Fish & Wildlife Stream and Habitat Monitoring Technicians

Positions: Seasonal Technicians (Fish and Wildlife, and Habitat)

Locations: All positions are located in Southeastern Oregon and based out of High Desert Partnership offices in Hines, Oregon. This is BIG country and you will see much of it working in any of these positions.  

Compensation: Seasonal full-time ($15-$22/hour DOE), paid holidays. 

Dates of employment: Variable but all positions will require a commitment of 10-12 weeks with the possibility of extension into Fall 2024. 

About the organization: High Desert Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting collaboration to tackle some of our community’s most complex challenges, such as restoring forests and wetlands, mitigating wildfires, creating opportunities for local youth, and growing our rural economy. Monitoring projects are one of the many support systems used to assist and inform our Collaborative Partners while remaining impartial in the data collection process. To view the culture and natural beauty of Harney County, see our video on YouTube Land Water Sky Soul and check out the High Desert Partnership website to learn more about the missions and goals of each collaborative we are involved in. 

About the location: Located in Southeast Oregon of which about 75% of the land base is publicly managed. We have unique ecosystems in the high desert with even more challenging issues to enhance habitat for wildlife and ranching. These challenges include increasing the resilience of the sagebrush steppe and dry pine forests to wildfire by managing invasive species, such as cheatgrass and juniper encroachment as well as enhancing wetland habitat in the Harney Basin that is a critical stopover for migratory birds on the Pacific Flyway. 

Fish and Wildlife Stream Habitat Technicians to complete Aquatic Inventory Surveys on the Malheur National Forest. Technicians will work closely with USFS employees to collect data about stream characteristics, fish identification, wildlife, and cattle activity.  This position will camp on location during the work week. Technicians will have the opportunity to gain experience collecting biological data while following USFS and HDP monitoring and safety protocols. 

Habitat Monitoring Technicians to complete upland monitoring in various habitats including rangelands, wetlands, and forests. The majority of the work will be monitoring the progress of projects being conducted throughout Harney and Malheur County rangelands and wetlands by collaborative partners. Technicians will learn multiple monitoring protocols on several different landscapes.

All Positions All positions will require long hours of driving 4WD vehicles over rough roads through rangelands and forests. Camp and work cohesively with fellow co-workers, hike over varied terrain carrying required equipment weighing less than 50 lbs to survey sites off trails to collect and record data. Field work will occur on weekdays on a 4/10 schedule usually starting early in the morning. Participate in collaborative meetings and settings, attend orientation to learn safety and monitoring protocols and meet other seasonal and permanent co-workers. All positions will work with agency personnel, the public, contractor personnel, and special interest groups. Experience gained will be similar to a biological science technician at the federal level of GS 03-05.

Preferred Qualifications for all positions: Below are important qualifications for candidates but we recognize diversity of experiences and training can create these skill sets. We also provide training to be competent in this work. If you would enjoy working primarily outside in diverse ecosystems we encourage you to apply to learn more about the best position for your interests and skills.  

• Navigate using maps, compasses, and various GPS applications/equipment;
• Follow safety protocols and procedures when collecting data, especially in extreme or variable environmental conditions;
• Knowledge of elementary biological techniques, practices, and procedures to complete assignments;
• Familiar with scientific field instruments and equipment such as thermometers, traps, or barometers;
• Curiosity to learn about natural resources and land management in remote locations in SE Oregon. 
• Work with a variety of personalities as well as camp with co-workers for extended periods of time.

Successful applicants must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.