Job Title: Field Technician – Aquatic Monitoring (Streams & Rivers)
Organization: O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West, University of Montana
Location: Missoula, Montana (field sites in Idaho, Nevada, Montana, and the Western U.S.)
Employment Type: Temporary
Salary: $19–$20 per hour, depending on experience
Position Overview
The University of Montana's O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West, in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is implementing the Aquatic Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) strategy. This initiative focuses on hydrologic and biological data collection across BLM districts. The center is hiring Field Technicians with backgrounds in fisheries, hydrology, ecology, or botany for data collection between April and August/September 2025 (specific dates vary by project).
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct site evaluations.
- Measure water quality parameters.
- Assess physical habitat and canopy cover.
- Collect macroinvertebrate samples.
- Capture site photographs.
- Document human influences on aquatic systems.
- Implement vegetation assessment following the Multiple Indicator Monitoring (MIM) protocol.
Requirements
- Background in fisheries, hydrology, ecology, or botany.
- Ability to work in field-based settings, including primitive camping.
- Willingness to travel to remote locations with limited amenities and cell phone service.
- Commitment to the entire field season.
- Adherence to safety protocols.
- Ability to contribute to a productive, enjoyable work environment.
How to Apply
Application Materials (combine into one PDF document titled: (Your Name - Position Applying For), e.g., "Jane Doe-Field Technician"):
- Letter of Interest: Addressing the required skills for the position.
- Resume: Detailed, listing education and relevant work experience.
- Professional References: Names and contact information for three (3) references.
- Supplemental Questions:
- What is your preferred location and earliest start date?
- Which position are you applying for?
- Have you applied for any other positions with the O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West?
Email your application to: loticaim@umontana.edu
Subject Line: "2025 Lotic AIM Application"
Additional Information
- Positions are field-based and require primitive camping.
- Sampling sites may be located near towns with limited amenities—plan accordingly.
- Cell phone service may be poor or unavailable in many areas.
Application Deadline: Ongoing review until positions are filled.
For inquiries, contact the O'Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West at the University of Montana. Successful applicants qualifying for interviews will also have the opportunity to speak with past AIM crew members.
