Wildlife Technician

LOCATION: Modoc and/or Siskiyou County, California

JOB SUMMARY:
FWS Forestry California, LLC, is looking to hire two to five (2-5) wildlife technicians for the 2026 field season. Ideal applicants would be based out of Siskiyou or Modoc county. The main responsibilities of these positions will be to conduct protocol-level surveys for northern spotted owls and American goshawks, and camera trap surveys for mesocarnivores to support ongoing survey efforts on private timberlands in Siskiyou County and a large fuels reduction project near Medicine Lake in the Modoc National Forest. Additional wildlife and/or forestry assignments will likely be available depending on need, interest, and timing. Past technicians also gained experience in meadow restoration, frog surveys, habitat analysis, and the use of automated recording units (ARUs). Attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a positive attitude
are required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safely drive and/or hike remote forest roads and trails, often late at night or very early morning, to access survey stations.
• Conduct electronic broadcast surveys for northern spotted owls and/or American goshawks according to established protocols.
• Take detailed field notes and accurately map locations for target species heard or seen.
• Conduct daytime surveys as needed to follow up on nighttime detections of spotted owls, including daytime visits to historic nest or roost locations.
• Conduct baited camera surveys for mesocarnivores using established protocols.
• Regular data entry, team meetings, road clearing, and additional duties as required.
• Potential to assist with GIS work and forestry duties, including tree marking, inventory, and flagging for qualified applicants.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or related field is preferred.
  o Candidates without degrees or college coursework that possess adequate experience are encouraged to apply.
• A minimum of one (1) year of field experience.
  o Candidates with prior experience specific to spotted owl surveys and/or night work, or American goshawk surveys will be given preference.
• Must be able to identify northern spotted owls by sight and/or sound, including the ability to differentiate between spotted owls and barred owls.
• Must be able to identify American goshawks by sight and/or sound, including the ability to differentiate them from other diurnal raptors.
• Experience with or sufficient demonstrable understanding of navigation techniques including topographic maps, GPS, compass, PLSS systems, and mobile mapping
  applications (e.g., Avenza, ESRI Field Maps).
• Candidates must be able to hike, sometimes traveling long distances, at night along closed roads or trails, and during the day off-trail in roadless areas, often in steep, brushy terrain.
• Must be comfortable working in all weather conditions with the possibility of encountering (potentially dangerous) wildlife and vegetation (i.e. bears, mountain lions,
  poison oak).
• Candidates must be able to confidently, safely, and efficiently navigate infrequently maintained logging roads with a 4WD vehicle or ATV in areas with little or no cell phone reception, often at night.
• Must be able to work independently and alone in the field. A high degree of selfmotivation, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a sense of humor are essential.
• Some positions may require occasional camping and/or regular multi-night stays out of town near field sites (up to 5 days at a time).
• Must be able to adhere to company safety protocols.
• Familiarity with, and ability to identify, California native wildlife species (especially threatened and endangered species).
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is necessary.
• Experience using a chainsaw and road clearing is a plus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Applicants must be able to work independently in a variety of potentially hazardous circumstances and areas. Work is usually performed between sunset and sunrise to conduct northern spotted owl surveys OR starting before or at dawn to conduct American goshawk surveys, on private timberlands and/or National Forest lands. Applicants must be comfortable working alone, often in areas without cell service in the dark (early mornings or late nights).

SALARY:

• Compensation: $22 – $30/hour, DOE
• Housing: covered during out-of-town stays
• Relocation: not included
• Start Date: flexible, between March 1—May 1, 2026
• End Date: flexible, between August 31—October 31, 2026 (contract extension possible, especially for those with interest in and/or experience with forestry field work)
• Primary Field Location: Modoc National Forest and Siskiyou County
• Additional Details: 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime likely.

DURATION OF POSITION OPENING: Open until filled. Initial review will begin January 1, 2026.
LEARN MORE: visit our parent company’s website at www.fwforestry.com

This is a general description of the functions for this position and is not inclusive of all the duties which may be associated with this position.