Stream Restoration Technician

Description:

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 2024. We are looking to hire several entry-level, seasonal Stream Restoration Technician positions with negotiable spring/early summer 2024 start dates and flexible end dates with a maximum 6-month term. Stream Restoration Technicians will report directly to the Field Crew Supervisor and will be responsible for working with the USFS-Monongahela National Forest to assist in activities that support native trout and aquatic resource conservation. Successful candidates will receive training and experience in multiple restoration activities including channel loading with large woody material. Technicians work 40-hour weeks (typically 4 days at 10 hours/day) that require traversing difficult terrain while carrying field gear up to 75 pounds working in inclement weather. This position is based out of the US Forest Service office in Bartow, West Virginia with varying work locations throughout the Monongahela National Forest. This is a paid position and optional, shared crew housing will be available.

Requirements:

• 
  Assist with watershed survey activities including: stream morphology, habitat and fish population assessment.
• 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 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.
• 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

Fish ID skills

Electrofishing experience

Snorkel survey experience

GPS/GIS experience

Laser level Survey experience

First Aid/CPR training

Experience navigating in remote locations

Experience living and working in teams