How to Participate in the NAACC
Please contact the coordinator for your state to find out how to participate in the Collaborative.
Anyone is welcome to volunteer to survey crossings under the following conditions:
- You must work or volunteer with an organized regional group.
- You can assist a lead observer, become a certified lead observer, or become a certified coordinator.
- Please see the Collaborative's Roles for a description of positions and certification requirements.
- All certified observers and coordinators must participate in indoor and outdoor training and pass an online test before starting to assess crossings.
Please note that although anyone may view or export data, only certified lead observers and coordinators can enter data into the database.
Roles
Lead Observers
These are certified to assess stream crossings in the field. Their responsibilities are to:
- Lead survey teams
- Coordinate survey materials and schedules
- Collect field data (paper or electronic)
- Match survey locations to xycodes
- Ensure assessments are done safely
- Enter data into the online database
Training Requirements
Aquatic Connectivity – Non-tidal
- Aquatic Connectivity – Non-tidal Protocols training (in-person or online) and pass online quiz
- Aquatic Connectivity – Non-tidal Field training
- Shadowing (20 assessments)
Aquatic Connectivity – Tidal
- Aquatic Connectivity – Non-tidal Protocols training (in-person or online) and pass online quiz
- Aquatic Connectivity – Tidal Protocols training (in-person or online) and pass online quiz
- Aquatic Connectivity – Tidal Field training
- Either Tidal or Non-tidal shadowing (20 assessments)
Terrestrial Connectivity
- Complete Aquatic Connectivity – Non-tidal Protocols training (in-person or online)
- Complete Terrestrial Connectivity Protocols training (in-person or online)
- Attend Terrestrial Connectivity Field training
Culvert Condition Assessment
- Culvert Condition Protocols training (in-person or online - in development)
Lead observers have database credentials that allow them to enter and edit their own data.
L1 (Level 1) Coordinators
L1 coordinators are local coordinators who oversee and organize observers. Their responsibilities are to:
- Recruit and supervise lead observers to assess road-stream crossings
- Create maps and determine survey locations
- Establish standards and expectations for safety
- Ensure adherence to protocols and QA/QC procedures
- Field audit 10% of a lead observer's first 50 records
- Review and approve data entered into database
Training Requirements:
- Certification as a lead observer
- Online coordinator training unit
- Must pass online coordinator training unit test
L1 coordinators have database credentials that allow them to enter and edit data, and add and edit observers.
L2 (Level 2) Coordinators
L2 coordinators are regional coordinators who oversee surveys across a fairly large geographic area (state, large watershed). Their responsibilities are to:
- Oversee surveys in their geographic area
- Recruit and supervise L1 coordinators
- Coordinate training
- Ensure implementation of QA/QC procedures
Training Requirements:
- Certification as a lead observer
- Online coordinator training unit
- Must pass online coordinator training unit test
L2 coordinators have database credentials that allow them to enter and edit data, and add and edit observers.
L3 (Level 3) coordinators
L3 coordinators are central coordinators who maintain key components of the NAACC. Their responsibilities are to:
- Update field protocols
- Create and update scoring systems
- Develop QA/QC procedures
- Maintain the online database
- Disseminate news and updates to the NAACC community
L3 coordinators have the highest database credentials that allow them to enter, edit, and remove data, and add and edit coordinators and observers.
Training details:
Protocol training either in-person (3 hours) or online. Everyone must go online to pass the training questions.
In-person field training (4-6 hours)
Shadowing an experienced observer at 20 sites
In order to take the online training, you must first be added in the NAACC database by your coordinator. See a list of coordinators in your State.
Training Dates and Locations are posted on the Events page.
Webinar Dates and Information are also on the Events page.