Individual Placement - Natural Resource Management at Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

Student Conservation Association•Cave Junction, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This interdisciplinary natural resource management position supports multiple wildlife and cave habitat monitoring efforts at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. The participant will assist with acoustic monitoring of owls and bats, cave climate monitoring, International Dark Sky Park monitoring, GIS and GPS inventory and mapping, wildlife camera review, pollinator surveys, and general natural resource data collection. Work will include both office-based data processing and field-based monitoring in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions. The role contributes directly to resource stewardship by producing accurate datasets, draft maps, reports, and updated standard operating procedures. The participant will also complete an independent project aligned with ongoing natural resource priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or recent coursework in natural sciences, ecology, conservation, or GIS
Valid driver’s license and a safe driving record
Ability to successfully complete a federal background clearance prior to appointment. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in office and rugged field settings
Ability to traverse uneven terrain, slopes, wet areas, and snow-covered areas
Competence in collecting data following established protocols and accurately maintaining records
Ability to analyze and translate scientific information for reports and documentation
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software

Nice To Haves

Caving experience and familiarity with safe caving protocols Experience with wildlife monitoring or wildlife camera data review and ID Callback survey experience with owls Skills in R statistical analysis or GIS analysis tools
Experience processing bat acoustic files using Sonobat or Kaleidoscope software

Responsibilities

Participate in natural resource monitoring, including hydrological, biological, and cave-related fieldwork
Assist with owl and bat acoustic field equipment deployment and data collection, processing, compiling, and error-correcting
Conduct GIS and GPS inventory and mapping tasks, including draft maps and project collaboration
Review and identify wildlife camera images and maintain associated datasets
Perform database management, data entry, and data quality checks
Draft reports and collaborate on written documentation for resource management projects
Update Standard Operating Procedures and associated safety materials.
Contribute to bee and salamander habitat modeling using available datasets and software tools
Assist with bat capture events using mist nets
Assist with general office tasks, equipment organization, or field preparation as needed
Support additional resource management projects depending on seasonal priorities or emerging needs
Provide occasional assistance with outreach or resource education activities when appropriate