Wildlife Technician

JOB SUMMARY:

FWS Forestry California, LLC, is looking to hire a seasonal wildlife technician for the 2025 field season.  The position is based out of the Yreka area, Siskiyou County, California.  The primary responsibilities of wildlife technicians are to support ongoing spotted owl surveys throughout Shasta, Siskiyou, and Trinity counties, with additional wildlife assignments available depending on need, interest, and timing.  Past technicians also gained experience in other wildlife surveys, meadow and riparian restoration, and forestry work.  The ability to work alone in remote areas at night is a must.  Attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a good attitude are required. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safely drive and/or hike remote forest roads and trails at night to access survey stations.
• Conduct electronic broadcast surveys for northern spotted owls according to established protocols.
• Take detailed field notes and accurately map owl locations for owls 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.
• Regular data entry, team meetings, road clearing, and additional duties as required.
• Potential to assist with tree marking, inventory, flagging, and/or GIS work for qualified applicants.

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or related field is preferred. Candidates without degrees, but with adequate experience, are encouraged to apply. Training will be provided as necessary.
• Familiarity with California native wildlife species is preferred.
• Chainsaw safety certification is a plus.
• Candidates with prior experience with spotted owl surveys and/or night work will be given preference.
• Must be able to identify spotted owls by sight and/or sound, including the ability to differentiate between spotted owls and barred owls. Applicants should have normal hearing and vision abilities.
• Experience with or sufficient demonstrable understanding of navigation techniques including topographic maps, GPS, compass, Avenza app, and/or PLSS systems.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Must be able to adhere to company safety protocols.
• Candidates must be able to hike, sometimes traveling long distances, at night along closed roads or trails, 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 self-motivation, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a sense of humor are essential.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  Applicants must be able to work independently in a variety of potentially hazardous circumstances and areas, usually between sunset and sunrise, to conduct northern spotted owl surveys on private timber lands.

• Applicants should be experienced in wildlife surveys and/or environmental consulting. Candidates with prior experience with spotted owl surveys and/or night work will be given preference.
• Applicants must be comfortable working nights, alone, often in areas without cell service. Both hiking and driving at night will be required.
• Applicants must be able to navigate in the field using Avenza mapping application.
• Experience using a chainsaw and road clearing is a plus.

SALARY: 

• Compensation: $20 – $25/hour, DOE
• Housing/Relocation:not included
• Start Date:  March 2025
• End Date: August 2025 (contract extension possible, especially for those with interest in and/or experience with forestry field work)
• Location:  Yreka, and surrounding areas.
• Additional Details: 4-5 nights, 40 hours per week. Occasional overtime likely.

DURATION OF POSITION OPENING:  Until filled.

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.