Stream Habitat Technicians - Tennessee

Description

ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED

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 bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon.

POSITION SUMMARY

TU is seeking two individuals to serve as Stream Habitat Technicians from June – mid-August 2025. These positions will support our continuing strategic wood loading program and provide as-needed assistance to fisheries staff from Cherokee National Forest. The crew will be given flexibility to set their weekly schedule, with the approval of the Program Manager, as long as they maintain 40 hours per week. Given the distance to some locations, crew members should be prepared to spend 3 – 7 nights camping near project locations. TU will provide cooking equipment, food and cover the cost of campgrounds during these periods. 

Crew members will gain experience with concepts of wood loading and its influence of stream habitat, use of battery-powered pole saws, stream habitat assessment protocols and other professional fisheries techniques. TU will also pay for the cost of First Aid/CPR.

Work will be in remote locations in variable weather conditions and will require being in and around streams. Crew members should expect to deal with wet, slippery conditions in the field. Waders and wading boots will be provided.

All work will be on the North Zone of Cherokee National Forest. Candidates will be expected to meet up each morning and travel in a provided work vehicle together. There is no office location for these positions and housing is not provided. The salary range will be $14 - $16 per hour, depending on experience. Start and end dates are negotiable but ideally will be 2 June - 15 August 2025 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Approach work with a positive attitude, a spirit of collaboration and an eagerness to learn.
• Maintain individual and team safety throughout the season.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisor.
• Care for field equipment and crew vehicle. 
• Operate hand tools and battery powered saws.
• Limb downed trees and add material to existing stream structures.
• Conduct stream habitat assessments. Assessments will primarily focus on wood counts but may also include pebble counts, pool measurements, etc.
• Support Cherokee National Forest fisheries staff when asked.
• Complete other duties as assigned.
• This is a non-supervisory position.

This position does not have budget management responsibilities.  

Requirements

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working towards a degree in fisheries, wildlife, biology, ecology, or another related field.
• Experience with data collection and management.
• Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques.
• Willing to work long days in challenging environments.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background checks for employment.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities, and perspectives.
• Ability to think creatively, keep an open mind, and take constructive criticism.
• Ability to work within stream channels on uneven and slippery surfaces.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and know when conditions are no longer safe to remain in the field.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid First Aid & CPR certifications.
• Experience using hand tools and/or battery-powered cutting tools.
• Familiarity with app-based data collection and mapping tools such as Survey123, Avenza, OnX, etc.
• Has their own tent, sleeping bag and basic camping equipment.
• Knowledge of fish habitat and basic hydrology.
• A passion for protecting and restoring trout populations and their habitats.