Seasonal Wildlife Habitat Technician

Think Wild is a non-profit wildlife hospital and conservation center located in Bend, Oregon. Our mission is to inspire the high desert community to care for and protect native wildlife through education, conservation, and rescue/rehabilitation. 

Think Wild is seeking a seasonal, full-time (up 40 hrs per week) Wildlife Habitat Technician to support wildlife habitat planting and humane wildlife co-existence solutions from April to June (flexible start and end dates with potential for extension). Compensation starts at $18-$20 hourly (DOE) + per diem and mileage reimbursement for offsite travel and overnight trips. Availability must include dates of project trips.

The seasonal habitat technician will support the planning and execution of wildlife habitat projects in Central and Eastern Oregon. Projects includeplanting and fencing off beaver habitat on remote, private lands, constructing and installing next boxes and perches, and supporting other wildlife habitat-related services. 

The physical requirements of this position include working outdoors up to 10 hours/day, carrying and utilizing equipment such as hand tools, power tools and augers, and hiking outside in inclement weather and mountainous terrain. The job demands sustained focus, attention to detail, a friendly demeanor, interpersonal skills, and a team-oriented mindset. Travel is an occasional part of the job, and some projects require overnight camping with little to no amenities. 

Job Duties

• Assist in the implementation of beaver habitat project trips, including planting native riparian plants, carrying large loads of plants or soil, weeding, pounding fence posts, installing wire fences, digging with a shovel or auger, and taking detailed notes.
• Assist in the preparation of the beaver spring habitat project trips, including the staging of materials, flagging and mapping planting areas, carrying large loads of plants and equipment, fencing and soil, and taking detailed notes.
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of wildlife services including nest box installation, installing exclusion fencing, constructing hawk perches, and other duties as needed.
• Assist in creating educational materials given to volunteers regarding Beaver Works Oregon’s project goals, objectives, and activities.
• Transport plants, equipment, and materials using a 4×4 vehicle (truck or side by side).
• Coordinate teams of volunteers as delegated by the Beaver Works Program Manager.
• Help ensure positive volunteer experience during habitat project trips.
• Represent Think Wild while interacting with landholders, volunteers, and other partnering agencies.
• Collect photos and video during projects for post-project monitoring and social media.

Preferred Qualifications

• Good interpersonal skills- able to “meet people where they are at”
• Strong work ethic
• Able to learn quickly
• Problem-solving abilities
• Accustomed to working outside and camping
• Knowledge of central Oregon wildlife and ecology is a bonus
• Enjoy working outdoors and do not mind rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty
• Motivated, energetic, creative and have attention-to detail with outstanding communication skills and a “yes” approach to customer service
• Current driver’s license with clean driving record