AmeriCorps Refuge Technician (USFWS, Sheldon-Hart National Wildlife Refuge)

Great Basin Institute • Lakeview, OR

17h • $640 • Remote

About The Position

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with USFWS at Sheldon-Hart NWR, is recruiting one (1) AmeriCorps Volunteer to serve as refuge technician. The GBI Refuge Technician will support refuge staff in management across the refuges. The Technician will support invasive species management, refuge management, and recreation at Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. Occasionally, the Technician may travel to Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge to assist with projects there. Primary attention will be focused on invasive species mapping and EDRR (Early Detection, Rapid Response), invasive species treatments, boundary fence checking and repair to exclude feral horses, sign inventorying and repair, and campground management (such as cleaning privies, restocking toilet paper, etc.). Opportunities to interact with other staff and programs, such as habitat management, stream restoration, and wildlife monitoring will be offered as time allows and according to the Technician’s interests. To be safe and successful at this remote refuge, the technician will learn a suite of field skills such as remote communications (radio, inReach), safe operation of ORUVs and 4WD vehicles, and Great Basin plant ID. The Fish and Wildlife Technician assists public land management agency staff with a variety of functions including, but not limited to: Adhering to field protocols and office procedures to ensure timely, accurate, and safe completion of project tasks; Implementing wildlife surveys and monitoring activities; Conducting and supporting project research, environmental policy (e.g. NEPA, CEQA, ESA Section 7) consultations, and document preparation; Creating and manipulating data and maps using geographical information system (GIS); Entering data into databases (e.g. Microsoft Access and Excel) and completing appropriate Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures; and Assisting with outreach and education activities. Volunteers are required to take a mandatory 30-minute lunch break each service day. This break does not count toward their service hours for the education award.

Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to live in a remote area far from medical services, groceries, etc.
• Willingness and ability to hike long distances in rugged terrain
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Ability to work safely and independently in remote areas
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record
• Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to [AGENCY] human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position.
• U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
• Eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards)
• Pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check
• Adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement
• Not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be given to applicants who have completed or are working towards a degree in a natural resources field
• Interest in pursuing a natural resources career
• Knowledge of botanical terminology and plant identification
• Experience with field work
• Experience with trailering, 4WD trucks, and ORUVs

Responsibilities

• Survey roads and riparian areas for priority invasive plant species
• Operate ORUVs and 4WD vehicles safely, including when towing
• Check and repair boundary fence
• Inventory and repair signs
• Manage refuge campgrounds, including cleaning privies, restocking toilet paper, etc
• Assist with invasive species treatments, including herbicide application and mechanical removal
• Record data in the field using mapping tools such as FieldMaps, Avenza, Survey123, QuickCapture, and ContextCam
• Capture photo monitoring points in treatment areas
• Assist other staff and programs as needed, such as wildlife monitoring, stream restoration habitat management, maintenance, and safety
• Implementing wildlife surveys and monitoring activities
• Conducting and supporting project research, environmental policy (e.g. NEPA, CEQA, ESA Section 7) consultations, and document preparation
• Creating and manipulating data and maps using geographical information system (GIS)
• Entering data into databases (e.g. Microsoft Access and Excel) and completing appropriate Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) procedures
• Assisting with outreach and education activities

Benefits

• Living Allowance: $640 biweekly (before taxes); not to exceed $10,608
• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (450): $1956.35 upon successful completion of term
• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost
• Access to Pro Deals
• Eligibility for SNAP benefits, Loan Forbearance, and Loan Interest Accrual Repayment
• Student Loan Forbearance
• Interest Accrual Repayment
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED