Aquatic Resources Field Technician

Trout Unlimited is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 45 offices across the country. Our mission is to conserve, protect, and restore North America's cold-water fisheries and their watersheds.

Position Summary

TU is seeking an Aquatic Resources Field Technician (up to 2 vacancies). The anticipated employment date range is April through October 2018 with possibility of extension or re-hire (pending funding). The position will require overnight travel and will work on average 20 hours per week, not to exceed 40 hours per week. Some weekend and evening work will be required. The technician will assist TU staff with projects aimed to restore aquatic connectivity, in-stream habitat, and promote the long term values associated with aquatic restoration. The ideal candidate will be motivated and have some background knowledge in the areas of stream ecology, fisheries science, and fluvial geomorphology. Project duties will primarily include field data collection using survey equipment (e.g., laser level, total station, etc.). Other duties will include various biological assessments, and possible assistance in project designs, construction oversight, and project monitoring. Additionally, position duties will involve assistance in grant writing and reporting, community education and outreach. Project work areas are primarily located in Northern Michigan (Lower Peninsula) with possibilities in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct a variety of stream surveys including geomorphic assessments, aquatic organism passage assessments and biological assessments
• Assist in project implementation and on-site construction
• Assist in project budgeting and reporting
• Assist in grant writing
• Coordinate education and outreach efforts with project partners and general public
• Attend project planning meetings as necessary
• Assist in the planning, training and coordination of volunteer-based programs

*This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Working towards or completed a B.S. in a field related to fisheries management, aquatic ecology, watershed management, geomorphology, or biological systems engineering.
• Experience using surveyor's equipment (e.g., laser level, total station, etc.).
• Experience in biological assessments (e.g., macroinvertebrates, fish, habitat, etc.).
• Experience in data entry using Microsoft Excel and Access.
• A working knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries and aquatic resource management.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with ESRI GIS software preferred.
• Ability to work in rugged terrain often transporting heavier field equipment.
• Passion for protecting and restoring trout populations and their watersheds.

How to Apply

Please send a letter of interest, resume and 3 professional references to Jeremy Geist, Trout Unlimited's Great Lakes Restoration Manager at jgeist@tu.org.