Wildlife Technician (Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • South Lake Tahoe, CA

9d • $22 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the US Forest Service, is recruiting a Wildlife Crew position to support the study and review of proposed actions in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. This position is equivalent to the USFS Biological Science Technician at the GS-05 level. Wildlife Crew members will participate fully in planned wildlife surveys including gathering, compiling, and analyzing data. Duties include, but may not be limited to: Learn the necessary protocols, proper use of field equipment, safety measures, general field skills, and data entry procedures; Anticipate hiking off trail on uneven, steep, sometimes brushy terrain for 8-10 hours/day Ensure your work and that of your coworkers is conducted in a safe and productive manner; Participate in non-field duties such as vehicle maintenance and cleaning, office care, animal care, and mandatory training; Ensure data collected is adequate, reliable, verifiable, and useful; Ensure collected data is stored safely; Participate in data analysis and reporting; Collaborate with partner agencies and consultants as well as within the Forest Service. Planned 2026 surveys include (in rough order of anticipated effort): California spotted owl passive acoustic surveys, nest checks, and reproductive surveys, American goshawk surveys and nest checks, Butterfly surveys, Willow flycatcher surveys, Carnivore camera surveys, Bat acoustic surveys, Willow mapping, Bald eagle nest checks, Sandhill crane surveys, Peregrine falcon surveys. Field season planning is ongoing and anticipated effort and surveys included are subject to change. The position will be stationed at the Meyers Workstation in South Lake Tahoe, CA. The field season is anticipated to run from July to September 30th. This is a full time, 40 hours/week position. Schedule needs to be flexible; the field crew generally tries to maintain a Monday-Thursday 4/10s schedule but due to the nature of the work, hours will vary. The organization tries very hard to avoid working on Saturdays and does not work on Sundays (except for special holiday events). The daily schedule is flexible: surveys will require some early morning starts (5:00 AM or earlier) and some nighttime work. The beginning of the season field work will be over-the-snow while mid-summer work will be hot (80-90°F).

Requirements

• Experience with GIS – ArcPro and AGOL
• Skills in GPS and using a map and compass
• Strong work ethic
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads
• Experience with a variety of wildlife survey techniques, especially those listed above
• Willingness to work a variable schedule in response to project needs, including nighttime surveys and possibly including some weekends and holidays
• Physical ability for fieldwork in remote areas, including overnight camping if necessary
• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or related field, with fieldwork experience OR one season of wildlife fieldwork experience.

Nice To Haves

• California spotted owl passive acoustic surveys, nest checks, and reproductive surveys
• American goshawk surveys and nest checks
• Butterfly surveys
• Willow flycatcher surveys
• Carnivore camera surveys
• Bat acoustic surveys
• Willow mapping
• Bald eagle nest checks
• Sandhill crane surveys
• Peregrine falcon surveys

Responsibilities

• Participate fully in planned wildlife surveys including gathering, compiling, and analyzing data.
• Learn the necessary protocols, proper use of field equipment, safety measures, general field skills, and data entry procedures.
• Hike off trail on uneven, steep, sometimes brushy terrain for 8-10 hours/day.
• Ensure work is conducted in a safe and productive manner.
• Participate in non-field duties such as vehicle maintenance and cleaning, office care, animal care, and mandatory training.
• Ensure data collected is adequate, reliable, verifiable, and useful.
• Ensure collected data is stored safely.
• Participate in data analysis and reporting.
• Collaborate with partner agencies and consultants as well as within the Forest Service.

Benefits

• Housing provided
• Company-paid premium comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance
• $25,000 Life/AD&D policy
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies
• Voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members
• Mental health support resources
• Competitive PTO accrual
• Paid holidays

What This Job Offers

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