Wildlife Field Technician

ORGANIZATION

Plumas Audubon Society (PAS) promotes the understanding, appreciation, and protection of the biodiversity of the Feather River Region through education, research, and the restoration and conservation of natural ecosystems. PAS is an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society. Based in Quincy, California, PAS has been serving the upper Feather River Watershed, throughout Plumas County and portions of Sierra and Lassen Counties, for 36 years. 

PAS is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. PAS makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

JOB SUMMARY 

PAS is seeking experienced field technicians to conduct protocol-level surveys for various TES wildlife species, including but not limited to: Western & Clark’s grebes, Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frogs, American goshawks, and California spotted owls. PAS also occasionally conducts habitat restoration projects. Projects are dependent on funding. There may be opportunities to work on additional projects. 

This position is full-time throughout the survey period (May–August) and requires residence in Plumas County. The wildlife field technician will work closely with the crew lead to ensure that surveys are conducted in accordance with recommended protocols and that data is recorded and documented accurately. The wildlife field technician may work independently or with other crew members. 

Fieldwork for this position will be primarily on Plumas National Forest lands in California’s Sierra Nevada Range. With elevations ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 feet, the environment in these mountains varies from deep valleys of old-growth forest, steep, densely forested terrain, and post-fire landscapes. Work requires a great amount of physical exertion as it involves long hours of hiking on closed roads and trails. Off-trail hikes on steep, rocky terrain are common. Technicians must be willing and able to carry backpacks and research equipment weighing up to 45 pounds, hike off-trail, and work in inclement weather conditions that may include wind, rain, snow, and sun exposure.

Fieldwork will require a flexible schedule, typically 8-10 hours per shift during the summer months. Dates of employment will vary depending on ecological factors, survey priority, and wildfire season. This is a full-time seasonal position. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Conduct protocol-level surveys for various wildlife species throughout Forest Service lands on the Plumas National Forest, including nocturnal spotted owl surveys.
• Record accurate and complete data.
• Upload data to the PAS network server, with attention to data management throughout the season.
• Coordinate with the Crew Lead to accomplish the goals of the survey plan.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or four years of direct, relevant experience;
• At least one year of experience conducting wildlife surveys and summarizing biological data;
• Ability to use GPS, maps, compass, and navigate off-trail;
• Ability to hike for long periods on steep terrain;
• Ability to maintain field equipment and facilities;
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently;
• Ability to effectively interact with staff at all levels and other partner agencies and organizations;
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships with co-workers and work-related contacts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS: 

• Experience pulling/hauling trailers;
• Experience off-roading and 4×4 driving;
• Boat driving experience;
• Wilderness First Aid/First Responder certification;
• Knowledge of Sierra Nevada fauna;
• GIS, Gaia, and/or Avenza experience.

COMPENSATION: $18.00 – 21.00 / hour, based on experience

Visit us at www.plumasaudubon.org