Conservation Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Habitat Management Technician Position will assist the Imperial National Wildlife Refuge with the management of the Martinez Lake Management/ Imperial Ponds Conservation Area. The program is funded through an Interagency Agreement with the USFWS and Bureau of Reclamation, Multi Species Conservation Program (MSCP). The technician would be responsible for water delivery and management (30%), infrastructure operation and maintenance (30%), vegetation management and invasive species control (30%), and monitoring and technical data collection (10%). The refuge will provide training (Tier 1) for the technician to safely operate tractors, excavators and UTVs. Housing is provided on refuge at the bunkhouse at no cost to the technician.

Hosting Organization

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

Location

Yuma, AZ

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible.Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

September 28, 2026 - March 26, 2027

*Note that this position's duration is 52 weeks (with an end date of September 24, 2027), split into 26 week positions. The technician would be eligible for rehire into the second position, pending successful completion of the first position.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Water Delivery and Habitat Water Management (30%)

Independently operate pumps, irrigation canals, jack gates, slide gates, and other water control structures supporting LCR MSCP conservation areas.

Deliver irrigation water to backwater ponds, marsh habitat, and riparian habitat following approved irrigation schedules.

Monitor water elevations, flows, and habitat conditions and make operational adjustments to meet habitat objectives.

Troubleshoot irrigation system malfunctions and recommend repairs or operational improvements.

Maintain detailed records of water deliveries, infrastructure operations, and equipment performance.

Coordinate daily water management activities with refuge staff and Bureau of Reclamation personnel.

Vegetation and Invasive Species Management (30%)

Implement habitat restoration projects, including native vegetation establishment, irrigation, maintenance, and site improvements.

Conduct invasive plant management using mechanical, chemical, and manual treatment methods in accordance with approved management plans.

Assist in developing annual treatment priorities based on field observations and monitoring results.

Maintain vegetation clearance along roads, canals, rights-of-way, and boat ramps.

Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance (30%)

Operate tractors, excavators, skid steers, UTVs, boats, trailers, mowers, pumps, and other specialized equipment.

Inspect irrigation canals, pumps, pipelines, culverts, roads, boat ramps, and water control structures.

Perform preventative maintenance and repairs.

Identify deficiencies exceeding maintenance standards and recommend corrective actions.

Maintain equipment service records and coordinate scheduled maintenance.

Marginal Duties

Monitoring and Technical Data Collection (10%)

Conduct routine monitoring of water levels, habitat conditions, vegetation response, and infrastructure.

Assist with annual marsh bird surveys and other biological monitoring projects.

Collect GPS data and maintain field records using electronic data collection systems.

Prepare technical summaries, inspection reports, and monitoring documentation.

Identify changing habitat conditions and communicate recommendations to supervisors.

Required Qualifications

Knowledge Required

The incumbent must possess knowledge of or willingness to learn:

Wetland, riparian, marsh, and desert habitat management principles.

Irrigation systems, pumps, canals, water control structures, and water management techniques.

Habitat restoration and native plant establishment.

Invasive plant identification and integrated vegetation management practices.

Equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and minor mechanical repair.

Biological monitoring techniques and field data collection methods.

GPS equipment, electronic data collection systems, and Microsoft Office applications.

Minimum Qualifications

One year of specialized experience in habitat management, irrigation system operation, water management, natural resource maintenance, agriculture, or closely related technical work.

OR

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Range Management, Ecology, Agriculture, Hydrology, or a closely related field, supplemented by specialized field experience.

Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

Experience operating and maintaining irrigation systems and pumps or willingness to learn

Experience with wetland or riparian habitat restoration.

Experience operating heavy equipment including tractors, excavators, and UTVs.

Herbicide Applicator Certification or ability to obtain certification.

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.
• Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet.
• If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
• Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
• Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat's safety procedures and safety equipment.
• Able to correctly wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) according to US Coast Guard specifications. Additionally, some motorized boats require passengers to be able to wear an ATV-style helmet.
• If intentionally or unintentionally submerged, maintain a face-up position in the water, and make progress through the water to shore or a rescue boat while wearing a Personal Flotation Device.
• Able to maintain a secure airway in the event of sudden water submersion.
• Able to re-board or enter a boat or watercraft from the water after training and orientation to the boat's safety procedures and safety equipment.

Working Conditions

Work schedules and project assignments may change on short notice and can occasionally be ambiguous. The position requires the ability to work collaboratively and interact professionally with people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Work is conducted in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land, wildlife, and local communities. Fieldwork may occur in inclement or severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, flash flooding, strong winds, fog, reduced visibility, lightning, and poor air quality caused by wildfire smoke or smog.

This position may also require working in extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 110F or higher in some locations. Fieldwork may involve exposure to natural hazards, including poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, disease-carrying ticks and mosquitoes, stinging insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided on refuge at the Bunkhouse

Compensation

$980/week Living Allowance

$650 Travel Allowance

$1500 Duty Travel Reimbursement

Housing Provided

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Driving

Driving a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization is a requirement for this position.

To be able to drive a motor vehicle for the SCA, you must:

• Be able to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.

Additional Benefits

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

Defensive Driving Training

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.