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

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE•Lakeview, OR

4d•$1 - $1

About The Position

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with FWS at Sheldon-Hart Mountain National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC), is recruiting four (4) AmeriCorps members to serve as Vegetation Technicians who will work alongside FWS to support post-wildfire vegetation monitoring. Vegetation Technicians will support all aspects of the wildlife habitat programs at Sheldon-Hart Mountain NWRC. Primary attention will be focused on post-wildfire vegetation monitoring to assess restoration actions on several wildfires, ranging from 1 to 7 years old. Other vegetation work will include habitat condition assessments in sage-grouse and bighorn sheep habitats, surveying for invasive species, and native seed collection to support fire restoration. Through these projects, technicians will gain a broad understanding of wildfire and juniper issues facing the Intermountain West, and the tools/methods available for assessment and restoration. These projects span sagebrush-dominated systems on both refuges, including important habitat for sagebrush-dependent wildlife such as sage-grouse and bighorn sheep. Technicians will be provided with first aid, ATV/UTV, and plant identification training. Technicians will be stationed at both Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge and Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, working as a team on both refuges throughout the season.

Requirements

Interest in botany and plant identification
Interest in fire ecology and wildfire restoration
Willingness to live remotely
Ability to utilize hand-held GPS units or mobile phones for navigation and/or data collection, along with basic computer skills
Ability to hike rough, rocky, and steep terrain
Ability to operate 4WD trucks on and off-road
Knowledge and experience in operating off highway vehicles, which includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV), and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), desirable
Experience with towing and backing-up a trailer, desirable.
Ability to self-direct and self-motivate
Strong attention to detail
Possess good organizational skills
Tolerant of working in variable weather conditions, willing and able to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions, and able to hike 2-5+ miles daily on uneven and steep terrain
Ability to work productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and follow safe working practices
Communicate effectively with a diverse public
Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license and clean driving record
Meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limit of four in a lifetime or the equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and federal criminal background checks, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.
Education and technical experience: A relevant degree or coursework towards a relevant degree (e.g., Conservation Science, Fisheries and Wildlife, Ecology, Environmental Science) is preferred but not required. Additional preferred technical experience includes plant identification skills, field-based plant surveys, and proper application of quantitative and qualitative habitat monitoring techniques
Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record
AmeriCorps eligibility requirements: (1) U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, (2) eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Education Award (limited to earning equivalent of two full-time education awards), (3) pass National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) name search and federal criminal background check, (4) adhere to the rules, regulations and code of conduct as specified in the Member Service Agreement; and (5) not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Nice To Haves

Positive attitude and a willingness to learn
Strong work ethic
Strong attention to detail
Effective organization and data management skills
Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
Ability to adapt and problem-solve, especially in the face of unexpected, changing, or adverse conditions
Experience living and/or working in a remote area

Responsibilities

Post-wildfire vegetation monitoring using both quantitative and qualitative survey protocols
Photo point monitoring
Habitat condition assessments
Invasive species surveys and treatment
Native seed collection
Wildlife surveys (e.g., pygmy rabbits and pika) as time allows

Benefits

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

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