Field Technician (NPS, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in partnership with NPS at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI), is seeking one Field Technician to support the conservation, management, and restoration of natural resources and ecosystems in and around SEKI. This role will help promote stewardship of public lands during a period of landscape change. The Field Technician will employ various field techniques to conduct surveys, focusing primarily on the California spotted owl in Kings Canyon during spring/early summer, and will also assist with other survey and monitoring efforts on NPS and neighboring USFS lands as needed (focal species include fisher, marten, and SN red fox).

*This position may rely on federal funding and as such may be subject to furlough in the event of governmental closure or lack of available funding*

Primary Responsibilities:

• Follow established protocols to conduct surveys for a variety of wildlife, but with a particular focus on California spotted owl (spring/early summer) and carnivores later in summer;
• California spotted owl – Work with crew leaders and park biologist to conduct traditional audio / visual surveys for owls using calling and mousing methods to document occurrence, pair status, locate and monitor nests;
• Use Acoustic Recording Devices to document occurrence – especially in harder to access areas;
• As opportunities arise, work with experienced owl researcher to attach leg bands for unique ID;
• As time allows, conduct surveys for great gray owl, peregrine falcon, and other avian species;
• Fisher – Work with crew leaders and lead technicians to deploy remote cameras to detect fishers, other forest carnivores, and prey species in forested habitats. As time / experience allow – support telemetry efforts, including location and monitoring of reproductive dens and rest sites, triangulations, and remote download of data from GPS collars;
• Sierra Nevada red fox – Work with crew leaders and lead technicians to deploy remote cameras to detect Sierra Nevada red fox as well as other carnivores and potential prey in remote subalpine / alpine habitats of the parks. Opportunistic collection of scats near camera sites for DNA analysis;
• Collect and compile location, spatial, and sample data from surveys for various species according to established protocols;
• Document basic information at survey sites; as needed, collect additional information about vegetation, habitat type, topographic features, fuels, and fire history;
• Organize and store photos for species verification and long-term data retention;
• Enter detection and other survey data into a database and maintain datasheets for accurate record-keeping;
• Study wildlife occurrence and habitat use in forests with different burn severities, green forests adjacent to burned areas, roadside areas with hazard tree removal, and areas designated for fuels reduction and/or future prescribed fires (including sequoia groves);
• Collaborate with NPS, USFS, CDFW, USGS, and/or BLM staff as directed by NPS staff;
• Assist in summarizing survey results for multiple purposes and audiences;
• Provide technical guidance and logistical support to other field staff (GBI, NPS) as appropriate to survey multiple wildlife species;
• Work well with park biologist, crew leads, other lead technicians and field technicians to prioritize tasks, create efficient schedules, plan / train appropriately for safety, and organize / maintain gear needed to safely conduct field work;
• Ensure flexibility and adaptability in the field to ensure the success of survey efforts.

Timeline:

• April – October 2025 (flexibility to end in September), 30 weeks;
• Full time (40 hours/week);
• Schedule: In general, field staff prefer to work a 4-day week, 10 hr days. But occasionally a 5-day week may be needed to meet work objectives or during trainings (e.g., 5 days x 8 hr days). Also, occasionally individual work days may be longer than 10 hrs to complete surveys. Some limited Overtime is available during busy periods or for exceptional situations in the field.

Location:

Grant Grove, CA is the expected location for most of the summer. Depending on the start date, the technician may be based at another location temporarily, depending on housing availability.
At 6,500 feet of elevation, Grant Grove is the hub for all things Kings Canyon. The area is located 30 miles north of Lodgepole and 55 miles east of Fresno, CA. Average temperatures range from 51° to 86° Fahrenheit in the summer with winters receiving plenty of snow.

Grant Grove Village includes employee housing, a visitor center, post office, market, concessions operated restaurant, three campgrounds, and a maintenance area. There is limited cell service here.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $19.00 hourly;

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays;
• Access to Pro Deals;
• $400 gear stipend.

Housing: Reimbursement of $200 a month will be provided to the selected participant. Park housing is likely to be available for a fee. Park housing is fairly rustic, may involve sharing a room, and may have a separate bathroom/shower building depending on location. Pets and additional family members generally cannot be accommodated.

Per diem: Camping per diem provided per night in the field (when away from home).

Qualifications

Preferred:

• B.S. in biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource management, or related discipline;
• Experience surveying for owls – particularly California or Northern spotted owls, including calling, mousing, nest finding, nest monitoring, and location of fledglings;
• Experience catching and/or handling owls or other bird species for banding;
• Experience setting up and using Acoustic Recording Devices for birds or bats;
• Relevant, but not critical – experience surveying for birds and/or finding nests – particularly western songbirds, woodpeckers, owl species during the breeding season;
• Experience setting and checking remote cameras for carnivores or other species;
• Experience using telemetry to locate animals, especially in mountainous terrain;
• Relevant, but not critical – experience handling mammals – including fisher, marten, squirrels;
• Ability to navigate in the field using a combination of handheld GPS, tablet, map, compass;
• Experience with GIS, managing spatial data, and/or working with databases would all be useful;
• Experience collecting and managing field data and organizing field samples;
• Familiarity with Sierra Nevada fauna and flora, and experience identifying Sierra trees/shrubs;
• Ability to collaborate and communicate positively with others;
• Relevant, not critical – training or experience working with helicopter staff to transport supplies;
• Willingness and ability to work/hike in steep terrain and carry moderate to heavy backpack and camp overnight;
• Willingness to live and work in a beautiful, but relatively isolated area where amenities such as internet, cell service, grocery access are limited and shared older housing may be only option;
• Willingness to be somewhat self-motivated and work independently in some areas when needed after initial training (noting that any off-trail night time surveys for owls will be in pairs);
• Familiarity with the mission, goals and operations of the National Park Service and with SEKI Resource Management & Science, preferred.

Required:

• Possess valid driver’s license.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority:

This project is federally funded through the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority. Participants serving under this authority may be eligible for the PLC non-competitive hiring status and certificate. The PLC Authority requires all applicants meet the age and US Citizen requirements. Additional information regarding the PLC can be found on the GBI website under the Research Associate Programs FAQ.

Physical Demands:

The Field Technician will be required to hike and navigate rugged, steep terrain for extended periods, often carrying up to 50 lbs of gear. The position involves working in varying weather conditions, including temperatures ranging from 51°F to 86°F in summer and snow in winter. The technician will need to stand, kneel, crouch, or bend for long periods during surveys and equipment setup, as well as camp overnight in rustic conditions. The role also involves working in remote, high-altitude environments (6,500 ft) and driving safely on unpaved roads. The technician must be adaptable to physically demanding field conditions and be capable of working both independently and as part of a team, requiring flexibility, stamina, and focus.