position.
    • Your preferred location.
    • Your earliest start date.
  • Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
  • Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
  • Transcripts (Unofficial Transcripts are acceptable)