Fisheries Biology Member

Summary American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), is seeking 1 member to contribute to the fisheries program alongside the GMUG Fish Program Manager.

Organization Details

• Partner: Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG)
• About ACE: For more information about ACE, please visit our website.
• About GMUG: The Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are comprised of three individual national forests administered as a single unit from the Forest Supervisors Office in Delta, CO.
• Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre were joined in 1954.
• Gunnison was added in 1973.
• The earliest segment, the Battlement Mesa Forest Reserve, was established in 1892.
• Today, the three forests total almost 3 million acres and are managed by 5 Ranger Districts.
• For more information about GMUG: Please visit the USFS website.

Position Overview

• Role: Fisheries Biology Member
• Supervision: Works under the fisheries program guided by the Fish Program Manager and other renewable resources staff.
• Focus: Field data collection in high-elevation headwater streams, project planning, and data organization using GIS techniques.
• Target Audience: Enthusiastic professionals looking to advance their careers in natural resource management and conservation.
• Work Environment: Casual. Approximately 80-90% of the job is in the field; 10-20% is in an office setting.
• Resources: Members will have office space and necessary equipment, sharing resources as needed.
• Key Duties:
• Assist with sampling for native fish populations, specifically Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (CRCT) assessments and restoration projects.
• Organize field gear and project planning.
• Enter fisheries data.
• Analyze sample locations using GIS.
• Crew members may engage in projects related to ecology, watershed management, timber, fire fuels, and cultural resources.
• Physical Demands: Fieldwork can be physically demanding, requiring hiking in steep terrain and handling various weather conditions. Safety protocols and training will be provided; members should come prepared with personal gear.
• Professional Development: This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development, promote exposure to land management agencies, and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule

• Days: Typically Monday - Friday.
• Hours: Between the hours of 8 am - 5 pm MST.
• Flexibility: Occasional weekend and evening shifts may be necessary for project needs. In general, schedules are described as flexible in an open conversation and guidance environment.

Start & End Dates

• Start Date: May 31, 2026
• Estimated End Date: September 19, 2026
• Commitment: A 16-week minimum commitment is required.

Position Benefits

• Living Allowance:
• The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week.
• Receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.
• Note: The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the USFS and ACE and is not flexible.
• Public Land Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority:
• Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service.
• If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement.
• PLC projects include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please see the ACE website for more information on PLC eligibility.
• Eligibility Requirements:
• You must be between the ages of 16 and 30.
• Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35.
• Citizenship requirements apply.
• Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.
• Housing:
• ACE members may be accommodated in provided housing at no cost.
• If not, $1,000/week housing assistance reimbursement would be provided for the duration of the term.
• The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses.
• Relocation Assistance:
• ACE members will have access to up to $500 to be used for eligible relocation expenses.
• Further details regarding distribution of these funds will be provided during the interview process.
• Per Diem Reimbursement: $45/night x 20 nights.

Training & Orientation

• ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures.
• Clear guidance on prohibited activities and networks for support will be provided.

Qualifications

• Required:
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed, work alone, and be a positive contributing member of a group.
• A valid drivers license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Members must be 21 to drive due to ACEs insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning-of-term feedback forms, end-of-term evaluations, and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Preferred:
• Competitive applicants can hold or be pursuing a minimum of a degree in Biology, Fisheries Management, or Natural Resource Science.
• Relevant experience in subject areas such as a fisheries technician for a State or Federal agency.
• Knowledge of fisheries sampling technique and watershed ecology.
• Knowledge of GPS devices, including navigation, routing, placemarks, map reading (printed or digital), and compass usage.
• Geospatial/geographical field data collection performed using ESRI mobile applications on tablets.
• Skills in geographical information systems (GIS) and modeling (desired though not required).
• Ability and willingness to assist in fisheries and fish habitat surveys in high-elevation headwater streams.
• Ability to follow field data collection methods using standard protocols, complete data entry, and database management within GIS softwares or Excel products.
• Deep interest in fisheries and watershed work within a land management agency.
• Application Note: All candidates are encouraged to apply, though local candidates will be strongly considered.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions

• Physical Demands:
• Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing.
• Manual dexterity required for use of various tools, computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.
• Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch.
• Ability to hike over rough terrain and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Vision Requirements:
• Requires close distance, peripheral, and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted:
• Frequently moves up to 50 lbs.
• Environmental Conditions:
• Outdoor and indoor conditions.
• Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment:
• Moderate to high noise, such as gas-powered chainsaws and other hand and power tools.
• Travel:
• This position may require domestic travel.
• This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions & Hazards

• ACE members may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including:
• Extreme heat or cold.
• Rocky terrain.
• Swamp or wetland conditions.
• Biting insects.
• Potentially dangerous wildlife.
• The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff members, or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use & Safety

• If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the USFS or ACE.
• Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the USFS.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the USFS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it.
• Strict adherence to USFS and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.

To Apply

• Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACEs online application page for this position on our website.
• Early consideration will be given as applications are received.
• This position may close at any time.

Contact Information

• If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact Member Manager Yunielis Clemente at yclemente-ortiz@usaconservation.org.

EEO Statement

• If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you.
• ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
• Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors.
• Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.