Watershed Technician

Project Summary: The South Fork John Day Watershed Council (SFJDWC), in Grant County, OR is a non-profit organization, looking for an energetic, hardworking and motivated individual to join our staff for seasonal employment.  This could become a permanent position. We will fill one entry-level, position with negotiable spring/early summer start dates and an anticipated end date of August 31st. Successful candidates may receive training and experience in multiple restoration activities, with many partners (BLM, USFS, and other John Day Basin Partners) across the entire John Day Basin.  The main focus will be in the South Fork John Day.  This position will require an individual that is comfortable being on their own outdoors and navigating to remote locations.

Duties & Responsibilites: 

• Collect field data in accordance with standard procedures using standard and specialized data collection equipment. Record notes, check computations, prepare records for computer processing, enter data into computer files, and assemble and prepare field data for tabulation and publication
  • Anticipated projects include: deploy temperature loggers, monitor stream flow, monitor ground water dependent ecosystems, record stream conditions, geomorphic assessments, UAV monitoring, photopoint monitoring, wildlife and fisheries monitoring.
• Use computers to store and analyze field data including spreadsheets, word processors, and databases.
• Use mapping programs such as; Avenza, OnX, and ArcGIS
• Communication with a variety of individuals from various agencies as well as private landowners may be required.
• To learn more about the South Fork John Day Watershed Council visit: www.southforkjohnday.com

Preferred Knowledge/Abilities: 

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs,
• Hike in varying elevations, and/or perform physical tasks required for restoration of habitats for durations lasting as long as ten hours under all weather extremes including extreme hot or cold, wet or dry conditions.
• Comfortable working, hiking, and driving in remote locations of Grant County, OR
• Use Global Positioning System (GPS) software and equipment to track and record field data
• Proper scientific data collection techniques
• Ability to effectively communicate and cooperate in a team.
• Ability to work effectively alone.
• Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques.

Education/Experience: High school diploma, with experience or education in agriculture, range, fisheries, hydrology, forestry, or natural resources. 

Special Requirements: A valid Oregon State driver’s license.

Working Conditions (Field 80%, Office 20%): Field work is performed outdoors in conditions that include steep and rough terrain, dense vegetation, heavy rains, and insects; to include wet, muddy, uneven, or rocky surfaces. Positions require physical exertion, such as hiking, crouching, and stooping, reaching, or similiar activities.