Title: AIM Crew Leader

Reports to: Program Coordinators

Location: BLM Arizona Strip District Office: 345 E Riverside Dr, St. George, UT 84790

Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program

Dates: April 7, 2025 – June 6, 2025 

Wages: $900/week

Benefits:

Health benefits eligibleEmployee Assistance Program providedFood provided while in the fieldUniforms and personal protective equipment provided

Training:

The term begins with an intensive leadership training, which includes:

BLM’s AIM methodology and ecological monitoring protocolsNavigation and data collection using GPS and GIS toolsPlant identification and soil analysis techniquesField safety and risk managementCrew leadership, mentorship, and teamwork strategiesAmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities

Following leadership training, Crew Members will join leaders for orientation covering:

Wilderness First Aid (or higher)Leave No Trace principlesCrew culture, diversity, and conflict resolutionGoal setting and leadership development

Additional training may include:

Digital data collection using ArcGIS and Field MapsHerbicide handling and invasive species managementPublic land management policies and ecological restoration techniques

Housing:

AZCC is a non-residential program and does not provide housing. Participants must supply their own outdoor gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, day pack, multi-day pack, work pants, hiking/work boots, etc.). Rental supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

AZCC provides:

Fieldwork tools and personal protective equipmentCrew meal budgetProject transportationPro Deals for discounts on select outdoor gear brands

Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) Mission:

AZCC engages motivated young adults (ages 18–30) in challenging, science-based conservation projects across the western U.S. The AIM (Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring) program is a partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that focuses on ecological monitoring to evaluate the health of public lands.

AIM Crews collect vegetation, soil, and habitat data to support land management decisions across BLM lands, including:

National Monuments and Wilderness Study AreasVegetation treatment sites and burn scarsRangelands and riparian areas

This program provides valuable hands-on field experience for early-career conservationists and environmental scientists.

Position Summary:

The AIM Crew Leader is responsible for leading a small field crew in conducting vegetation and soil monitoring on BLM-managed lands. Leaders serve as mentors, educators, and facilitators, ensuring the crew’s success in collecting high-quality ecological data while fostering a positive and inclusive team environment.

Crews operate on a hitch schedule, typically working on either 8 days on/6 days off or 4 days on/3 days off, expected Monday–Friday, 8-hour days, but may vary based on fieldwork needs.Leaders must report for an additional administrative day after each hitch for reporting, check-ins, and planning.

Crews camp in remote locations, often hiking several miles per day to reach monitoring sites.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Mentorship

Supervise, mentor, and train crew members in AIM ecological monitoring techniques.Provide guidance on career development and technical field skills.Foster a team-oriented, inclusive, and safe crew culture.Enforce AZCC and AmeriCorps policies, including maintaining a substance-free work environment.Support crew members in learning plant identification, soil characterization, and GIS mapping.

Project Management & Implementation

Lead a crew in conducting vegetation and soil monitoring using the BLM’s AIM methodology.Identify plant species, assess vegetation cover, and conduct soil stability measurements.Ensure accurate data collection and quality control using ArcGIS and Field Maps.Navigate to remote monitoring sites using GPS, maps, and compasses.Maintain crew productivity and efficiency in remote field environments.Communicate regularly with AZCC staff and BLM field office personnel.

Safety & Risk Management

Monitor crew well-being, including physical and emotional safety.Ensure compliance with safety protocols and Leave No Trace principles.Transport crew members and equipment safely in organizational vehicles (vans, SUVs with trailers).Document incidents and activate response systems when necessary.

Administrative Duties

Submit weekly paperwork, including timesheets, project reports, and evaluations.Track and manage crew food budgets and credit card expenses.Document crew achievements and disciplinary actions as needed.

Camp Management

Organize and oversee crew camp duties (cooking, cleaning, setting up tents).Ensure crews maintain a clean, hygienic, and safe camp environment.Practice and enforce minimum-impact camping techniques.

Minimum Qualifications:

Commitment to the program and its mission.Leadership experience in outdoor settings, conservation, or scientific fieldwork.Ability to manage a 40-50+ hour work week while camping and working outdoors.Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.Willingness to engage in team-building activities and problem-solving.Physical fitness to work long days in challenging conditions.Must be over 21 years old (or have held a valid driver’s license for 3+ years).High school diploma or GED.Fluent in spoken and written English.

Preferred Qualifications (or Willingness to Learn):

Experience leading scientific field crews, conservation teams, or research projects.Technical skills in ecological monitoring, GIS mapping, and data collection.Strong conflict resolution and facilitation skills.Experience in botany, soil science, rangeland ecology, or wildlife monitoring.Passion for conservation, leadership, and mentorship.

Questions?

Hayden Prouty

AZCC Senior Program Director
hprouty@conservationlegacy.org

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager