Aquatics Technician Eldorado National Forest

Summary

American Conservation Experience a nonprofit Conservation Corps in partnership with the Eldorado National Forest is seeking TWO Aquatic Technicians to work alongside Forest Service staff to support aquatic resource surveys.

Start Date: 1) April 13 2026 and 2) May 25 2026

Estimated End Date: 1) September 18 2026 and 2) October 30 2026

*a 23-week commitment is desired *

Location Details/Description: Placerville CA Eldorado National Forest Supervisors Office

The Eldorado National Forest is located in the central Sierra Nevada region within California and encompasses a total of 798279 acres which includes 193027 acres of private ownership.

The Eldorado National Forest is bordered on the north by the Tahoe National Forest on the east by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and the Humboldt-Toiyabe and to the south by the Stanislaus National Forest. The Eldorado is within 3 - 4 hours of the San Francisco Bay Area and about 1 - 1 1/2 hours from Sacramento. It ranges in elevation from 1000 feet in the foothills to more than 10000 feet above sea level along the Sierra crest. The mountainous topography is broken by the steep canyons of the Mokelumne Cosumnes American and Rubicon rivers. Plateaus of generally moderate relief are located between these steep canyons.

The forest is also home to 297 lakes and reservoirs (including both public and private acreage) which total 11994 surface acres. 11 large reservoirs account for 9000 acres. The rest are mostly small high mountain lakes. Both the rivers and lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities. The Eldorado National Forest provides diverse recreational opportunities to the public. The Forest offers every visitor the chance to enjoy nature and be addition to two popular wilderness areas (Desolation Wilderness and Mokelumne Wilderness) the forest offers more than 70-day use and overnight developed recreation facilities across the forest for the individual families and groups.

For more information on the Eldorado National Forest please visit the USDA Forest Service website.

Position Overview:

• The individual(s) will work with aquatics staff and conduct field work for a variety of species (California red-legged frog Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog Foothills yellow-legged frog Yosemite toad and Western pond turtle). As opportunities arise 10-20% of the technicians time may be scheduled to assist in other program areas in order to accomplish high priority project needs and provide cross-training opportunities.
• The work requires physical exertion such as navigating steep and uneven terrain to approach remote field sites and wading in rivers with unstable many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of the workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job.
• Complete surveys (including night surveys) to protocol and providing accurate and timely documentation
• Some work will occur in a recent burned area and will require adherence to strict safety protocols.
• GIS and data entry associated with field survey work
• Support other projects and responsibilities as needed by the Forest

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Mon-Thurs 7:00am - 6:00pm

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute 40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $795/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps 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 also include specific eligibility requirements such as age (You must be between the ages of 16 and 30. Some agencies also interpret these guidelines to include veterans up to age 35) and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members may be accommodated in USFS Barracks depending on availability. Each member will receive reimbursement for housing costs up to a weekly rate not to exceed $100 per week.

Relocation Allowance: 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.

Provided Training/Orientation: The ACE member will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures clear guidance on prohibited activities and networks for support. The Forest Service will provide the member with Avenza and field data collection systems training. Additional training may include cross-training with other departments.

Qualifications

:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident as required by U.S. government contracts
• 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).
• 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.
• ACE 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.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a bachelors degree in a natural resource field and have field experience.
• Ability to work independently including hiking driving following survey protocol
• Experience driving 4x4 and/or all-wheel drive vehicles safely in off-road conditions
• Experience hiking over remote steep and rocky terrain in adverse weather conditions (cold/hot temps light rain etc.)
• Experience surveying for amphibians
• Skill using compass aerial photos topographic maps and GPS units to locate survey areas in remote setting
• Flexibility in switching between day and night survey work (maintaining appropriate work/rest ratio)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and GIS
• Competency with data entry summarizing and compiling data

Physical Demands Work Environment and Working Conditions:

• Physical Demands: Requires physical exertion such as hiking and navigating steep and uneven terrain to approach remote field sites wading in rivers with unstable footing carrying gear using hands to handle or feel reaching with hands and arms talking and many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of the workday) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. Manual dexterity required for use of various tools computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close distance peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move up to 30 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Noise Environment: Light noise exposure both in the field and in office environments
• Travel: This position does not require unique travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold rocky terrain swamp or wetland conditions biting insects and 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. Hazards include bees/stinging insects poison oak ticks rattlesnakes black bears mountain lions and beetle-killed and/or fire-killed trees.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties one will be provided by the Forest Service or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the Forest Service. ACE members may if they possess or obtain certification and training required by the State of California and the U.S. Forest service operate a gas or electric powered chainsaw to remove dead and downed trees obstructing work areas as permitted by their qualifications and comfort. Members may be asked to remove dead or downed trees or limbs from work areas using a non-powered saw. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) typically provided by the Forest Service will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to Forest Service 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. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact USFS Senior Member Manager Caris Hill at chill at

ACE values an inclusive workforce - 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 hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment with ACE is based upon ability qualifications attitude and job-related factors. Every qualified employee 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 creed sex gender national origin pregnancy ancestry citizenship status genetic information (including of a family member) veteran or military status age physical or mental disability sexual orientation gender identity or expression 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.

Required Experience:

IC