Biological Science Technician (Wildlife)

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the United States Forest Service, is recruiting 2 Biological Science Technicians (wildlife) to support the USFS in the Warner Mountains area on the Fremont-Winema National Forest. Under the direction of our USFS partner, the selected candidates will support ongoing research on White-headed Woodpeckers.

Technicians will coordinate with the Forest Service Task Manager to execute the research monitoring project, including collecting, compiling, and delivering data outputs, completing surveys for occupancy, nest abundance, nest survival, nest productivity, and habitat features for White-headed Woodpeckers during the breeding season.  

Applicants need to have a demonstrated ability to understand the scope of work projects, to work independently and collectively with others, to identify and measure flora using standardized protocols, to identify cavity-nesting birds, especially White-headed Woodpeckers by sight and sound; and to locate and monitor nests.  

The positions are physically demanding and involve extensive daily hiking in mountainous terrain, often during inclement weather, and exposure to biting insects. 

Highly self-motivated individuals will find the monitoring project very rewarding and enjoy exploring the ecology of White-headed Woodpeckers and cavity nesting species in general, and gain experience working in forest restoration landscapes. 

Contract Timeline:

• 14 – week appointment beginning April 29th, 2024 to August 2nd, 2024
• Full-time (40 hrs./wk)

Location:

Fremont-Winema National Forest, just east of Lakeview, Oregon in the Warner Mountains.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $20.50/hr. Occasional overtime may be authorized by the Task Manager to accommodate unexpected field work delays or meet survey objectives.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums available at no cost.
• Paid leave and holidays.
• USFS is providing housing via a large trailer that easily accommodates 2 people. More details to be provided in interviews.

Job Qualifications:

• Applicants must be pursuing or have acquired a graduate-level degree in wildlife biology, zoology, ecology, or related field, or have equivalent specialized experience;
• Must hold a valid state-driver’s license and have a safe driving record;
• Be in excellent physical condition and pass a drug test;
• Able to safely work independently and in small groups;
• Enthusiasm about the position, with interest in and knowledge of forest songbirds including woodpeckers and their habitats;
• Ability to safely navigate to field sites using maps/compass and handheld GPS devices;
• High level of proficiency leading field work in dynamic field settings;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Experience with data entry and QA/QC procedures;
• Reliable, team-player with strong leadership and communication skills.