Wildlife Field Technician (Sequoia & Kings NP)

Description

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the National Park Service, is recruiting (3) Wildlife Field Technicians and (1) Lead Technician position to support conservation, management and restoration of natural resources/ecosystems in and around Sequoia-Kings Canyon NP (SEKI) to help promote stewardship of public lands during a period of landscape change. The Wildlife Field Technicians and Lead Technician will use a variety of field techniques to survey for breeding birds, California spotted owls and/or forest carnivore surveys on NPS and (to a limited extent) neighboring USFS lands.

Specifically, the Technicians and Lead Technician will work cooperatively with the GBI wildlife crew and NPS staff to:

• Follow established protocols to conduct non-invasive surveys for forest wildlife. Specifically, we will conduct surveys for three focal groups: “birds” (primarily breeding / nesting songbirds and woodpeckers, but including other species), “owls” (primarily California spotted owl), and “forest carnivores” (focusing on fishers).Methods will vary by group. For birds – we will conduct short audio/visual surveys then search for nests in areas where treatments are anticipated. For California spotted owls, we will coordinate with USFS researchers to conduct surveys and search for nests near fire footprints and treatment areas. For forest carnivores, we will primarily deploy remote cameras to detect fishers and other species, and but may also assist with on-going telemetry where objectives overlap.
• Collect and compile location and sample data from various species according to established protocols. This may include document basic information at survey sites (e.g., vegetation type, fuels, condition pre- or post-fire); organize photos for species verification and long-term storage; enter detection and other data from survey sites into a database; and maintain datasheets.
• Work collaboratively with other NPS staff, other federal partners, and other researchers to develop additional post-fire and/or pre-treatment survey and monitoring efforts for wildlife in the parks to determine occurrence and habitat use post-fire in forest with different burn severity, in green forest adjacent to burned areas, along roadsides where hazard trees may be removed, and/or in areas where fuels reduction is planned (including sequoia groves).
• Be willing to support field efforts to monitor multiple species in a setting where flexibility will be needed to ensure success of survey efforts.

Note that we anticipate hiring field technicians that will typically focus on “breeding birds” (predominantly nesting songbirds and woodpeckers) OR will focus “owls and fishers”.  However, we do expect field crew members to be willing to pitch in as needed with any of the survey efforts, especially with setting / checking remote cameras.  As feasible, field crew may also support local on-going telemetry monitoring of fishers as time, logistics, and objectives allow.  If particularly interested in a position focused on “breeding birds” or “owls/fishers” focus – please indicate in cover letter.

Wildlife Technician vs Lead Technician positions – We will consider all applicants for both positions, although we are specifically looking for someone with more extensive wildlife, data management, and/or leadership skills for the Lead position.  The Lead will share some additional responsibilities in day-to-day project management, training, and communication with NPS wildlife biologist.

In addition to providing professional experience in natural resource management, this position provides opportunities to support stewardship of public lands and to contribute to the conservation, management and restoration of natural ecosystems and native wildlife in the southern Sierra Nevada.

Contract Timeline:

• June 1 – October 21 (20 weeks)
• Dates we can consider: Start by at least June 12 and stay through at least August 25, 2023
• Full time (40 hours per week); some overtime, paid at 1.5 times regular wage, may be required
• Field work could involve either early morning or evening work depending on species focus
• Possibility of additional forest carnivore focused work in fall/winter – contingent on funding

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $16.00 per hour
• Health insurance coverage provided at no cost to you
• Paid personal leave and holidays
• Housing: Shared NPS housing is expected to be available for those that do not have local housing; rent will be paid by individual crew members and residents must adhere to housing guidelines. Housing is expected to be in Ash Mountain, Lodgepole, or possibly Grant Grove

Job Qualifications:

• Ideal: B.S. in biology, wildlife ecology, natural resource management, or related discipline;
• We will consider: applicants who have completed at least 2 years towards a B.S. or B.A. degree;
• Ideal wildlife skills: Experience with one or more of the following:
  • Surveying for birds – particularly western songbirds and woodpeckers during the breeding season;
  • Nest finding (ideally western songbirds and woodpeckers, other species still relevant);
  • Surveying for owls – particularly California or Northern spotted owls, although other owls are relevant; calling and nest finding / monitoring;
  • Setting and checking remote cameras for forest carnivores;
  • Using telemetry to locate animals, especially in mountainous terrain;
• Note that birding skills are especially needed this year – if you have birding skills/interest that are not associated with a job – please include if they may be relevant;
• Ability to navigate in the field using a combination of handheld GPS, tablet, map, compass;
• Prefer some GIS experience and / or coursework;
• Prefer some experience collecting and managing field data and organizing field samples;
• Prefer some familiarity with Sierra Nevada fauna and flora, and experience identifying Sierra trees/shrubs; although experience with identifying trees/shrubs in other areas is relevant;
• Ability to collaborate and communicate positively with others;
• Willingness and ability to work/hike in steep terrain and carry moderate to heavy backpack;
• Familiarity with the mission, goals and operations of the National Park Service and with SEKI Resource Management & Science, preferred;
• Required: Possess valid driver’s license; Current covid vaccine;
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of the NPS.

The successful applicant must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to NPS human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.

To learn more and apply, please visit our site: https://www.vscyberhosting.com/greatbasin/Careers.aspx?rf=ECOJOBS&req=2023-RAP-032.