Individual Placement- Biological Technician at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Student Conservation Association

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The biological individual placement will assist the Urban Refuge Biologist with a variety of projects, including vegetation surveys, bird surveys conducted by boat, manual and chemical treatments for invasive species, planning/assisting the team with public events, data entry, and other biological and outreach duties. The biological technician will work closely with the all staff to support outreach activities and urban programming. This collaboration may include participating in public events, leading bird walks, and helping to develop and present refuge programs. Through these experiences, the individual placement will gain a diverse set of field, urban, and technical skills that are applicable to future positions.

Requirements

Background in biology, environmental science, or a related field
Proficiency in data management software like Excel and ArcGIS
Willingness to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license
Willing to learn how to operate and maintain ATVs and UTVs, as well as drive trucks with trailers after receiving proper training
A strong commitment to outdoor safety is essential
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Exhibit enthusiasm for wildlife conservation
Be flexible with scheduling to accommodate fieldwork needs
Must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger
Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States

Nice To Haves

entry-level position, making it ideal for candidates eager to learn and develop their expertise in a supportive environment.

Responsibilities

Assist with ongoing research and monitoring projects focused on Western and Clark’s grebes
Engage in various aspects of waterfowl, water bird, shorebird, and raptor monitoring
Conducting behavioral observations of target colonies to document breeding phenology and breeding status for multiple species
Keep detailed records of monitoring events in a notebook
Handle data entry after each session, as well as input data from previous biological events conducted at the refuge
Engage in all biological volunteer opportunities, including the wood duck box habitat project in the spring
Maintaining a gas log for the biological truck
Conducting biweekly vehicle inspections and cleanouts
Assisting other departments as needed
Collecting water samples
Leading volunteer groups
Leading and supporting refuge public programs
Being open to any other related tasks that may arise

Benefits

~1,100 to/from travel allowance (paid one-time)
~$600 weekly living allowance (paid bi-weekly)
~All-Weather Uniform
~$1,000 Duty-Related Travel Reimbursement (receipts required)
Defensive Driver Training
First Aid/CPR
Interpretive Skills
Health Insurance: Optional (13 months)
AmeriCorps: TBD if awards are available
Free on-site housing will be provided for the Biology Technician in a fully furnished bunkhouse, which will be shared with two other visitor center placements. Each individual placement will have a private bedroom and share common spaces including one bathroom, a living room, kitchen, spacious storage areas, and laundry facilities. The bunkhouse is fully equipped with essential amenities such as a complete kitchen stocked with cookware and dining ware, as well as all necessary bedding and furniture.