Vegetation and Wildlife Field Technician

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Wildlife and Humans in Shared Landscapes (WHISL) project is hiring three (3) field technicians from 5/20/24 to 9/15/24 (start and end date may be flexible, possibility of extension). The WHISL project’s goals include understanding how wild and domestic herbivores, like elk and cattle, use resources across their shared environments and how these interactions are influenced by predators and drought. We are hiring technicians to assist with vegetation surveying and elk and cattle scat collection.

The field crew will be stationed at the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range near LaGrande, Oregon. Shared field housing in a bunkhouse at Starkey will be provided. The bunkhouse will be shared with other field crews, so there are opportunities to meet and socialize with other technicians and learn about (and possibly participate in) other projects at Starkey. The work schedule will be 40 hours per week with a mix of field work, sample preparation, and data entry; amount of time spent in the field and preparing samples may vary throughout the season. Compensation includes an hourly salary, shared field housing, and use of project vehicles for work activities.

In the field, duties will include, but may not be limited to conducting vegetation surveys at predetermined locations using standard protocols and collecting elk and cattle scat samples. Sample preparation will include tasks like drying and weighing vegetation samples and preparing scat samples for later analysis. Technicians will also assist with entering data and reviewing data for accuracy. Field work will occur in a variety of conditions, including heat, rain, and exposure to biting insects and poison oak. Extensive hiking (up to 10 miles per day) will be required on some field days, and technicians will need to be able to carry their field gear to survey sites (up to 30 lbs). Fieldwork will occur in groups of two. Safety training will be provided. A successful crew member will work well in a team, navigate challenging terrain safely, maintain a positive attitude, and be willing to learn and adapt to new methods.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain professional working relationships with all co-workers on the job and in shared housing
• Use sound judgement to make decisions, and communicate clearly under challenging field conditions
• Navigate safely off-trail in backcountry areas using GPS devices and/or topographic maps over challenging terrain with limited cell phone service
• Conduct vegetation surveys, including plant identification, following established protocols
• Collect elk and cattle scat samples following established protocols
• Prepare vegetation and scat samples
• Enter data on a computer and verify accuracy
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to work in the United States
• Ability to physically complete all listed duties and responsibilities (hiking up to 10 miles/day and carry up to 30 lbs.)
• Valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record
• Must be able and willing to follow directions, work as a team member, and maintain safe working standards
• Education or interest in botany, ecology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience conducting vegetation surveys and identifying plants, especially herbaceous vegetation in Eastern Oregon, is a huge plus!
• Experience following scientific protocols
• Ability to read maps and use GPS devices and compasses to safely navigate remote and/or challenging terrain
• Experience driving 4-wheel drive pickup trucks
• Ability to work in inclement weather and live/work in remote conditions