Individual Placement- Habitat Management Technician at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

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.

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.