Ecological Technician

Overview: Integral Ecology Research Center (IERC) is seeking a passionate, motivated, and adaptable, entry-level Environmental Technician to join our dynamic team! As an Environmental Technician, successful applicants will have the unique opportunity to work alongside our interdisciplinary science team and develop their science skills while supporting multiple research and active conservation projects. Applicants will primarily focus on IERC’s exciting Cannabis and Environmental Science Program projects, which involve cutting-edge data collection and implementation techniques in remote forest locations throughout California.

The technician will work primarily on a large-scale monitoring project gaining hands-on experience in field and office skills. Responsibilities include data management, deploying and maintaining camera traps, installing drift net fences, and conducting vegetation monitoring. If project schedules allow, there may also be opportunities to assist with various active conservation projects including cannabis site reclamation, wildlife studies, and assessments of abiotic factors such as soil and water. Successful candidates will demonstrate a passion for habitat conservation, strong field techniques and the ability to work effectively in a team.
Join us at IERC and make a meaningful impact on environmental conservation and management, while gaining valuable experience in a dynamic and exciting field!

Organization: IERC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit scientific organization dedicated to enhancing scientific knowledge, advancing the management and conservation of wildlife species and their communities, and improving overall ecosystem health and conservation through ecological research. IERC works collaboratively with a range of local, state, federal, and tribal partners to provide the most current and scientifically accurate ecological information that will help wildlife managers, educators, researchers, and politicians implement well-informed conservation measures for wildlife species and promote biological diversity world-wide. Click here to see a selection of IERC’s research publications.

Location: Blue Lake, CA
Work Schedule: 35 – 40+ hours per week, 4/10 schedule; work in excess of 40 hrs. per week may be required to complete project deadlines, occasionally including weekend shifts.
Start Date: Between Sept 9 – 18 of September 2024 (flexible start date)
Duration: 6 months from hire date with a potential contract extension depending on funding and performance
Salary: $18.50/hour
Benefits: Group health insurance program after 90 days of employment; paid holidays, paid Physical Activity time

Deadline to Apply: September 02, 2024

Tasks include:
Field duties (70 – 75% time)

• Conduct data collection at remote field sites, including soil, water, vegetation surveys and sampling
• Conduct documentation, reclamation, and restoration tasks on various habitat projects, including disturbed cannabis cultivation sites and natural undisturbed locations on public and private lands
• Conduct various wildlife surveys such as remote camera surveys, small mammal and herpetofauna drift net surveys, automated recording unit (ARU) deployment, other direct and indirect monitoring of wildlife

Office duties (25 – 30% time)

• Assist with data entry, management, and analysis using multiple software packages (e.g. ArcPro Survey123, Access/Excel)
• Communicate effectively with IERC staff & work cooperatively with external collaborators in other disciplines

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or similar discipline
• Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, hike long distances carrying 40 lbs., and work extended hours in remote conditions
• Familiarity with MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint), Office365
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a background security clearance and drug test
• Ability to proficiently drive vehicles in 4-wheel drive conditions
• Ability to travel out of the area or camp at project locations for up to eight nights at a time
• Willingness and ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other outside partners outside the Natural Resource disciplines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in identification of California’s native and invasive plant species
• A minimum of one season of field experience
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems software (ArcGIS or ArcPro, Google Earth)