ACE: Biological Science Technician, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, CA (Summer)
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a nationwide Non-Profit Conservation Corps based in Flagstaff, AZ and Salt Lake City, UT, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is seeking One Biological Science Technician to work in support of the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Biological Science Technician is responsible for assisting the refuge complex with wildlife monitoring priorities, wildlife habitat improvement projects, and electronic data entry/management
Tulelake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) are critically important refuges for migratory and breeding waterbirds utilizing the Pacific Flyway. Peak waterfowl populations have historically been as high as 1 million ducks, and these locations have long been premiere destinations for bird watchers and hunters alike. The Klamath Basin provides a variety of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, and hiking. The refuge contains numerous Wildlife Refuge and National Parks, including: Klamath Marsh NWR, Lava Beds National Park, and Crater Lake National Park.
Start Date: ~May 1st, 2021
End Date: 18-weeks later
**18-week commitment required**
Location: Klamath Basin NWR Complex, Tulelake, CA
Compensation: The ACE member will receive a living allowance of $680/week for food and incidental expenses, paid bi-weekly.
Housing provided: Refuge housing is available at no cost to the selected candidate
Project Partner Website: For more information regarding the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, please visit their website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/lower_klamath/
Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a hiring authority upon completion of their term of service. Eligible members must meet standard requirements of completing at least 640 hours and utilize their certificate before the age of 31.
Duties:
The Technician will work on-site at the Klamath Basin NWR Complex providing quality scientific data collection standards and assisting with various refuge management activities (i.e. sign replacement, boundary fence repair, trespass cattle documentations, and fence modification for wildlife).
- Wildlife Monitoring Surveys (50%): Assists the wildlife refuge specialist in monitoring surveys to include but not limited to: Oregon spotted frog egg mass surveys, bald eagle nest monitoring, Sandhill crane counts, and yellow rail nighttime playback surveys. The selected technician is expected to observe, collect, and summarize field data in Microsoft Excel.
- Habitat Restoration / Improvement Projects (30%): Assists the wildlife refuge specialist in refuge boundary fence repair and signage, modification of existing fence lines to improve ungulate movements through the refuge, and removal of cross fences that are not used for management activities. GPS and manually remove invasive plant species such as reed canary grass, Canada thistle, and Musk thistle. GPS and document trespass cattle observations.
- Biological Data Entry and Organization (20%): Electronically summarize a variety of field data collected with a GPS unit and on paper. Enter data into Microsoft Excel and follow QA/QC process established by wildlife refuge specialist. Draft summary reports of completed surveys.
Obligations:
- Complete training needed to perform the assigned duties safely and efficiently
- Provide own transportation to and from the workplace
- If occupying refuge housing, abide by the rules and be willing to move out of bunkhouse apartment or room if asked by the Refuge staff
- Report for work on time for dates stated above. Tour of duty varies between 7:00 am to 3:30 pm and 10:00 pm to 4:00 am
- Commitment to adhere to the FWS and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife conservation regulations
- Follows the FWS and organizational guidelines
Qualifications:
Required:
- Must be a US Citizen and Permanent Resident
- Must be 21 years or older in order to drive an agency vehicle
- Valid driver's license and ability to drive USFWS vehicles (a check with the Department of Motor Vehicles regarding driving record will be required)
- Ability to drive FWS 4x4 trucks and ATVs/UTVs
- Ability to conduct field surveys independently in remote areas
- Ability to work on a team, assisting staff whenever needed, and will approach duties with a positive attitude
- Strong interpersonal communication and technical writing skills
- Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions and capable of participating in sustained physical labor
- Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps.
- Organized, motivated, and able to complete tasks in a timely manner
- Can work outdoors and hike refuge trails in adverse weather
Preferred:
- Pursuing or completion of a Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related discipline appropriate to this position
- Proficient with Garmin GPS units, Microsoft Excel, and ArcGIS software applications
- Ability to work effectively with adjacent landowners of various perspectives
- Possess initiative to complete job duties with diligence and excellence
- Ability to work effectively with people of various perspectives and temperament
- Experience with the use of ATV/UTVs. A certification for the use of ATV/UTVs in the US Fish and Wildlife Service is preferred
- Ability to work on a team, assisting staff and visitors whenever needed, and will approach duties with a positive attitude
- Must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, academic transcripts and contact for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Recruitment and Member Manager, Dave Hecker, 801.386.1629, or dhecker@usaconservation.org.
EEO: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.