Individual Placement - Wildlife Crew Member at Sierra National Forest

Student Conservation Association•Prather, CA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

This Wildlife Crew Member position at Sierra National Forest will primarily focus on wildlife surveys and wildlife-related office work. There is potential for experience with other departments within the Ranger District, including timber/silviculture, visitor information services, recreation, archaeology, range management, and off-highway vehicle trail maintenance. The role involves assisting in surveys for threatened, endangered, or sensitive wildlife species, supporting fuel reduction, timber sale, and forest resiliency projects. Duties include field-based and office work, such as understanding survey protocols, studying bird vocalizations, animal husbandry (mice), completing data sheets, data entry, and maintaining field gear and vehicles. Training in ArcGIS Pro and map creation may be provided. The work schedule is variable, including nocturnal surveys for owls and early-morning shifts, often in remote mountainous terrain at night. Field work requires driving on rugged mountain roads in a four-wheel drive truck during day and night hours, and strenuous hiking over steep, rugged terrain off-trail with a backpack. Limited internet and cell coverage may be present at housing and survey locations.

Requirements

Applicants are preferably studying wildlife biology or a related discipline.
Must be prepared to handle working in all weather conditions.
Must be prepared for strenuous hiking.
Good physical fitness is required.
Must bring a heavy coat, 6-inch hiking boots, hat, gloves.
Owl surveys occur at night.
Valid driver’s license required.
All participants 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.
Personal vehicle information required.

Nice To Haves

Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to work effectively in diverse groups.
Prior experience in fieldwork, outdoor settings, or similar service‑oriented roles.

Responsibilities

Assist and participate in surveys for threatened, endangered, or otherwise sensitive wildlife species.
Conduct wildlife surveys in support of fuel reduction, timber sale, and forest resiliency projects.
Read and understand survey protocols.
Study bird vocalizations.
Perform animal husbandry (mice).
Complete accurate data sheets.
Perform data entry.
Maintain field gear and vehicles.
Create maps using ArcGIS Pro (potential training provided).
Perform nocturnal surveys for owls in remote mountainous terrain.
Drive on rugged mountain roads with a four-wheel drive truck during day and night hours.
Perform strenuous hiking long distances over steep, rugged terrain (off trail) with numerous logs and drainages to cross over, carrying a backpack.
Assist with occasional administrative tasks such as data entry, filing, or inventory tracking.
Support team operations by helping with logistics, equipment organization, or general site upkeep.