Individual Placement - Wildlife Field Tech at the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

Student Conservation Association • Idaho Springs, CO

1d

About The Position

Wildlife Field Technician(s) will work with U.S. Forest Service Biologists and
Wildlife Field Lead to conduct various wildlife surveys within the Arapaho and
Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. Surveys and other job
duties include but are not limited to: acoustic and visual surveys for raptors
and songbirds, prairie dog mapping, remote camera traps, amphibian population
monitoring, pollinator netting, bat acoustic surveys, habitat improvement work,
and educational outreach both in classrooms and booths. Majority of wildlife
survey efforts are done in support of various fuel reduction, timber sale, and
forest resiliency projects occurring on the forest in addition to annual
monitoring efforts. Technicians can expect to spend 70% of their time in the
field and 30% in the office completing data entry and quality control, field
gear and vehicle maintenance, reading and understanding survey protocols, and
studying species identification such as bird vocalizations, feather
identification, and wildlife tracks. This position may also receive ArcGIS Pro
training and create maps. This position provides the individual with hands-on
training in wildlife biology fieldwork, as well as an introduction to the laws,
regulations, and policies that guide natural resource management in the Forest
Service.

Requirements

• Applicants have either have or are working toward a 4 year undergraduate degree in wildlife biology or a related discipline
• Familiar with wildlife survey techniques and biological concepts
• Familiar with fauna of the Southern Rocky Mountain region (Colorado)
• Able to visually and acoustically identify Southern Rocky Mountain region birds and amphibians
• Physically fit and prepared for strenuous, off-trail, high elevation hiking in all weather conditions
• Able to use binoculars and spotting scope
• Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license
• Must own a car, or have means of regular transportation to and from duty station daily
• Possess good verbal and written communications skills
• Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience performing bird surveys and raptor nest searches
• Good navigation and route-finding skills using maps and GIS tools
• Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads, work in burned areas, and carry out duties in steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas
• Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resource management, conservation management, or related discipline -OR- completed a minimum of 20 credit hours towards a degree in the fields listed above, and has had 1 season of field experience with wildlife surveys
• Experience navigating and taking data points using Global Positioning System (GPS) units, Field Maps or Survey 123, and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications such as ArcGIS Pro
• Efficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Be an active participant on a two-to-three-person sample crew and ensure crew is working toward Zone priorities
• Follow established protocols for survey and data form completion
• Ensure accurate and complete data collection and data entry
• May help train other interns or volunteers on designated projects and protocols
• Take detailed field notes
• Conduct data entry, field data collection, field navigation, and quality assurance of data
• Follow established protocols for surveys and data form completion
• Evaluate data and field observations and make recommendations for improvement of habitat or species
• Daytime surveys and nest searches for American goshawk, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and other raptors
• Nocturnal surveys for flammulated and boreal owl
• Conduct amphibian breeding and habitat surveys
• Deploy acoustic detectors for bat monitoring and storing collected data
• Install and check remote cameras including changing SD cards and batteries, reviewing and cataloging photos, and summarizing data using Excel software
• Preble's meadow jumping mouse habitat evaluation and photo monitoring
• Abandoned fence removal
• Participate in education outreach opportunities such as educational booths at fairs or in classroom programming.

Benefits

• Living Allowance – $600/week
• One-time Travel Allowance – $1,100
• Housing Allowance - $400/month
• Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off)
• Bear Safety
• Defensive Driving Training
• First Aid/CPR
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level