Individual Placement - Biological Field Technician at Fort Hood

Student Conservation Association•Fort Hood, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fort Hood Natural and Cultural Resources Management Branch protects, sustains and enhances the natural and cultural resources on Fort Hood to enable Soldiers to conduct mission training. This work will add to the understanding of monarch butterfly and other pollinator species distribution, timing, and occurrence on the Installation. This is critical information for writing Biological Assessments, Section 7 consultation and Biological Opinion compliance, making ecosystem and species level management decisions, and assessing ecosystem impacts/resiliency IAW natural resource management plans and military training landscape plans. Work will also involve avian species-at-risk work and participation in outreach and education events. The individual will gain exposure to a variety wildlife and cultural resources topics as well as hands on-field experience gathering data utilizing a variety of methods and wildlife survey equipment. Additionally, the candidate will gain experience planning and executing field surveys, collecting and managing field data, and collating/organizing data for analyses.

Requirements

Experience working with monarch butterflies and other pollinator species.
Experience working with migratory bird species.
Off-road 4-wheel drive experience.
Ability to drive a motor vehicle for the partner agency/organization.
Ability to complete or fulfill all partner driving requirements.

Nice To Haves

B.S. in Biology or related field.

Responsibilities

Conduct monarch butterfly surveys in the spring and fall following Monarch Joint Venture's Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (MJV IMMP) protocol.
Tag monarch butterflies during their fall migration, collecting biometric data such as mass, wing condition, measurements, sex, and Ophryocystis elektroschirra (OE) parasite samples.
Conduct bumble bee surveys using a non-lethal protocol, capturing bees, recording nectar sources, and taking pictures for identification.
Perform data entry, management, and other office work.
Participate in professional development opportunities such as online training, public speaking, and software skill development.
Observe/job shadow biologists monitoring golden-cheeked warblers, studying black-capped vireos, trapping cowbirds, controlling wild pigs/invasive species, surveying for freshwater fish, and spotlighting for white-tailed deer.
Engage in outreach activities.